Explaining an employment gap can be a daunting task, and it’s important to do it right to avoid any negative impact on your job search. One way to address this issue is by writing an employment gap letter. In this article, we will provide several examples of employment gap letters and tips on how to write them effectively.
Examples of Employment Gap Letter Sample
Health Reasons
Dear Hiring Manager,
I want to thank you for considering my application for the position of [Job Title]. I took a brief hiatus from my professional career due to health reasons, but I am now fully recovered and eager to return to work.
During my time off, I took the opportunity to focus on my health and well-being. I also volunteered with local organizations and participated in various courses to enhance my skills. By doing so, I stayed updated with the latest developments in my field and gained new insights.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications and experience with you in further detail.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Caregiving
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to explain the gap in my employment history. For the past [Number of months/years], I have been a full-time caregiver for my [Relation]’s [Illness/disability]. It was a challenging period, but it taught me valuable lessons about patience, compassion, and resilience.
While I was not working in a formal capacity, I continued to develop my skills and knowledge through online courses, workshops, and seminars. I also volunteered for various causes that were important to me, such as [Cause 1] and [Cause 2].
I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my experience and skills to [Company/Position]. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Personal Reasons
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to explain the gap in my employment history. I took some time off to attend to some pressing personal matters, including [Reason 1] and [Reason 2]. It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary for me to take a step back and re-prioritize.
During this time, I continued to stay updated with the latest developments in my field by reading industry publications and attending webinars. I also pursued some hobbies, such as [Hobby 1] and [Hobby 2], which helped me to relax and rejuvenate.
Thank you for considering my application for the position of [Job Title]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company/Position].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Education Pursuits
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to address the gap in my employment history. I took time off from my career to pursue further education, specifically a [Degree/Certification] in [Field of Study]. The skills and knowledge I gained during this time will be a valuable asset to [Company/Position].
During my studies, I also participated in various extracurricular activities, such as [Activity 1] and [Activity 2], to broaden my horizons and gain new experiences. I am eager to leverage my newly acquired knowledge and skills for the benefit of the team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications and experience with you in further detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unemployment Due to COVID-19
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to address the gap in my employment history. I was unfortunately laid off from my previous job due to the impact of COVID-19 on the company’s finances. Since then, I have been actively searching for new opportunities in [Industry/Field], but the pandemic has made the job market extremely competitive.
To keep myself updated and relevant, I have been taking online courses and attending virtual conferences on [Topic 1] and [Topic 2]. I have also been volunteering for local organizations, such as [Organization 1] and [Organization 2], to give back to the community and stay motivated.
Thank you for considering my application for the position of [Job Title]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company/Position].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Relocation
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to explain the gap in my employment history. I relocated to [City/State/Country] for personal reasons, which required me to take some time off from my career. However, I now feel settled in my new location and am eager to return to work.
During my time off, I took the opportunity to travel and explore the local culture. I also participated in volunteer work for organizations such as [Organization 1] and [Organization 2] to stay active in my field.
Thank you for considering my application for the position of [Job Title]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company/Position].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Employment Gap Letter Sample
Be Honest and Clear
When writing an employment gap letter, be honest about the reason for your absence from the workforce. Avoid exaggerating or hiding the truth, as it may backfire during the hiring process. Be clear about the timeline of your employment gap, and provide a brief explanation of what you did during that time.
Highlight Your Skills and Experiences
Use your employment gap letter as an opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences. This can be in the form of volunteering, taking online courses, or pursuing further education. Emphasize how these activities have helped you grow and develop as a professional.
Keep It Professional
While it’s important to be personal and authentic, remember that your employment gap letter is a professional document. Use a formal tone and avoid including unnecessary details about your personal life. Keep the focus on your qualifications and how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Edit and Proofread
Before sending your employment gap letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter is well-structured and easy to read. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well, to get an outside perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an employment gap be before it becomes a red flag?
It depends on the industry and the position you are applying for, but generally, an employment gap of six months to a year is considered reasonable. Anything longer than that may raise questions, especially if you have not provided a clear explanation.
Should I mention my employment gap in my resume?
If the gap is significant, it’s best to address it in your employment gap letter rather than leaving it unexplained. However, you can also include a brief note in your resume that explains the reason for your absence from work.
Can I use the same employment gap letter for multiple job applications?
While you can use a template for your employment gap letter, it’s important to tailor it to each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for, and avoid using generic language.
Should I apologize for my employment gap?
No, there’s no need to apologize for taking time off from work. Instead, focus on how you used that time to develop your skills and knowledge, and emphasize your enthusiasm for returning to the workforce.
What if I don’t have a good reason for my employment gap?
Even if your reason for the employment gap is not ideal, it’s still important to provide an explanation. Be honest about the circumstances, and emphasize how you have learned from the experience and are eager to get back to work.
What if I am currently unemployed?
If you are currently unemployed, you can still write an employment gap letter. Focus on how you are using this time to develop your skills and stay active in your field, such as through volunteering or taking online courses.
Conclusion
An employment gap can be a hurdle in your job search, but it’s not insurmountable. By writing an employment gap letter that is honest, clear, and professional, you can address any concerns that a potential employer may have. Use the tips and examples in this article to craft an effective employment gap letter that highlights your skills and experiences, and puts you on the path to success.