From time to time, you might find yourself out of work. When this happens, it’s important to address longer periods of unemployment in your resume. Employers don’t like to see gaps in your employment without an explanation.

So check out our guide (and examples) to explaining gaps in your resume in an interview.

When do you need to address a gap in your resume?

Not all gaps in employment need an explanation. As a rule of thumb, if you’re unemployed for less than 3 months, you shouldn’t need an explanation. It’s quite common for people to be unemployed for 1-3 months in between jobs. But if you out of work for longer than 3 months, you should probably explain why on your resume.

Tips for explaining gaps in employment

Include your gaps in your resume

When you’ve had a gap in employment longer than 3 months, include this in your resume. If you don’t explain it, employers will be left with lots of questions. And they may reject your resume because of this. Instead, write the dates of your unemployment, and provide a short sentence to explain the reason. This will help employers understand the gap and progress your application.

Be honest

We’re all human. And employers appreciate honesty. They can often tell when you’re not being honest. So always be upfront about your reasons for unemployment. It’s the honesty that counts.

Put a positive spin on it

A gap in employment doesn’t have to be negative. It could actually be really positive. Perhaps it gave you clarity about your next step. Or maybe it gave you time to upskill. Either way, think of all the ways you can show employers the benefits you received from your time out of work.