How To Refer to A Pandemic-Related Gap on Your Resume

Resume gaps have always been challenging to explain, as they have traditionally – but unnecessarily – been associated with shame or failure. 

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting certain industries hard, many more job seekers may find themselves struggling to deal with a career gap. In fact, while employers are having trouble recruiting talent after the Great Resignation, research shows that some hard-hit sectors may take over five years to recover fully. 

Here are a few tips on handling and explaining your COVID-related gap to potential employers.

Deal with it head-on and be honest

This pertains to any gap on your resume, but being honest and upfront about your experience is the best way to explain it. Even though 93% of people know someone who has lied on their resume, lying or embellishing your work experience opens you up to getting caught, in which case you can kiss that potential job goodbye. 

One option is to list it on your resume as a “pandemic gap” and/or add a short explanation to your cover letter.

Beyond industry layoffs, many individuals had to reprioritize – women, in particular, left jobs because they had to take greater responsibility for childcare and housework. Now that educational institutions are returning to traditional classroom settings, you may be ready to reenter the workforce in a full-time capacity. 

The more shame you feel or complicated you try to make the situation, the more stress you’re putting on yourself. Try to deal with the situation as clearly and quickly as possible.

Focus on improvements

There’s no debating that the pandemic has dramatically affected all of us, especially in terms of social and mental health repercussions. However, chances are that you spent some of that time being productive in some capacity – and this is what you should focus on. 

From volunteer work to soft and hard skills, most of us did something valuable over the past few years. 

Personal development can take many forms – while you may not become proficient in a whole new language, you may have become familiar with communication tools such as Zoom and Skype. As offices consider hybrid and remote work, this proficiency may be valuable to a potential employer. 

If you have spent time freelancing or working in a more flexible position, it may be a good way to showcase your multitasking and collaboration skills.

As you continue with the (no doubt stressful) job hunt, you may also want to consider taking the time to build additional skills. Building on skills with certifications or freelance (or volunteer) work can help show that you have been using this gap well and working on improving yourself for the future.

Network

We’ve mentioned this before, but networking is one of the best ways to find your next job. While it may feel like the stigma of being laid off is following you, the truth is that many are in similar situations and can relate. 

It’s also worth reaching out to previous employers that can act as references and help explain how COVID-19 affected the organization and your position. It can also help show that you still have a positive relationship with your former employer. 

Staffing agencies (like North Bridge) may be helpful in understanding and explaining the gap as they will be familiar with your industry locally.