How Can I Honestly Present My Career Gap Without Hurting My Job Prospects?

Dear HR professionals,

Could you please advise on my case? I completed my degree in 2008 and have been working in the IT industry continuously for 5 years. Prior to my current organization, I was running my own business. Now, I am looking to progress in my career with new technology aspirations.

Showcasing the Gap in Experience

How can I showcase the gap (own business) between running my business and joining my current organization without fabricating experience? Some have suggested labeling it as teaching experience, but I prefer to be genuine. Will my profile still be considered if there is a gap in my experience? When I joined my current organization, I did not disclose my previous experience.

I am eagerly awaiting your valuable advice and guidance.

Thank you.

Career Gap Explanation and Transition

Year of graduation - 2005.

Year of joining current service - 2008.

2005 to 2008 - business/self-employed.

What was the work you did? What happened to it? Why did you quit it to have a service? Was the self-employment related to current/aspiring profiles?

There are different reasons for people to have gaps in their careers. I have a gap in my academics, and it becomes obvious because of the years very evidently presented on my CV. Many people ignore it; many do not ask, assuming that I might have had to repeat a year; a few ask for clarification, which I really appreciate as my reason for a gap was very different.

It is always better to initiate and inform prospective employers instead of allowing them to create their own stories. You have a genuine reason.

Another thing, if you think that since you failed, the prospects may doubt your strategies, it is not so. Each one of us has a different perspective. You need to show the positives in your profile, highlight those, share the reasons for pitfalls and change. Tell them how engaged you are in the job and how your previous self-employed experience helped you to get here.

All the best.

I think you don't have to feel worried on this ground. The first four questions that Ms. Ankita has asked you are very relevant. I have about 25 years of experience in the industry and have interviewed several people who have experience gaps on their resumes. Generally, HR seniors look at the connection between the work you did, the competencies you deployed, the concepts you learned, and the skills you displayed in the years when you were not in active employment. If they see a connection of these aspects to your aspirations and the current job at hand, they will definitely consider you for a new role.

I appreciate that you are sincere in deciding not to provide fake details. This trait will help you in the long run. In short, mention those specific details (work done, competencies deployed, skills acquired) during your experience gap that are related to and potentially favorable for the job you wish to apply for. Best of luck.