Have you ever had to explain a gap in your employment history? It can be a daunting task, but fret not, my friends! We’ve got you covered with an employment gap explanation letter sample that you can use as a reference or even edit to fit your specific circumstances. In today’s job market, employers are increasingly understanding of career breaks, family obligations, and personal reasons for unemployment. However, it’s still important to provide a clear and concise explanation in your cover letter or resume. So, take a look at our sample, make any necessary adjustments, and confidently apply for your dream job.
The Best Structure for Your Employment Gap Explanation Letter
It’s never easy to explain an employment gap, especially if you’re worried that it might be a dealbreaker for the position you’re applying for. But it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world – many people have had gaps in their work history for a variety of reasons, and employers understand that. The key is to structure your explanation letter in a way that highlights your strengths and reassures the employer that you’re still a great fit for the job.
First, be honest and upfront about the reason for your employment gap. Whether it was due to personal reasons, health issues, or a temporary layoff, it’s important to let the employer know what happened. Explain the situation briefly and clearly without going into too much detail – you don’t want to overshare or make the employer uncomfortable.
Next, focus on what you did during your employment gap. Did you take classes to improve your skills? Volunteer at a local non-profit organization? Travel to gain new experiences? Whatever it was, make sure to highlight the positive things you did during this time. This shows the employer that you were proactive and motivated, and that you used your time off to better yourself.
Finally, tie your explanation back to the job you’re applying for. Explain how the skills and experiences you gained during your employment gap make you even more qualified for the position. This shows the employer that you’re still a strong candidate, and that your gap in employment doesn’t detract from that.
In conclusion, the best structure for your employment gap explanation letter is to be honest, focus on the positive things you did during your time off, and tie it back to the job you’re applying for. By doing this, you can reassure the employer that you’re still a great fit for the position, despite any gaps in your work history.
Employment Gap Explanation Letter Samples
Medical Issue
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to provide an explanation of the employment gap in my resume caused by a medical issue. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and had to take a leave of absence from work to undergo treatment. This required significant time to manage, resulting in my absence from work for a consecutive six-month period.
After completing my treatment, I resumed my job search, but it took some time to find a suitable role in line with my qualifications and experience. During this period, I continued to develop my skills and knowledge to stay updated on industry trends and advancements.
Thank you for considering my application despite the gap in my employment history.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Family Responsibilities
Dear HR Manager,
I am writing to explain the six-month gap in my employment history due to family responsibilities. In late 2018, my elderly father fell ill and required full-time care, and as a responsible son, I had to take a leave of absence from my job to take care of him.
During this time, I helped with everyday tasks, assisted with his medical needs, and spent quality time with him, providing emotional support. This experience has taught me valuable skills such as patience, problem-solving, and empathy in caregiving.
Now that my father’s health has improved, I am eager to return to work, and I am confident that my dedication and commitment to excellence will be a valuable asset to your organization.
Thanks for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Relocating
Dear Recruitment Manager,
I am writing to explain the employment gap in my resume that occurred in 2019. Due to personal reasons, I relocated from [city name] to [city name] and had to quit my previous job. Although I actively searched for employment positions in the new city, the process took longer than expected, which resulted in the eight-month employment gap you see in my resume.
During this period, I engaged in various volunteering work that helped me develop my skills and gain vital experience that I believe will be useful in this role.
I am excited about this opportunity and believe that my expertise, passion, and commitment make me an ideal candidate for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Business Closure
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to explain the employment gap in my resume for the year 2016. During this time, I was employed by a small business that ceased operations due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, I had to leave my position and search for a new job actively.
I used this downtime advantageously to enhance my technical skills by taking online courses and certifications, volunteering at a local charity, and spending quality time with my family.
I thank you for understanding and considering my application, and I am excited to bring my diverse experience and expertise to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Personal Development
Dear Recruitment Team,
I am writing to address the two-year gap in my employment history, beginning in 2015. During this period, I decided to embark on a journey of personal development to explore different areas of interest, travel, and try new things.
Through this period, I enrolled in various learning programs, volunteered with different organizations, and attended several workshops. I am proud to say that this journey helped me develop a robust skill set that has translated into success in my subsequent workplaces.
I am excited about the possibility of joining a thriving organization such as yours that values personal growth and excellence.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Layoff/Involuntary Termination
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to explain the employment gap in my resume resulting from an involuntary termination/layoff from my previous position in 2018. Due to an organizational restructure in my previous company, my department was downsized, and I was among those affected.
After my involuntary departure, I took a few months to rejuvenate and reflect on my career direction before embarking on a job hunt. During this time, I took a few marketing workshops, enhanced my technical skills, and engaged in several freelance gigs.
I am eager to bring my experience, passion, and commitment to your organization and contribute to creating a positive impact.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Employment Gap Explanation Letter
Explaining an employment gap can be daunting, but a well-written explanation letter can help you secure a job or bridge the gap between your previous and next job. Here are some tips to consider while writing an employment gap explanation letter:
- Be honest and concise: When writing an explanation letter, be honest about the reasons for the employment gap. But limit the explanation to one or two sentences. Keep the rest of the letter focused on highlighting your qualifications for the job.
- Show what you did during the gap: Employers want to see that you were doing something worthwhile during your employment gap. Did you volunteer, take care of a sick relative, or pursue additional education or training? Explain how these activities helped you develop new skills or improve your existing ones.
- Highlight relevant skills: If you pursued specific training or education during your employment gap, highlight the relevant skills you acquired. This will help you stand out from other applicants.
- Focus on the future: While it’s essential to explain the employment gap, don’t dwell on it. Instead, focus on what you can bring to the company and how you see yourself contributing to its success in the future.
- Proofread: As with any job application, proofread your explanation letter thoroughly. A letter with typos or grammatical errors can detract from your qualifications and give the impression that you lack attention to detail.
Remember, an employment gap doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. With the right explanation letter, candidates can showcase their skills and how they’ve kept busy during the gap. Make the most of the opportunity to explain your situation and put your best foot forward.
FAQs about Employment Gap Explanation Letter Sample
What is an employment gap explanation letter?
An employment gap explanation letter is a document used to explain an extended period of time without work to a potential employer. The letter can be used to address any concerns the employer may have about the gap in employment.
When should I write an employment gap explanation letter?
You should write an employment gap explanation letter if you have a significant gap in employment on your resume. It is important to be transparent about any gaps in your employment history to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings with potential employers.
What should I include in my employment gap explanation letter?
You should include the reason for the employment gap, the dates of the gap, and any steps you took during the gap to stay relevant in your field or develop new skills. You should also express your eagerness to return to work and your commitment to the position if hired.
How do I format my employment gap explanation letter?
Your employment gap explanation letter should follow a standard business letter format. It should include a header with your contact information, a formal greeting, an introduction, the main body of the letter, and a closing. Be sure to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors.
Should I mention personal reasons for my employment gap in my letter?
If the reason for your employment gap is personal, you can choose to mention it in your letter, but you are not obligated to do so. You should focus on how you used the time to develop skills or stay current in your industry instead of dwelling on personal matters.
What if I have multiple gaps in my employment history?
If you have multiple gaps in your employment history, you should address each one in your letter separately. Be honest about the reason for each gap and explain what you did during the gap to stay relevant in your field or develop new skills.
Can I use a template for my employment gap explanation letter?
Yes, you can use a template for your employment gap explanation letter as a starting point. However, it is important to customize the letter to your specific situation and the job you are applying for.
Thanks for Stopping By!
I hope that this employment gap explanation letter sample has been helpful in guiding you through the process of writing your own letter. Remember to be honest and clear about your situation, while also highlighting any relevant skills or experiences you gained during your time away from work. Thanks again for reading and don’t forget to check back soon for more useful tips and advice on the world of employment. Best of luck on your job search!