Taking a break from work happens for all kinds of reasons—maybe you got laid off, took time off for your family, or had to focus on your health. While having unexplained gaps in your work history might raise some questions, there are plenty of times when a break makes total sense. What matters most is how you explain it.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to talk about an employment gap in a job interview, plus give you some example answers to help you out when the hiring manager brings it up.
Why interviewers ask about employment gaps
When interviewers see a gap on your resume, they’re likely to ask about it. They want to understand why you took time off and whether it’s a red flag, like being fired, or something more understandable, like taking care of family or focusing on school. If you’ve had multiple gaps, they might worry you’re someone who jumps from job to job.
Companies care about longevity because hiring and training new employees takes time and money. They want to know you’re going to stick around. That’s why having a clear and honest explanation for your employment gap can make them feel more confident in hiring you.
Common reasons for gaps include:
- Going back to school
- Job searching after a layoff
- Being a stay-at-home parent
- Recovering from an illness
- Taking time off for mental health
- Caring for a family member
- Moving to a new city
What’s important is that you show these breaks are over. For example, if you stayed home with kids, maybe they’re in school now, or if you were recovering from an illness, you’re now fully recovered. Let the interviewer know that the situation is resolved, and you’re ready to focus on work.
How to answer employment gap questions
Be honest
It’s always better to be upfront about why you took time off from work. If the gap was due to something like a layoff, family responsibilities, or personal reasons, share that without going into unnecessary details. For example, if you were let go from a previous job, it’s okay to say, “I was part of a company-wide layoff.” And if the gap happened due to something more personal, like taking time to care for a loved one, you can say, “I took time off to support a family member, but the situation is now resolved, and I’m fully focused on returning to work.”
Being honest also means taking responsibility if the gap was caused by a mistake, like being fired. You can say something like, “I made a mistake in my previous job, but I’ve learned from it and taken steps to improve, like completing [specific course or training].” Showing growth will demonstrate maturity and responsibility to the interviewer.
Keep it concise
While it’s important to be truthful, you don’t need to give a long, drawn-out explanation. Aim for a brief answer—one or two sentences is usually enough. For example, “I took time off to focus on my health, but I’ve recovered and am excited to return to work.”
After explaining, quickly shift the conversation to why you’re excited about this new job and what you can bring to the table. For instance, “During my time off, I realized how much I enjoy this industry, and I’m excited about how I can bring my skills to this role.” This keeps the focus on your eagerness and qualifications rather than dwelling on the gap.
Share value
If you used your time away from work to build new skills, make sure you highlight that. For example, maybe you earned a certification, took online courses, or did volunteer work. You can say, “During my break, I earned a certification in [relevant skill] to stay sharp, and I also volunteered at [organization], which helped me build leadership and teamwork skills.”
Even if you didn’t have formal training, sharing any productive activities shows that you were committed to growing as a professional. You can say, “I used this time to read up on industry trends, improve my [specific skill], and stay updated on the latest developments in [your field].” This reflects positively on you because it shows that, despite the gap, you stayed proactive about your career.
How not to answer
Attempting to hide it
Never try to cover up an employment gap by changing the dates on your resume or leaving it out entirely. It can be tempting to fudge the dates to make your work history look seamless, but this is risky for a few reasons. First, it’s dishonest, and getting caught in a lie will damage your credibility. Many companies run background checks or contact your previous employers to confirm the dates you worked. If the truth comes out, it could cost you the job offer and hurt your chances in future interviews.
Instead, it’s better to be upfront and explain the gap honestly. For example, you can say, “I took time off between jobs to focus on [reason], but now I’m excited to jump back in.” Owning your story shows integrity and builds trust with the interviewer.
Having nothing to show for it
Even if the reason for your employment gap was out of your control, like dealing with a health issue or a family emergency, you should still find something positive to highlight. Employers don’t want to hear that you spent months doing nothing or were completely disconnected from any career growth. Think about any productive activities you did, even if they weren’t job-related. Did you learn a new skill, take online courses, or reassess your career goals?
For example, you could say, “During my time off, I took some online classes to improve my skills in [relevant area], and I also reflected on what I want in my next role.” This turns your time off into a period of growth, rather than something that set you back. Even if you just used the time to refocus or read up on industry trends, mentioning that shows employers you stayed motivated and engaged, even during a break.
Sample answers for explaining a gap in employment
Example #1
“I’m very grateful I had the chance to take time off to be with my kids while they were young. Now that they’re in school, I’m excited to return to work and bring my skills and focus to this role.”
Why this works:
This answer is straightforward and honest, explaining the gap without too much detail. It frames the time off in a positive light, showing gratitude for the opportunity while emphasizing that the break is over and you’re ready to fully commit to the job. The candidate shifts the conversation toward their excitement about the position, which reassures the interviewer that they’re ready to return to work long-term.
Example #2
“I took two years off to pursue my master’s degree. During that time, I also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, which gave me hands-on experience and further inspired my passion for roles like this one, where I can make a real impact.”
Why this works:
This response highlights the candidate’s educational accomplishments and volunteer work during their time away from full-time employment. It not only explains the gap but also positions the break as a period of growth and professional development. By linking the experience to the job they’re applying for, the candidate makes a strong case for why they’re a better fit because of the gap, not in spite of it.
Example #3
“I took a year off to care for a family member. During that time, I stayed up to date on industry trends by taking online courses and reading about [specific field]. Now that my family situation is stable, I’m eager to use what I’ve learned and get back to work in this exciting role.”
Why this works:
This answer tackles a more personal reason for an employment gap while still focusing on the positive. The candidate acknowledges the gap briefly and then shifts to how they used the time productively, showing dedication to staying engaged in their field. By emphasizing that the situation is now resolved, they reassure the employer that they’re ready and fully focused on returning to the workforce.
By preparing with clear, matter-of-fact explanations for your employment gap, you show the hiring manager that you’re ready to move forward and contribute, easing any concerns they might have.