How to explain a job gap in an interview

Millions of people have lost their jobs because of COVID-19, and many others have left their jobs for various reasons, such as having to care for family members. When trying to re-enter the workforce, it may sound intimidating to have a gap in your employment history, but don’t panic! Instead, talk about it openly on your resume and redirect the focus in your cover letters to how you adapted to these difficult circumstances.

In an interview, it can be intimidating to explain a gap in employment. You’d like to think that hiring managers will be understanding. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many employers ask in the interview about how people were affected by the pandemic.

Remember, you are not alone if you’re feeling stumped for an employment gap explanation. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nearly 40% of the unemployed had been out of work for more than six months.

Read on for tips on spinning your pandemic career gap and other unemployed periods in your resume.