What to say when a recruiter asks without sounding defensive
Resume gaps happen. But what really matters is how you explain them.
Maybe you took time off for caregiving, health, school, burnout or simply… life. And now you’re worried that gap might raise a red flag.
The truth? A gap isn’t the problem. Avoiding the topic is.
Recruiters don’t reject candidates because they took time off, they pass when the story around that time feels vague, defensive or unintentional.
This is less about the gap and more about the narrative
Here’s what recruiters are listening for:
- 🧠 Clarity: Do you know how to frame your career journey?
- 🎯 Purpose: Were you intentional in how you used that time?
- 🗣️ Confidence: Can you own your choices and speak about them professionally?
Don’t apologize. Own it, clearly and briefly.
Your goal is to acknowledge the gap without over-explaining or sounding unsure.
Structure your answer in 3 parts:
1. Name the gap without shame
Keep it clear and neutral. No need to over justify.
“Between 2022 and mid-2023, I took a career break to care for a family member.”
2. Share how you stayed connected or grew
This could be freelance work, certifications, personal projects, mentoring, or simply time to reset.
“During that time I completed a certification in product marketing and stayed active in online industry groups.”
3. Shift focus to what’s next
This is where you realign with the opportunity at hand.
“Now I’m excited to re-engage fully and bring fresh energy into a growth-focused team like yours.”
Tip: You don’t need to defend the gap. You need to show that you’re clear, capable, and focused moving forward.
Examples of strong gap explanations
Example 1: Health related break
“In early 2023, I stepped away from full time work to focus on health. That time gave me space to reset, and I’m now fully energized and ready for the next chapter in product management.”
Example 2: Relocation or family care
“After relocating internationally, I took time to support my family through the transition. I used that period to deepen my UX skills through freelance projects and community design sprints.”
Example 3: Career pivot and reskilling
“I left my previous role in finance to pivot into data analytics. Over the past year I’ve completed two certification programs, built a portfolio of case studies, and I’m now ready to apply that to a new team.”
What not to do
- ❌ Overexplain or overshare personal details
- ❌ Say “I wasn’t doing much” even if true, it’s not strategic
- ❌ Skip the gap entirely, that leaves the recruiter to fill in the blanks
Remember: You don’t need to be flawless, just focused.
Having a resume gap doesn’t disqualify you. But not being ready to explain it can.
When you speak with clarity and self-awareness, you show what every recruiter wants to see: someone who owns their journey and is ready to move forward.
Final thought: Your story doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be honest, concise, and anchored in the future, not the past.