Maybe you have been travelling for half a year or you have worked as a volunteer. It is also possible that you have not been able to work for a period due to burnout or illness. One thing is certain: you are not the only one with a gap in your CV. The majority of people have taken a break once or more during their career. How do you ensure that an interim period does not form an obstacle in your search for (new) work?

A career break is - without proper explanation - usually not appreciated by recruiters and employers. While a (voluntary) break can help you discover what you can do as a professional. A survey by LinkedIn shows that a break from work had a positive effect on his or her well-being for 56 percent of those surveyed. Since last year it is possible to add a career break to your LinkedIn profile.

One thing is for sure, the way a few blank lines in someone's CV are viewed is changing. This is partly a result of the pandemic, because a large group of people were temporarily out of work or started doing something else. The tight labour market also means that employers are less likely to reject someone on the basis of a career break.

The vast majority of LinkedIn members find a work break no longer taboo. However, most people think that you should be able to explain the intervening period. By explaining what you did during that time and what you learned from it, such a gap can even work to your advantage, according to experts. Below we share some tips and tricks with you.

Be honest

Don't try to hide or cover up the gap in your CV. Instead, be honest about what you were doing during that time. Employers appreciate honesty, and it's better to address the gap upfront than to have it come up later in the interview process.

Explain the gap

If you took time off for personal reasons such as travel, family responsibilities, or health issues, explain this to potential employers. They will appreciate your honesty and will likely be more understanding of the situation.

Highlight any transferable skills

If you were doing something during the gap that was not directly related to your career, such as volunteering or taking courses, highlight the transferable skills you gained during that time. This will show potential employers that you were still productive and gained valuable skills.

Be proactive

If you're currently in a gap, consider taking on freelance work, volunteering, or pursuing education or training to fill the gap. This will show potential employers that you're proactive and committed to your career.

‍

Remember that gaps in your CV are not uncommon, and many employers will understand. Focus on showcasing your (transferable) skills, achievements, and relevant experiences to make the most of your CV and your job interview.