If you have a significant employment gap-six months or more-in your work history, it may make sense to mention the reason in your cover letter. But before you move forward with coming clean, take note of the following:
You will be providing personal information that you wouldn't otherwise. This can open up the possibility of discrimination. For example, if you took time off to raise a child and make mention of that fact in the cover letter, the employer is now privy to information he may use against you. On the other hand, if you don't address the gap, the employer may assume that you have been unemployable for a long period of time. Each scenario has its own drawbacks. As a result, there isn't one right or wrong approach. This is a personal choice you have to make.
Transition Coaching
Should you decide to explain your employment gap, keep the following in mind:
· Keep the message short. One to two sentences is sufficient. Over-explaining will make you sound apologetic. Life happens and sometimes more pressing issues take precedence over one's career. But rather than dwelling on that fact, focus the majority of your letter on your qualifications.
· Don't mention how difficult the job search has been-how you have applied for position after position and have had no callbacks. Potential employers don't need to receive this type of information. Besides, if you divulge this type of information, you may be viewed as damaged goods. No one wants second pickings. And that's exactly how you will be seen if employers are aware that you have been turned down time after time.
Below are suggested phrases you can use as a guideline for preparing your own.
· As the executor of my mother's estate, I took a sabbatical to carry out the directions spelled out in her will. Now that everything is in place, I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and rejoin the workforce.
· I've interviewed with several organizations and although I have secured job offers, I am deliberately seeking an organization that is the right fit.
· As a strategic career move, I returned to school full-time to obtain my MBA.
Employers will overlook an employment gap when the resume and cover letter are strongly written. Every job seeker has challenges. For some it may be age, for others it may be lack of education. I bring this up because no candidate is perfect. Your job is to minimize the effect of your challenges by focusing on what you bring to the table.
Use Your Cover Letter to Explain an Employment Gap
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