Job seekers reentering the workforce after long absences are increasingly finding that career gaps—once viewed as red flags—are now normalized. According to Andy Decker, CEO of Goodwin Recruiting, the shift toward remote work and the widespread employment interruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have reduced the stigma surrounding resume lulls. Experts recommend that applicants address these gaps with honesty, focusing on transferable skills and evidence of personal growth rather than attempting to hide time away from traditional employment.
How to frame a career gap on your resume
Recruiters prioritize results over a linear career trajectory, according to Andy Decker. Candidates can transform periods of unemployment into evidence of capability by highlighting volunteer work, certifications, or management roles held within community organizations. For example, Monique Di Liberto, who returned to the workforce after a 17-year hiatus, successfully leveraged her experience as a parent-teacher association president to demonstrate budgeting and project management skills to potential employers.
How to explain a layoff during an interview
When an employment gap is the result of a company restructuring or layoff, transparency is the best strategy. Andy Decker advises candidates to state the facts clearly: identify the number of people affected by the reduction in force and avoid speaking negatively about former employers. By framing a layoff as a circumstantial event rather than a performance failure, candidates maintain professional credibility. Baura Zia, who was made redundant in 2022, found that honesty about her situation helped her return to the workforce with confidence.
Why networking remains the most effective reentry tool
Networking significantly lowers the barrier to reemployment. Baura Zia notes that reaching out to former professional contacts and industry-specific groups provided her with critical leads when she was ready to return to work. According to Zia, joining professional networking groups years before a planned return can create a safety net that makes the transition back to the workplace smoother.
Common questions about returning to work
- Should I include my career break on my LinkedIn profile? Yes. Many professionals now use LinkedIn to frame their time away as a period of intentional growth, focusing on soft skills like patience and responsibility.
- How do I handle a recruiter who mentions my resume gap? Address it directly and briefly. Own the time you took off, explain what you learned or achieved, and pivot immediately back to how those experiences make you a better employee today.
- Is it better to take a trial period if offered? In some cases, yes. Monique Di Liberto secured her role by proposing a 30-day trial, allowing the employer to see her performance firsthand despite her lack of recent 9-to-5 experience.
Have you successfully returned to the workforce after a long break? Share your experience in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more career development insights.
