Employment Gap of 2 Months?

SLZ

Hi all,

I'm currently applying for new jobs as due to various reasons my current position is unworkable in it's current position (due to false promises made during interview that I've since discovered aren't going to be kept) however on a couple of applications, it asks if I have employment gaps and the only gap I have (longer than 2 weeks) is my most recent transition which was 2 months long as I left my old company as I wanted to spend time with family (whom I hadn't seen in a long time) and work on myself while I was actively applying for other jobs (I didn't need the money although it did cut quite fine as I had unexpected bills).

Do I need to write an explanation that I wanted time out to visit family and focus on myself while seeking other employment or should I say no gap although it's clear from when I have put employment dates in there's a 2 month break.

Any advice?

Wyndham

I've now not worked for 3 months. I'm currently describing it as 'part elected holiday, part looking for work' - which is true. Previously I took time out as my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Life is what happens when you're not at work!

I'm not clear - are you working now, or is your gap now? If you're currently working then I think if I were interviewing you I'd be less bothered about a previous gap.

TELLIT01

Don't try to hide the gap. It could come back to bite you if a reference gives and end date which doesn't match with what you claim on your CV. A couple of months gap is nothing to worry about. Wyndham's explanation of part elected holiday etc sounds a perfect explanation to me.

SLZ

Wyndham wrote: »

I've now not worked for 3 months. I'm currently describing it as 'part elected holiday, part looking for work' - which is true. Previously I took time out as my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Life is what happens when you're not at work!

I'm not clear - are you working now, or is your gap now? If you're currently working then I think if I were interviewing you I'd be less bothered about a previous gap.

I'm currently working now yes. I genuinely did take a holiday during that time so I wouldn't be lying about what I did during the gap.

Thank you!

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Don't try to hide the gap. It could come back to bite you if a reference gives and end date which doesn't match with what you claim on your CV. A couple of months gap is nothing to worry about. Wyndham's explanation of part elected holiday etc sounds a perfect explanation to me.

I wasn't looking to lie but I was curious as to whether or not it was worth mentioning due to it being a couple of months, rather than a year but I think you and Wyndham are correct and that I'll say it was a part holiday as I did take a holiday it's just the gap was longer than anticipated due to a job offer falling through before I got the role I'm in currently.

Thank you!

missbiggles1

SLZ wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm currently applying for new jobs as due to various reasons my current position is unworkable in it's current position (due to false promises made during interview that I've since discovered aren't going to be kept) however on a couple of applications, it asks if I have employment gaps and the only gap I have (longer than 2 weeks) is my most recent transition which was 2 months long as I left my old company as I wanted to spend time with family (whom I hadn't seen in a long time) and work on myself while I was actively applying for other jobs (I didn't need the money although it did cut quite fine as I had unexpected bills).

Do I need to write an explanation that I wanted time out to visit family and focus on myself while seeking other employment or should I say no gap although it's clear from when I have put employment dates in there's a 2 month break.

Any advice?

I wouldn't use the expression "work on myself" because it's pretty cringemaking - spending time with your family and assessing/making plans for your future would be more acceptable.

Savvy_Sue

Agree with not just leaving it unexplained: stays at Her Majesty's pleasure can be quite short ...

Tressie_William

Shorter career breaks do not need an explanation. Career breaks of 2-3 months are very common so you don’t have to give a reason and many of the employers do not notice such breaks.

Mersey_2

Very true. After all MPs have a longer Summer recess.

DebtFreeWannaBE

Agreed, always mention it so that it doesn't look like you are trying to hide it, but don't provide an explanation on the application or your resume. IF they ask about it in the interview, then you should have a good answer ready, but often a two month gap isn't really looked too closely at. Especially since it is past and not present.

sgun

I had a three month gap once, June to August, I was asked in an interview what I had been up to and I told them "sitting about in the sun enjoying the summer". I got the job so I guess it doesn't matter as long as you are honest.