Key insights
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1
Be Honest and Transparent
One of the key pieces of advice is to be honest about the reasons for employment gaps. Whether due to personal reasons, further education, or travel, transparency can build trust with potential employers.
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2
Highlight Skills and Experiences
Job seekers are encouraged to focus on the skills and experiences gained during their time away from traditional employment. This can include volunteer work, freelance projects, or courses taken.
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3
Use a Functional Resume Format
A functional resume format, which emphasizes skills and experiences over chronological job history, can be particularly useful for those with significant employment gaps.
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4
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
It's important to keep your LinkedIn profile updated with the same information you provide on your resume. Consistency across platforms can strengthen your professional narrative.
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5
Prepare a Concise Explanation
Having a clear and concise explanation for employment gaps ready for interviews can help job seekers feel more confident and prepared.
Takeaways
Employment gaps are common and can be managed effectively with honesty, strategic resume formatting, and by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. By updating their LinkedIn profiles and preparing concise explanations, job seekers can improve their chances of securing new opportunities despite past career breaks.