CVs · 3 min read
How to explain a career gap on your CV
Career breaks are common — for caring, health, travel, study, redundancy or many other reasons. A gap rarely counts against you if you're open about it and show you're ready to return.
Be brief and honest
Add a short line in your work history, such as 'Career break: caring for a family member' with the dates. You don't need to share private details.
Show what you did
If it's relevant, mention anything you did during the break:
- Courses, qualifications or self-study
- Volunteering or freelance work
- Skills you kept up or developed
Lead with your strengths
Use your personal profile to focus on what you bring and the role you're aiming for, so the gap is a detail rather than the headline.
Prepare a short answer for interviews
One or two sentences about the break and why you're ready to return now is usually all an interviewer needs.