Suggestions to explain gap in employment history?

McKneff

tell the truth, it is easier to remember if you are asked in person.
you have to have a good memory to be a good liar.

jumpycheese1

I have been out of work since end Feb myself, abeit 6 weeks of temp work from 2 assignments. As I went on holiday in end May (booked when I was working btw) and said I couldn't apply for some jobs for 2-3 weeks before the holiday as in job adverts, some state the interview date(s) were being conducted while I was away. I did contact those who didn't display interview dates as well. So I had around a month without no job hunting.

Then said I helped my grandmother when my grandfather had a stroke. This is still continuing as my grandfather is back home for 6 weeks now and is very frail.

therealdessie

I used to bring it up before it was asked, and I would say that I had been working solid for the past ten years, I felt it was time to take a break and catch my breath; so I took a month out before starting to look. All employers know that employment takes time, and the process isn't instantaneous for anyone.

chuckley

the truth.

Mark7799

I have a gap of around two and a half months on my CV - I just put "voluntarily unemployed". I'd been given a redundancy package after 20 years with the same employer so decided to have a few weeks' break. I didn't sign on, set aside some money from redundancy to live on and started a new job after our summer holiday. It meant no childcare costs for the six week summer break and a chnace to chill out.

tincat

I put something like 'Temporary work in varying roles...' I was signed up with a couple of temping agencies, but still had a gap of a couple of months where I was out of work.

So if e.g. I worked in January, then didn't work for Feb/Mar, and then worked in April, I would put : Jan to April - Temporary Assignments blah de blah.

However, if you have never temped, maybe this isn't a good way to go about it.

Good luck

SandC

I would tell the truth. You were made redundant and as it was approaching school holidays you decided to have a work break for a while and start looking towards the beginning of the new school year.

That's perfectly acceptable - it certainly would be to me if I were the one employing.

Kimitatsu

I finished a contract at the end of May and my next one does not start until the beinning of September. When I was interviewed for the job I was totally upfront and explained that as my eldest goes off to secondary school, I deided to take the Summer off to be with them as this is a major point in his life.

I never had anyone question that decision nor make a comment on it (and yes I got the job!!. All employers now have to be flexible if you have children and as it is the NHS they offer good family packages, so be upfront about it.