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CAREER SERVICES TIP

How do I explain a gap in my work history?

Like most people, you may have experienced a gap in your work history (may be from unemployment, illness, school or life in general); be prepared to answer the questions honestly. During these gaps were you a stay at home parent? Did you go back to school? Here is an example of some things that you may have experienced during the time that you were not working… And most importantly, transferable skills (skills that can transfer from one job to another) that defines what you have actually accomplished.
Example:

Budgeting – you ensured that expenditures (spending) did not exceed budget. (Like going to grocery store and only spending $100.. did you stay within your budget?)

Managed a budget – like most people, when you are unemployed , you have to learn to be more stringent on spending.

Negotiations – you learned to ask for discounts on merchandise and services.
Volunteered – did you volunteer at an event (event at your kids school or non-profit organization)?
Event/Meeting Coordination – did you coordinate meetings or any extracurricular event that you family may have participated? (Something as simple as carpooling, team parent, booster parent .. anything that shows your ability to organize events).

Make a list of three things that you may have done during the time that you were not working. Look for action words that describe your time. This is one step in the employment process. Together, we can find career opportunities that match your skillset and background. I am here as a resources… just ask!

Please reach out to me if you need help working on your resume, I am here to help.

Talk with you soon,
Monica
Career Services Director

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