How to Explain Employment Gaps on Your CV

In Aotearoa, taking a break from work is common, whether it’s for travel, parenting, education, or unexpected redundancy. However, explaining these gaps on your CV can be challenging. This guide provides actionable strategies to address employment gaps transparently, turning them into strengths that enhance your employability.

Why Addressing CV Gaps Matters

Employers in New Zealand are increasingly open-minded about career breaks, but they still expect transparency. Attempting to conceal a gap can create distrust, impacting your chances of securing an interview. It’s essential to be upfront about the reasons behind your employment break and, more importantly, to showcase the skills you gained during this period.

Types of Employment Gaps and How to Explain Them

1. Travel or Sabbatical
   If you’ve travelled or taken a sabbatical, frame this positively. Highlight skills like:

• Cross-cultural communication – Navigating different cultures enhances interpersonal skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving – Managing logistics and overcoming language barriers demonstrate resilience.
• Budgeting and planning – Organising long trips showcases financial and strategic planning skills.

Example:
“Took a 12-month sabbatical to travel through Europe and Asia, gaining cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills. Managed all logistics and budgeting independently, enhancing my strategic planning abilities.”

2. Parental Leave or Caregiving
   Taking time off for whānau (family) responsibilities is increasingly recognised by employers. Emphasise transferable skills like:

• Time management – Coordinating multiple schedules and responsibilities.
• Empathy and communication – Developing active listening and emotional intelligence.
• Multitasking and organisational skills – Balancing various caregiving tasks efficiently.

Example:
“Took time off to care for a family member, which strengthened my multitasking, organisational, and empathetic communication skills. Ready to re-enter the workforce with enhanced emotional intelligence.”

3. Redundancy or Job Loss
   Experiencing redundancy or job loss is more common than ever. Address it honestly and focus on how you remained proactive:

• Upskilling – Mention online courses, certifications, or workshops attended.
• Freelancing or Volunteering – Highlight any freelance work, consulting, or volunteer roles that kept your skills sharp.
• Networking and Job Search Activities – Show how you expanded your professional network or attended industry events.

Example:
“Position was made redundant due to organisational restructuring. Used this period to complete a certification in digital marketing and volunteered for a local non-profit, enhancing my leadership and project management skills.”

For more advice on navigating a competitive job market, read our article on Navigating a Candidate-Rich Market.

How to Format Employment Gaps on Your CV

1. Use Functional or Skills-Based CV Format
   A skills-focused CV draws attention to your abilities and achievements rather than a chronological timeline. This is particularly useful for career breaks or transitions into new industries.

2. Include a ‘Career Break’ Section
   Consider adding a dedicated section called “Career Break” or “Professional Development” to explain the gap clearly and concisely.

Example:
Career Break (2022-2023)
Took a 12-month sabbatical to focus on personal development and travel. During this period, enhanced cultural awareness, adaptability, and strategic planning skills.

3. Combine Dates for Short Gaps
   If you had multiple short gaps between roles, group them together. For instance, “2019-2021: Freelance and Contract Work” instead of listing every short-term position.

Learn more about effective CV formatting in our guide on CV and Cover Letter Advice.

Addressing Gaps in Your Cover Letter

Use your cover letter to provide context about your employment gap while focusing on your enthusiasm and readiness for the role. Here’s how:

• Be Brief but Honest – Mention the gap concisely without over-explaining.
• Highlight Learnings and Skills – Emphasise what you gained during the break that makes you a stronger candidate.
• Show Enthusiasm and Commitment – Reaffirm your eagerness to rejoin the workforce and your dedication to the industry.

Example:
“After taking time off for parental leave, I am excited to bring my enhanced organisational and multitasking skills to the role. This experience has strengthened my ability to handle multiple priorities efficiently, which I am eager to apply in a dynamic work environment.”

Explore more about crafting impactful cover letters in our article on Creating Personalised Cover Letters.

Turning Employment Gaps into Strengths

Employers value resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Turn potential concerns about gaps into selling points by demonstrating:

• Resilience and Proactiveness – Show how you remained proactive through upskilling, volunteering, or freelancing.
• Transferable Skills – Emphasise the soft skills acquired, such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.
• Growth Mindset – Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

For remote job seekers, read our guide on Understanding Remote Work to leverage your skills for flexible roles.

Final Tips for Job Seekers in New Zealand

1. Be Honest and Confident – Own your career break with confidence and focus on the positives.
2. Customise Every Application – Tailor your CV and cover letter for each role, ensuring relevance to the job description.
3. Stay Updated and Network – Engage in industry events, online communities, or professional groups to stay connected.

Need help crafting the perfect CV or navigating your job search? Contact Adecco New Zealand today. Our recruitment experts can guide you through the process with personalised advice. Alternatively, explore our latest job openings to take the next step in your career.

Where to next?

Employment gaps are no longer a deal-breaker. With honesty, strategic CV formatting, and an emphasis on transferable skills, you can turn career breaks into strengths. Your experiences, no matter how unconventional, add to your professional narrative, making you a unique and valuable candidate.

For more career advice and job market insights, check out:

• Job Hopping in 2025: Aotearoa’s Perspective on Career Changes
• How to Leave a Job Well | Professional Resignation Tips
• New Year, New Job: Your Guide to Finding a Job Anytime in 2025
• How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Check out our locations around the country and chat to one of the team today, they can get to know your skills and experiences and find the right role for you.