How to Explain Gaps in Employment in 2010 Due to the High Unemployment Rate

When hiring, the first thing a potential employer looks at is your resume. The employer is looking for items such as your level of education, skills and work history as he wants to make sure that you will be able to complete the everyday functions of the job. In addition, employers are also looking for stability. They want to know that you don't hop from one job to the next. This is where having a gap in your employment history could hurt you even in cases where it's not your fault. An example of such a case would be the loss of a job due to the recession and the high unemployment rate in 2010.

• 1

  Make your resume look as favorable as possible by using only years on your resume versus months and years. For example if you left one job in January 2010, and started your next job in July 2010, by using only featuring the years, the gap wouldn't be apparent on your resume.

• 2

  Add relevant work activities you were doing during your period of unemployment to your resume. Some examples include taking care of a sick relative, volunteering your time and performing freelance or consulting work. Try to add activities that are relevant to the position you're applying for.

• 3

  Emphasize furthering your education on your resume if you were taking classes, finishing a degree or completing an internship during your period of unemployment.

• 4

  Find a creative way to explain any gaps that you can't fix with any of these other methods. For example, you could say you were a full-time parent, you took time off to travel or you spent the time independently studying one of your life's passions. Basically, find a nice way to explain to the employer how you spent the majority of your time while unemployed.

• 5

  Explain your situation honestly to your potential employer if they call you in for an interview. They will most likely find out about any gaps in your employment history when they check your references so it's best to be upfront with them and offer an explanation right from the start.