Explaining Gaps in Employment

When you get to the interview, be prepared to discuss your resume.  In addition to 
explaining why you left previous companies and chit chat about the position, if you have 
any gaps in employment be prepared to explain them.  Many people are scared that an 
interviewer is going to discover that they were without a job for a period of time.  It is not 
necessarily a bad thing, but you do have to be able to tell the interviewer why in the best 
possible light.

You should always be honest when explaining any absence from working, but you do 
have license to spin what you did do in the best possible light.  For instance, if you were 
laid of your job and had a hard time finding a replacement but spent a lot of time with 
your children you could say, “I took an opportunity to spend a few months with my 
children in between jobs.”  If you took any courses or classes that adds value to your 
skills as an employee be sure to mention that as well.  You may find it beneficial to add a 
brief explanation on the resume itself or in a cover letter.  Most times it is hard to get to 
an interview if there is a lengthy and unexplained employment gap.

If you are unsure what possible questions could be generated from your resume, have 
another person look at it.  It is best to be prepared for certain questions and scenarios that 
will likely come up in an interview.  You do not want to be caught unaware or 
floundering for an answer.  Give yourself time to figure out the best explanation for times 
of unemployment so an interviewer sees it as reasonable or even beneficial to them in the 
case of additional education and classes.