Hello ladies, how did you address the gap in your written CV for those who took a career break by choice or force?

21 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 9:08PM UTC

   Thank you so much Elizabeth. Should I cover this in my CV or cover letter only? If on my CV what are some skills/job roles I could highlight? I haven't done anything professional as much. I was mainly a caregiver because I couldn't get daycare for my daughter but she'll be joining school in September so that's exciting.

2. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 9:12PM UTC

   Thank you so much Mimi. My CV is highly chronological and so I'm just wondering how to sufficiently cover the 2 year gap on my CV in a way that makes the reviewers want to even give me a chance through the door for interviews and hopefully bypass ATS systems. The rest of my experience is good, this is the only area I'm concerned about- the gap and the fact that I do not have Canadian Experience.

3. Tami CannizzaroAugust 6,2023 at 9:27PM UTC

   Hi - Your gap is somewhat unique in that, if I understand correctly, the reason you were not working is not because you didn't want to, it's that you were waiting on a work permit. Basically, the government said you could not work, if I'm correct. In this case, IF asked, be briefly honest with a few facts: "I immigrated to Canada and immediately set about getting my work permit, which I just now received. I've stayed up-to-date with my skills and I'm excited about the opportunity at X (company name) as I know I can make a positive impact for the organization".

   Be careful - and this is for anyone during a job search, I might add - to not share personal details, such as I've enjoyed the time with my kids, or taken care of an elderly parent, or had an illness, etc. First, it's not the company's business.

   Second, there's the possibility of creating bias by sharing personal information that, at least In the US, hiring managers are not supposed to ask. For example: if you mention kids and the job requires travel, they may think "this will be too much for her" EVEN THOUGH you have child care arrangements. Again, none of this information is needed for them to know if you are the best candidate for the job.

4. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

   Thank you Tami! I sent my CV to a talent manager friend and she told me to remove any self-identifying information. I had put managing my household of 2 kids e.t.c. Lol,. I'm ever so glad for the wise insights from strangers! Now these is starting to add up and I am now at a very good place. Sometimes one gets so clouded in their little world and you can't see your situation differently, while it really is! Appreciate your detailed response

5. Liz MilneAugust 7,2023 at 12:11AM UTC

   If it was me, and I needed to cover the gap, I would just cover the whole job-free period as 'temping' - no idea if that would work or not!

6. Liz MilneAugust 7,2023 at 12:12AM UTC

   Ah, just clocked the waiting for work permit bit - explain that honestly, and maybe mention any self-improvement things you did while you waited for the permit to come through?

7. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:00PM UTC

   That's exactly what I will do, thanks again :-)

8. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:59PM UTC

   Thank you for your insights and time :-).

9. Barb HansenAugust 7,2023 at 3:19AM UTC

   If I was in your situation (and I was), I would list that time on my CV as "Waiting for Work Permit". You could also list your country of origin, when you arrived and everything you've needed to do to obtain your work permit.

   I immigrated to the US from Canadian under a TN visa which allowed me to work but during that Visa's time span (2 years), I met and married an American which blew up my TN Visa and set me on the path to get a Green Card. I had about a 16 month gap in my work path, I listed that time gap as "Waiting for Immigration Process" with a short description of why I couldn't work for that time.

   good luck!

10. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:58PM UTC

    So glad I asked, this question here. Now this is also so helpful. I think this coupled with some of the advice before you perfectly fits my situation! Now, I can write my CV in confidence

11. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 5:39AM UTC

    I don't think it is necessary to mention your career gap on your resume. You can explain it to them when they ask about the gap in your resume. For example, many people experiment with having their own business before deciding to get back to work for others.

12. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

    Thank you for this. I'm getting lots of mixed reactions on which CV will open doors to a job but ultimately might have to settle with not explaining much on my CV.

13. PatriciaAugust 7,2023 at 12:41PM UTC

    I am a contractor and sometimes I have a few months gap between roles and other times I have very short stints that I leave off - apart from 2019-2020, when I studied full time to complete my degree followed by the pandemic. I have the following line added in bold, just before my career summary:

    Please note, some short-term consulting roles have been omitted as they are not relevant to my resume.

    Perhaps you could craft something similar to explain your 2 year gap?

14. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:53PM UTC

    Oh my goodness, this is quite relevant. It actually fills the gap since I didn't quite anything to build on my career. Thank you so much for this insight

15. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    You explain it and fill that gap with things you did to feed your career.

16. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:51PM UTC

    Didn't do much to feed my career but will add some volunteer experience

17. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 4:39PM UTC

    Did you do online courses? Did you practice being more expert at XYZ, you can come up with things that could explain that make sense to your situation...

18. AnonymousAugust 8,2023 at 9:16PM UTC

    If you did volunteer work - that counts. If you took courses or any sort of upgrading, that counts too. Otherwise, I would put it down to "personal family reasons". That way your health and stability/dedication is not questioned and you look like a hero with your ethics in the right place. By the way, if you want to make money and get experience - GO NORTH! I just did and I am wondering why I did not do it sooner!

19. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:49PM UTC

    Thank you so much. I have some little volunteer experience. Will add that too.

20. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:08PM UTC

    I am so so delighted for the different insights I have gotten in just one question! I have a very good sense of clarity in what to do with my CV. Didn't know their is a difference between resume and CV and will look up. Thank you again for your detailed response!

21. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:10PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your time!!I am not from the US. Coming from Asia but I have some amazing insights to work with.