Career gaps are more common than ever. Whether you took time off to raise a family, recover from illness, pursue further education, or simply reassess your career path, it doesn’t mean your job search is doomed. In fact, with a strategically written resume, you can turn those gaps into a strength.
Let’s walk through a human-written, realistic sample resume with gaps in employment, along with expert advice on how to present your background with confidence.
SAMPLE RESUME WITH GAPS IN EMPLOYMENT
Michael R. Dawson
San Diego, CA | (555) 123-4567 | mrdawson@email.com
linkedin.com/in/mrdawson-career | Portfolio: dawsonportfolio.com
Professional Summary
Experienced Administrative Coordinator with 7+ years of experience supporting cross-functional teams in fast-paced office environments. Known for excellent time management, adaptability, and organizational skills. Returning to the workforce after a personal sabbatical and ready to bring strong multitasking and communication skills to a dynamic team.
Core Skills
Office Administration
Scheduling & Calendar Management
Travel Coordination
Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace
Customer Service & Communication
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Professional Experience
Administrative Coordinator
BrightLine Technologies, San Diego, CA
March 2019 – June 2021
Managed complex scheduling for a team of 10+ senior staff
Prepared weekly reports and maintained internal databases
Handled customer inquiries with professionalism and urgency
Assisted with onboarding and training of new hires
Coordinated travel and accommodations for client meetings
Career Break – Personal Sabbatical
July 2021 – September 2023
Took time off to care for a family member and manage personal responsibilities
Engaged in self-paced professional development: completed two online certifications (Administrative Support and Business Communication)
Office Assistant
Haven Financial Group, San Diego, CA
May 2016 – February 2019
Provided daily administrative support to finance team
Organized internal documentation and tracked invoice payments
Helped streamline file management system for improved accessibility
Assisted in planning internal events and meetings
Education
Associate Degree in Business Administration
San Diego City College | Graduated 2015
Certifications
Administrative Support Fundamentals – Coursera
Business Communication Skills – Udemy
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A RESUME WITH EMPLOYMENT GAPS
Be Honest, but Strategic: Briefly address gaps in your resume, especially if they’re recent or longer than six months. Label them clearly but professionally (e.g., “Personal Sabbatical,” “Family Leave”).
Use a Functional or Hybrid Format: This style focuses on your skills and achievements rather than strict chronology, helping to soften the visibility of gaps.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Show how your past experiences—paid or unpaid—build relevant strengths for the role you’re applying to.
Demonstrate Continued Learning: If you took courses, did volunteer work, freelanced, or attended workshops during your break, mention them.
Customize for the Role: Tailor your resume to the job description, using keywords that match the employer’s needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I explain a long employment gap due to personal reasons?
Briefly mention it in your resume or cover letter without going into personal details. Focus on what you did during the time—such as skill-building, caregiving, or personal development.
Should I include unpaid work or volunteer experience during the gap?
Absolutely. If it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, treat it like any other job experience and highlight the responsibilities and results.
Do employers automatically reject resumes with gaps?
Not necessarily. Hiring trends have evolved, especially post-pandemic. What matters most is how well you explain the gap and how you present your current value.
Is it okay to leave out short-term jobs to avoid showing gaps?
It depends. If the job was very short or irrelevant, you can omit it. But if leaving it out creates a large unexplained gap, it’s better to include it or briefly clarify in the resume.
A resume with employment gaps doesn’t have to be a red flag. With the right strategy, you can tell your professional story in a way that feels confident, relevant, and forward-looking. Use the above sample resume with gaps in employment as a starting point—and land that interview with clarity and authenticity.