How to Explain Employment Gaps on Your CV

In modern day Aotearoa, taking a break from work is common. Whether it’s for travel, parenting, education, or even an unexpected redundancy. In spite of this, explaining these gaps on your CV can be challenging.

This guide offers practical strategies for addressing employment gaps with honesty and confidence, helping you transform them into valuable experiences that strengthen your employability and appeal to potential employers.

Why Addressing CV Gaps Matters

Employers in New Zealand are becoming increasingly open-minded about career breaks, but they still value transparency. Hiring managers may notice any employment gaps on your CV, so addressing them proactively could help prevent assumptions and demonstrate honesty, building trust from the outset of the recruitment process.

Many career gaps also involve valuable experiences such as upskilling, caregiving, volunteering, freelance work, or personal development. By acknowledging and explaining these periods, you can create an opportunity to highlight the skills, knowledge, and personal growth you gained during that time. Rather than being viewed as a weakness, a well-explained employment gap can showcase resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Types of Employment Gaps and How to Explain Them

1. Travel or Sabbatical

If you’ve travelled or taken a sabbatical, you can be clear about why and show what you have learned.

Highlight skills like:

• Cross-cultural communication: Navigating different cultures enhances interpersonal skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving: Managing logistics and overcoming language barriers demonstrate resilience.
• Budgeting and planning: Organising long trips showcases financial and strategic planning skills.

Example Interview Response:
"I took a planned sabbatical to focus on personal development and broaden my experiences. During that time, I completed professional training, volunteered within my community, and developed skills such as adaptability, communication, and resilience. The experience gave me a fresh perspective and reinforced my enthusiasm for returning to my career."

2. Parental Leave or Caregiving

Taking time off for whānau (family) responsibilities is increasingly recognised by employers, especially in regard to parental leave.

Parental leave is a normal life event. You can present it confidently as a period of significant responsibility and personal growth rather than as a setback in your career.

Emphasise transferable skills like:

• Time management: Coordinating multiple schedules and responsibilities.
• Empathy and communication: Developing active listening and emotional intelligence.
• Multitasking and organisational skills: Balancing various caregiving tasks efficiently.

Example Interview Response:
"I took parental leave to focus on caring for my child during their early years. During that time, I developed strong organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills while managing multiple responsibilities. I also stayed connected to my professional development and am now excited to bring those skills and perspectives back into the workplace."

For more help with balancing work and family, check out our article: Balancing Work and Family: A Guide for Parents in the Workforce.

3. Redundancy or Job Loss

Experiencing redundancy or job loss is more common than ever. Remember, you can address it honestly.

Focus on how you remained proactive:

• Upskilling – Mention online courses, certifications, or workshops attended.
• Freelancing or Volunteering – Highlight any freelance work, temp work, consulting, or volunteer roles that kept your skills sharp.
• Networking and Job Search Activities – Show how you expanded your professional network or attended industry events.

Example:
“Position was made redundant due to organisational restructuring. Used this period to complete a certification in digital marketing and volunteered for a local non-profit, enhancing my leadership and project management skills.”

How to Format Employment Gaps on Your CV

1. Highlight your skills first

Consider structuring your CV so that your key skills and achievements appear before your employment history. This allows employers to focus on your capabilities and experience before reviewing your career timeline, which can be particularly helpful when addressing employment gaps or career changes.

2. Include a ‘Career Break’ Section

Consider adding a dedicated section called “Career Break” or “Professional Development” to explain the gap clearly and concisely.

Example:
Career Break (2022-2023)
Took a 12-month sabbatical to focus on personal development and travel. During this period, enhanced cultural awareness, adaptability, and strategic planning skills.

3. Combine Dates for Short Gaps

If you had multiple short gaps between roles, group them together. For instance, “2019-2021: Freelance and Contract Work” instead of listing every short-term position.

Learn more about effective CV formatting in our guide on CV and Cover Letter Advice .

Addressing Gaps in Your Cover Letter

You can also use your cover letter to provide context about your employment gap while focusing on your enthusiasm and readiness for the role. Here’s how:

• Be Brief but Honest: Mention the gap concisely without over-explaining.
• Highlight Learnings and Skills: Emphasise what you gained during the break that makes you a stronger candidate.
• Show Enthusiasm and Commitment: Reaffirm your eagerness to rejoin the workforce and your dedication to the industry.

Example:
“After taking time off for parental leave, I am excited to bring my enhanced organisational and multitasking skills to the role. This experience has strengthened my ability to handle multiple priorities efficiently, which I am eager to apply in a dynamic work environment.”

Explore more about crafting impactful cover letters in our article on Creating Personalised Cover Letters .

Turning Employment Gaps into Strengths

Employers value resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Turn potential concerns about gaps into selling points by demonstrating:

• Resilience and Proactiveness: Show how you remained proactive through upskilling, volunteering, or freelancing.
• Transferable Skills: Emphasise the soft skills acquired, such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.
• Growth Mindset: Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

For remote job seekers, read our guide on Understanding Remote Work to leverage your skills for flexible roles.

Final Tips for Job Seekers in New Zealand

• When it comes up, be honest and confident: Own your career break with confidence and focus on the positives.
• Customise Every Application: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each role, ensuring relevance to the job description.
• Stay Updated and Network: Engage in industry events, online communities, or professional groups to stay connected.

Need help crafting the perfect CV or navigating your job search? 

Contact Adecco New Zealand today. Our recruitment experts can guide you through the process with personalised advice. Alternatively, explore our latest job openings to take the next step in your career.

Employment gaps are no longer a deal-breaker. With honesty, strategic CV formatting, and an emphasis on transferable skills, you can turn career breaks into strengths. Your experiences, no matter how unconventional, add to your professional narrative, making you a unique and valuable candidate.

For more career advice and job market insights, check out:

• Job Hopping in 2025: Aotearoa’s Perspective on Career Changes
• How to Leave a Job Well | Professional Resignation Tips
• New Year, New Job: Your Guide to Finding a Job Anytime
• How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Check out our locations around the country and chat to one of the team today, they can get to know your skills and experiences and find the right role for you.