Interviewers tend to assume that everyone wants to be continuously employed. While it’s sad but true that unemployment gaps are more common these days, interviewers may still wonder whether the down time means something about you. Let’s explore how to answer interview questions about gaps in employment–and convince them you’re fully ready to work.
Examples of Interview Questions about Gaps in Employment
There are various ways interviewers will approach this subject.
Often they’ll soften the impact with an indirect approach, like “So, you left XYZ Inc. in May,” or “Tough job market out there!” Then they’ll wait to see what you’ll say.
Or they might be more direct, asking “Have you been working since you left XYZ?” They probably won’t be so rude as to say “–and if not, why not?” But they may be thinking it.
However the subject comes up, your goal is the same: to put the gap in the best possible light.
What You Were Doing During Your Gap in Employment
If the period of unemployment is only a few weeks or months long, it’s fine to say you’ve been looking for a new job. On the other hand, if you’ve been out of work for a substantial amount of time, it doesn’t look good to say you were only job-hunting. The interviewer may wonder if other employers found good reasons to pass you up. Dig deep for ways to show that you were doing something important or productive.
Were you doing any of the following?
- Freelancing related to your career, or pro bono work in your industry or field. This is not truly a gap in employment, and the work should probably appear on your resume. Be ready to talk about the specifics. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t undersell yourself either. I find that job seekers tend to undervalue their freelance work because it wasn’t full-time or lucrative, but what’s important to the interviewer is that you rolled up your sleeves and gained experience, skills and knowledge.
- Furthering your education, preferably in a career-related subject. Even if this was independent study, you can use it, but make it credible by naming specific websites, books or other resources you learned from. If you completed a project, say so, and share photos, a link or such.
- Volunteering for a nonprofit organization. This can demonstrate energy, work ethic, relevant skills and connections in the community. Of course, volunteer work involving politics or religion may be a turnoff to many interviewers.
- Looking for “the right role, not just any job.” If the job you’re interviewing for is truly ideal and/or unusual, this answer can work. “Fortunately, I had enough savings when I left my last role that I didn’t need to get a job quickly. I had time to look for something that’s just right, and it looks like this opportunity may be it.”
- Recovering from a health issue. Make it clear that the issue has resolved and you are fully ready for work. Should you specify what the illness was? Doing so can make your answer more believable, but it can also be a distraction. Remember, this is a business conversation and you’re trying to keep it upbeat.
- Taking care of a family member. Be sure to state why that situation is no longer an obstacle to work. For example, maybe the ill family member has now recovered, your child has reached school age, or someone else has assumed caretaking duties. (If the family member passed away, it may be best to simply say “I was taking care of a family member, but that situation has resolved.”)
- Traveling. If it taught you something important, such as a new language, mention that. If there was a special reason for the travel, say so. For example, “I had always wanted to explore South America on a motorcycle,” or “I have relatives overseas.”
- Exploring career options. If you’re interviewing for a job in a new field, you may have needed time to identify a new career path. Again, be specific if possible. Did you work with a career counselor, do online research, conduct informational interviews?
- Spending quality time with family. This can sound a little weak, only because many job seekers use it as a “last resort” answer. If possible, state why it was especially important at the time. For example, “I wanted to spend time with my daughter before she went away to college.”
Whatever you say, keep your answer short and sweet. Then bring the conversation back to the role you’re interviewing for.
Answer with Authenticity and Strategy
Trust is very important in job interviews, and the best way to be trusted is to be authentic. When answering any interview question, always strive for a combination of authenticity and strategy. In other words, find an answer that is honest, and that also supports your candidacy for the role. Be yourself–your best professional self.
Now that you know how to answer interview questions about gaps in employment, you may want to check out my posts “Handling Sensitive and Negative Issues,” “When the Interview Begins with ‘Why Are You Interested in this Job?’” and “Interview Confidently with these 3 Powerful Tips.”
