How Should I Explain My Education Gap During Job Interviews? Seeking Advice from Peers

Hi to everyone, I am a BTech graduate who graduated in 2011. I have a concern regarding my career trajectory. I have a one-year gap in my education after completing my Intermediate (i.e., 12th grade). The reason for this gap is that I took EAMCET (i.e., an entrance test for graduation in Andhra Pradesh) long-term coaching for one year after 12th grade, which resulted in me achieving a rank of 34451, following which I enrolled in a non-reputed college.

Addressing Education Gaps in Interviews

What would be the most appropriate reason to mention for my education gap during an interview? Please assist me with this.

Thank you.

Honesty in Interviews

Please be honest in your interviews; there is no point in hiding a fact. Your reason for the gap is very genuine. Many people have a gap of a year or maybe two for the preparation of various entrance exams.

So do not worry and be truthful in the interview. All the best.

Regards,
Archna

Thank you for your suggestion, ma'am. However, I think that it will not show a positive view on my side because I have attempted the exam twice and did not get a good result. How can I explain this? Actually, I'm thinking to say that I was ill that year and decided not to waste a year, so I took EAMCET coaching. But in the end, I did not achieve a good rank. Is this reason somewhat genuine and promising?

What my friend Archana has said is absolutely true. You should always tell the truth during your interview. If you lie in your interview, your mark sheets could indicate a different direction at that time.

Therefore, I suggest that you should be frank and open and not pretend to lie; otherwise, it could cost you your image, reputation, and maybe even your job.

I am also facing the same problem but with a slight difference. I have a 4-year gap after my 10th class. Now, I am pursuing my MBA 2nd year. Don't worry about the gap; be truthful to the interviewer. They can understand. What Madam said is right.

Regards,
VEERU.

I am pursuing my final year of MCA with 85% marks, but I have a 2-year gap after 10th grade and a one-year gap after 12th grade. Now, I'm participating in campus drives. Here, I need to mention my educational gaps.

Please confirm whether I have a 3-year gap or if there is any chance to show it as only 2 years. In today's world, all MNCs are mentioning that a 2-year gap is allowed. One more thing, these gaps are not due to backlogs but were due to my financial problems. Please help me understand how I can manage this.

Thanks in advance.

Madam/Sir, I am a fresher, but my problem is that I have a 3-year gap in my education after matriculation. Because of this, I am so nervous that I can't go to the interview. Please help me so that I can face it properly during the interview.

Thank you.