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Unemployment can feel like a daunting obstacle, but it’s a reality many UK jobseekers face at some point in their careers. Maybe you were made redundant during a company restructure, stepped away from work to care for a new baby or family member, or took time off to recover from medical challenges or burnout. Life happens, and employers today understand that career gaps are a natural part of many journeys.
Many UK jobseekers face the challenge of addressing these gaps on their CV, and it’s all about framing them in a way that highlights your strengths. The good news? A thoughtful approach can turn these gaps into opportunities to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and growth. Here's how to tackle it effectively and set yourself up for success.
This guide will show you actionable steps to explain gaps in a CV due to unemployment effectively while showcasing your strengths. For further guidance, read our tips on how to successfully get back to work after a career break.
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8 practical tips for addressing employment gaps on a CV
Explaining employment gaps on your CV can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can address them effectively and present yourself in a positive light to potential employers.
1. Be honest and clear
Employers value integrity, and honesty is always the best policy when addressing career gaps. Avoid vague or misleading statements, as these can raise doubts during interviews. Instead, be upfront about periods of unemployment and clearly explain the circumstances.
How to approach It:
If the gap was due to redundancy, say something like, “Role ended due to company downsizing, which gave me the opportunity to enhance my skills through professional development.”
For health-related breaks, focus on how you’ve recovered and prepared to return to work. For example, “Took time off to recover from a medical condition; fully recovered and eager to contribute my skills again.”
Example Explanation:
Sabbatical (Jan 2023–Dec 2023): Pursued professional certification in project management while volunteering at a local charity to enhance leadership skills.
Actionable step:
Prepare your responses for interviews, so you can confidently elaborate on your CV explanation if asked. Keep them concise, positive, and focused on growth or readiness to re-enter the workforce.
2. Use a skills-based CV format
If gaps dominate your work history, opt for a skills-based CV format (also known as functional or combination CV format. These structures highlight your skills and achievements rather than dates, helping focus the hiring manager's attention on your strengths rather than gaps. This strategy is particularly handy if you are switching careers after an employment gap.
Examples of why it works:
If you’ve been working on and off, mention any concrete work examples under skills like “Project Management” or “Graphic Design.”
For those with limited experience, focus on transferable skills gained through education, internships, or extracurricular activities.
How to structure it:
Create categories like “Key Skills” or “Professional Achievements.”
Only briefly mention dates in a separate “Work History” section at the bottom.
Actionable Step:
Use CV templates tailored to emphasise your skills to help get you started,
For additional examples of CV formats, explore the following options:
3. Include accurate dates strategically
It’s tempting to leave employment dates off your CV, but this often does more harm than good. Employers may assume you’re hiding something. Instead, include dates in a way that reduces attention on specific time frames.
Approach it like this:
Use the “years only” format (e.g., 2019–2021) to create continuity across roles.
Group ongoing activities like freelancing or volunteering into broader time periods, such as “Freelance Consultant, 2018–2022.”
If you were doing multiple shorter jobs, summarise them under a single entry like “Project-Based Roles (2015–2018)” and list highlights below.
Actionable step:
Use consistent date formatting throughout your CV. Double-check for any gaps you might have missed and ensure you’re prepared to discuss them if needed.
4. Tailor your cover letter
Your cover letter is a great place to address employment gaps, providing deeper context than your CV allows. Use this space to reframe gaps positively and connect them to the strengths you bring to the new role.
Example of a cover letter addressing unemployment
“During my career break to care for a family member, I completed a certification in digital marketing to stay engaged with industry trends. These skills directly apply to this role, especially in creating impactful campaigns.”
Focus areas:
Highlight what you achieved during the gap (e.g., courses, projects, volunteering).
Show enthusiasm for the role you’re applying to and how you’re prepared to contribute.
Actionable step:
Create a tailored cover letter for each position you’re applying to, addressing your suitability for the specific role. Mention the gap briefly and focus on your skills and value-add.
Pro Tip
If possible, frame the gap as a neutral or positive experience, such as taking time off to travel, pursue further education, care for family members, or work on a personal project. Avoid negative explanations, like conflicts with previous employers.
For more tips, refer to how to structure a cover letter.
5. Showcase transferable skills
Transferable skills are those that can be applied across various industries or roles. They often come from unexpected places, such as travelling, volunteering, or managing personal projects.
Examples of transferable skills:
Communication and teamwork from volunteering at a charity event.
Time management gained from organising family schedules during a personal break.
Problem-solving developed through managing unexpected challenges during freelancing.
How to highlight them:
Create a dedicated “Skills” section where you list these skills and provide brief examples of how you applied them.
Actionable step:
Reflect on your career gap and identify at least three transferable skills you developed. Think about courses, hobbies, or even community involvement that you can include.
Learn more about how to list skills on a CV.
6. Highlight freelancer and volunteer work
Freelance projects, temporary gigs, or volunteer experiences on a CV can fill gaps while showing your initiative. Even if these weren’t formal roles, they demonstrate that you remained active and engaged. You might not have been in the workplace during this period but helping a friend out with their business or sharing advice for a family business all contributes to your experiences.
Include them like this:
Example for volunteering:
Charity Volunteer (2017–2019): Organised monthly fundraising events, generating an average of £5,000 per event.
Actionable step:
Brainstorm ways to present the work you’ve done during gaps, even if unpaid. Focus on results and relevance to the roles you’re applying for.
Pro Tip
Anticipate questions about your employment gap during job interviews. Practice your response to explain the gap confidently and positively.
For more tips, refer to how to write work experience on a CV.
7. Seek recommendations or references
Recommendations can bridge the gap between your CV and the impression employers form of you. A glowing recommendation from a trusted source can help counter concerns about career breaks. If you took time off to improve your skills or work on personal projects, ask mentors, professors, or others who can vouch for your efforts to provide recommendations. You can also ask them for feedback that you can add to your CV or, alternatively, a reference if you have been out of work for some time.
Who to ask for references:
Former managers or colleagues who can vouch for your skills.
Mentors from courses or workshops you attended during the gap.
Professionals you collaborated with on volunteer or freelance projects.
How to use them strategically:
List key references on your CV or LinkedIn profile and mention that they are available upon request.
Actionable step:
Proactively reach out to past colleagues or mentors and ask for recommendations. Use LinkedIn to display endorsements for added credibility.
If you want more information on this, refer to our article on how to include references on a CV.
8. Networking opportunities
Your network can open doors to opportunities and make gaps less visible as you focus on upcoming roles rather than past breaks. Networking also plays a vital role in gaining insider tips, finding roles before they’re advertised, and building your confidence. Building connections and networking can help you gain insights into potential job opportunities and reduce the impact of employment gaps. We advise updating your LinkedIn profile, attending career fairs, reaching out to recruiters or past colleagues, and proactively networking with people personally and online. By doing this, you might just find the right opportunity.
Example of a LinkedIn post to leverage your network
Life update: I’m currently looking for new opportunities.
I am currently between roles and actively seeking new opportunities in [industry or job title], where I can bring my skills in [mention a few strengths], grow with a team, and do meaningful work. If you hear of anything or know someone I should speak to, please feel free to reach out or connect me. Thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Ways to expand your network:
Update and optimise your LinkedIn profile with keywords relevant to your target jobs.
Attend local or virtual job fairs and meet-ups in your industry.
Reach out to former colleagues or alumni groups for advice and potential opportunities.
Actionable step:
Join at least one professional group or attend a networking event in the next month. Follow up with new connections to stay on their radar.
Unemployed CV example
Whether you are unemployed due to redundancy, taking a sabbatical, maternity or parental leave, the below example will give you a good idea of the importance of a skills-based CV and how it can make your CV shine if you focus on skills rather than experience.
CV writing tips for success:
Frame gaps positively, showing productivity rather than downtime.
Customise your CV for each job application to align with the role's requirements.
Avoid using negative or vague explanations like “personal reasons.”
If you are just staring your career, explore the following options:
Explore the biggest industries in the UK or highest paying jobs to help you choose your ideal career path.
Key takeaways
Employment gaps are not uncommon, and many employers understand that life circumstances can lead to them. The key is to present your experience and skills in a way that makes employers focus on what you can bring to the table rather than the gaps in your work history. If you are looking for more tips, refer to our cornerstone article on how to write a good CV.
Next steps?
We offer a range of CV templates and an extensive library of examples that can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. To explore further, take a look at our comprehensive list of CV examples for inspiration. Alternatively, if you are looking for a job that is a good starting point for reentering the workforce, consider our administrator or receptionist CV examples.
FAQs
How do you say unemployed on a CV?
You shouldn’t say “unemployed” on your CV but rather, strategically incorporate the above tips, such as focusing on skills or using alternative titles like Volunteer / Freelancer / Consultant / Student. Focus primarily on the skills-based format and elaborate on transferable skills within both your CV and cover letter.
How do you write a CV if you are unemployed?
When writing a CV while unemployed, focus on your skills, education, and any relevant volunteer work or freelance projects. Do not say unemployed or leave obvious career gaps on a CV and make sure to frame the gap as a neutral or positive experience.
For more tips, refer to our courses and certificates article. Alternatively, check out some of the links below.
How do you write a CV if you have never been employed?
If you've never been employed, emphasise your education, skills, achievements, internships, and relevant coursework. You can refer to our CV examples mentioned above that provide detailed guides on how to write a CV if you are a student or graduate. Alternatively, check out our examples for an internship or apprenticeship CV.
What do you put on a CV when you are not working?
Showcase your education, skills, certifications, volunteer experience, or relevant personal projects. If you're currently enrolled in studies or undertaking a short course, bring focus to these aspects in your CV.
Is it okay to have a gap in a CV?
While having a gap in your CV is generally acceptable, addressing it professionally is essential. Regardless of the reason, maintain honesty and frame the gap positively by emphasising any achievements, no matter how small or personal—they still contribute to your overall accomplishments.
How to explain 2 years of unemployment?
It’s completely normal to have a gap in your CV, what matters is how you frame it. Keep your explanation honest and brief. For example, you can say “Career break (2022–2024)” and, if relevant, mention what you did during that time, such as caring for family, upskilling, volunteering, or exploring a career change.
If asked in an interview, focus on your readiness to return to work and the skills you’ve maintained or developed. Employers are often more interested in what you can offer now than why you were out of work.
Should I mention maternity leave on my CV?
You don’t need to mention maternity leave on your CV unless you feel it adds helpful context to a career gap. In the UK, it's perfectly acceptable to leave it out – employers are not allowed to discriminate based on parental leave or pregnancy.
If you'd like to address a gap, a simple line like “Parental leave (2023–2024)” under your timeline works. You can also highlight any transferable skills gained during that time, such as organisation, multitasking, or freelance/voluntary work, if relevant.
