• Posted on Mar 14, 2025

What if I told you that gaps on your resume could actually be your secret weapon? 🤔

In a world where hustle culture reigns supreme, many of us feel pressured to fill every moment of our professional lives with work. But let’s take a moment to reflect: life isn’t just about the 9-to-5 grind.

Consider this: a recent study found that nearly 60% of hiring managers view career gaps as a red flag. Yet, what if those gaps represent your journey of self-discovery, resilience, or compassion? Whether you took time off to raise a family, care for a loved one, or simply recharge your mental health, these experiences can enrich the story your resume tells.

I’ve worked with countless individuals from historically marginalized groups—LGBTQ+ and BIPOC—who have faced the stigma of resume gaps. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When they embrace their life choices, they not only reclaim their narrative but also highlight their values: self-care, empathy, and commitment to family. These are qualities that any employer should value.

So, how do you present these gaps effectively? Here are a few tips:

1. Be Honest: Don’t shy away from discussing your time away. Frame it positively.

2. Highlight Skills: Focus on what you learned during your time off. Did you develop new skills? Did you volunteer?

3. Connect to Your Career Goals: Show how your experiences align with your professional aspirations.

Your journey is unique, and it deserves to be told. Don’t let societal pressures dictate your worth. For example, if you took time away to raise a family, you can communicate to an employer that you’ve done this important task to your satisfaction and you’re ready to commit to the workplace once again now that this goal has been accomplished.

Have you ever wondered if you should explain a gap on your resume or ignore it? My advice is to avoid ignoring what might be perceived as gaps. If you don’t explain your story, an employer might come up with their own myth that doesn’t serve you. Take the initiative to leverage your story to your benefit.

#CareerDevelopment #ResumeTips

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I’m on a mission to help people and communities thrive into their best selves. As a clinical sociologist, I do this through leadership development & coaching, teaching, preaching, program and curriculum design, and keynote speaking. I’m passionate about empowering people and developing leaders.

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