How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter
Employment gaps are common and far less problematic than many candidates assume. Redundancy, caring responsibilities, travel, health, further study — all are legitimate reasons for a gap in employment. The question is whether to address the gap in your cover letter, and if so, how.
Should You Address a Gap in Your Cover Letter?
The answer depends on:
- The length of the gap (a gap of less than three months rarely needs explaining)
- How recent the gap is (a gap from ten years ago in a career otherwise without gaps is not worth addressing)
- Whether the gap is obvious from your CV (if your CV has a clear unexplained period of over six months, the recruiter will notice)
- Whether you did anything during the gap that adds to your candidacy
If the gap is significant and recent, address it briefly in your cover letter. Being proactive about it is better than hoping it goes unnoticed — it almost certainly will not.
How to Address a Gap Confidently
Brief, factual, forward-looking. Do not over-explain, apologise, or provide excessive detail.
Caring responsibilities: "I took time out of the workforce to care for a family member, during which I also [kept up with the sector / completed a qualification / maintained professional connections]. I am now fully committed to returning to [field] and this role is an excellent fit."
Redundancy and extended job search: "Following a redundancy in [month/year], I have been selective about my next role rather than taking the first available opportunity. I have used the time to [complete a course / do consulting / specific activity] and I am confident this role is the right fit."
Travel or personal development: "I took a period of planned career break to [travel / pursue a personal project]. I am now looking to return to [field] with renewed focus and bring the perspective I have gained."
Health: You are not required to disclose health details to a prospective employer. "I took a period of leave for personal reasons and am now fully fit and ready to return to work" is sufficient.
What Not to Do
Do not apologise. Do not over-explain. Do not make the gap the focus of your cover letter — it should be one brief paragraph at most.
Build your CV free at CVCircuit and generate a cover letter, then add your gap explanation where relevant.