In our conversations with candidates, we’ve heard that some of you worry about gaps between roles in your CV and how this may be perceived negatively by potential employers. Similarly, others may be concerned if their CV has several shorter-term roles. However, while traditional career paths and long stints in roles were once the norm, modern hiring managers understand that careers are more dynamic today. Economic and market conditions, life stages and unexpected changes can also be factors.
Gaps in your career are natural, and there can be many reasons for them
Plenty of people have gaps in their CV, and there can be a number of valid reasons for this. They may have taken time off to study, to travel or to relocate to a new city. Perhaps it was time spent raising a family, caring for a relative, or working on a passion project. Perhaps you’ve had a career setback and have taken a break to reset and decide your next career move. Others may choose to take a purposeful break for their mental health after leaving a particularly strenuous role. And some people have unexpected, and unplanned, gaps in their CVs because they were made redundant and it took a while to find a new role.
Short-term roles
With the myriad of reasons above, candidates may choose for a time to engage in work that is temporary, casual, or for a shorter fixed term or contract term. For many candidates, this is a good way to rejoin the workforce after a career break. It also provides an opportunity to explore a new role or industry. Even a permanent role could turn into a short-term in the case where a role doesn’t turn out to be what you expected, or in the situation where an employer unexpectedly has to make changes to their business.
Be transparent and highlight the reasons for gaps and shorter terms
Our advice is to front-foot any perceptions and assumptions by clearly explaining the reasons for any gaps between roles and shorter terms. Keep it short in your CV. If you feel a gap or short-term requires more detailed explanation, you can highlight this in your cover letter. If your short-term roles were contracts or temp assignments, clearly label them.
For example:
- Digital Marketing Specialist (Contract Role) – XYZ Agency (April 2021 – July 2021)
- Software Developer (Project-Based Fixed Term) – ABC Corporation (June 2022 to July 2022)
- Executive Assistant (Parental Leave Cover) – XYZ Company (May 2023 – November 2023)
If you worked multiple short-term jobs within the same industry or role, consider grouping them under a single heading such as Freelance Marketing Consultant (2019-2022), rather than listing each contract separately. This can also save space in your CV!
If any shorter roles aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, you may choose to replace any details or bullet points in your CV with a simple line outlining the role, company and dates. However, don’t be tempted to lie, stretch the truth or give inaccurate dates. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your CV!
Highlight relevant activities during the break
In today’s ever-changing world of work, hiring managers value a continuous learning and self-improvement mindset. If you engaged in freelance work, volunteer activities, further education, or professional training during a career break, include these in your CV. Many employers also consider unpaid work to be just as relevant as paid work when assessing for skills and capabilities.
It can also be helpful to think about transferable skills you learnt during your time away from work – parents for example can have excellent time management and negotiation skills! You can speak about how these skills would help you in your new role in your CV or cover letter.
Short stints and career gaps can contribute positively to your professional profile
There’s much to be gained from variety and non-linear moves in your career.
Diverse experience and adaptability: Holding multiple roles in different projects, industries or environments can showcase your adaptability and ability to get up to speed quickly.
Resilience and initiative: Navigating career transitions and gaps demonstrates resilience, problem-solving abilities, and initiative, all qualities that employers value.
Skill development and growth: Short-term roles and career breaks often provide opportunities to gain new skills. There’s great on-the-job learning that takes place when you jump into a different industry. Freelance work provides exposure to a variety of clients, projects and diverse needs. You might also experience accelerated career growth in a more condensed time frame. And if you’re without work for a period of time, it might finally give you that opportunity to tick off the personal or professional development and training you’ve been wanting to do. If budget is an issue, there’s plenty of free and low-cost courses available online through providers like Udemy and Coursera.
Final Thoughts
Career gaps and short-term roles do not have to be seen as liabilities. By framing them strategically and focusing on your skills, achievements, and professional growth, you can present a compelling application that stands out to recruiters and potential employers. Whether you took time off for personal reasons, worked in contract roles, or shifted careers, what matters most is how you tell your story. With the right approach, you can turn a seemingly non-traditional career path into an asset that highlights your versatility and value in the job market.
Good luck,
Kirsty and Nikki
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