We’ve all been there—sitting across from an interviewer who’s just spotted that glaring gap in our employment history. Their eyes narrow slightly as they ask the dreaded question: “Can you tell me about this period when you weren’t working?”
I recently watched a video where Advice with Erin tackled this common interview challenge, and her insights were both refreshing and practical. The contrast between the wrong and right responses was striking, and it got me thinking about how we frame our career interruptions.
The Power of Positive Framing
What struck me most was how the same situation—whether it’s being a stay-at-home parent, getting laid off, or taking time for personal health—can sound completely different based on how you frame it. The difference isn’t about lying; it’s about perspective and professionalism.
For example, when discussing being a stay-at-home parent, compare these approaches:
- Poor response: “I was just a stay-at-home mom, you know, nothing but diapers and coco melon for three years. But now I want money, so back into the workforce I go.”
- Strong response: “I made an intentional lifestyle decision to step back from full-time work to care for my young children. During that time, I kept my skills sharp, stayed up to date with the latest industry news, and I couldn’t be more ready to dive back into full-time work.”
The first response minimizes the value of parenting and suggests money is the only motivation for returning to work. The second acknowledges the choice as strategic while emphasizing continued professional development.
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Being laid off or fired can feel like a career catastrophe, but how you discuss it can transform it from a liability to an asset. I’ve coached many professionals through this exact scenario, and the approach makes all the difference.
Never badmouth your previous employer, even if you believe you were wronged. Instead, focus on what you learned and how it led you to this opportunity.
When discussing a termination, avoid responses like: “I kind of got, like, fired or, like, laid off, whatever they call it. Three years of my life, and that’s how they repay me.”
Instead, try something like: “Unfortunately, I was affected by massive restructuring, and nearly my entire team was let go. It was hard because I really enjoyed my job and my team. But ultimately, I’m grateful because it’s led me to pursue this role here.”
Addressing Personal Challenges Professionally
Perhaps the most difficult gaps to explain are those related to personal or health issues. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing mental health challenges or family crises in professional settings—and for good reason.
The key is to acknowledge the gap without oversharing or using language that might raise concerns about your current readiness for work.
Rather than saying “I had a little mental breakdown,” consider: “Due to personal reasons, I had to take a step back from full-time employment. While it was a difficult time, I’m grateful because it allowed me the space to be very intentional about my next career move, ultimately leading me here.”
This approach acknowledges the gap while emphasizing your forward-looking perspective and readiness to contribute now.
The Formula for Success
After analyzing Erin’s examples, I’ve identified a three-part formula for addressing resume gaps effectively:
- Brief acknowledgment of the circumstance without apology or negativity
- Positive reframing that highlights what you gained or learned during this time
- Connection to the present opportunity that shows why you’re excited and ready now
This approach works because it satisfies the interviewer’s need to understand your history while redirecting the conversation toward your value as a candidate today.
Resume gaps happen to almost everyone at some point. What matters isn’t the gap itself but how you’ve processed it, what you’ve learned from it, and how you communicate about it. With thoughtful preparation and positive framing, you can transform potential red flags into compelling parts of your professional story.
The next time you face that gap question, remember: it’s not about making excuses—it’s about owning your journey and showing how every part of it, even the interruptions, has prepared you for this moment.