Handling Employment Gaps and Career Changes

Resume Rescue Series #9


Navigating employment gaps or transitioning to a new career path can be challenging, but it's not an insurmountable obstacle in the tech industry.

But fret not, there are strategies to effectively address employment gaps and career changes on your tech resume, ensuring you present your professional journey in the best possible light.

Let's dive into how you can handle employment gaps and career changes like a pro on your tech resume.

Addressing Employment Gaps and Career Changes


  • Honesty Is the Best Policy: First things first, be upfront and honest about your employment gaps. Employers appreciate candor, and you can always explain the gaps adequately.

  • Consider a Fresh Format: Consider a functional or hybrid resume format that highlights skills and achievements over a chronological work history. These formats put your skills and achievements in the spotlight, not your work history timeline. It's a neat way to shift the focus away from those gaps.

  • Address Gaps in Your Cover Letter: If necessary, briefly address employment gaps in your cover letter. Share why they happened and highlight any cool stuff you did during that downtime.

  • Showcase Side Hustles: If you pursued any freelance work, consulting, or short-term projects during gaps, include them in your work experience section to fill in the timeline.

  • Professional Development: Did you take courses any courses, certifications, or go all self-study guru during the gap? Write it in your resume. It shows you are all about self-improvement.

  • Explain Personal Reasons: Sometimes, life happens. If personal reasons like family stuff, relocating, or health matters caused the gap, you can briefly mention it without spilling your life story.

Making the Leap from Non-Tech to Tech


So, you're switching gears from a non-tech background to the exciting world of tech? Awesome choice! Here's how you can tweak your resume:

  • Relevant Skills and Transferable Experience: Think about the skills and experiences you've gained from your previous career. Stuff like project management, problem-solving, or being a pro at analyzing things – these can be pure gold in tech roles

  • Technical Certifications and Training: List any relevant technical certifications or training you've completed to bridge the gap between your previous career and the tech field.

  • Side Projects and Self-Study: Showcase your personal tech projects and the hours you've put into self-study. This demonstrates your commitment to learning and adapting to the tech industry.

  • Networking and Mentorship: Mention any networking efforts, tech meetups, or mentorship relationships you've established to gain insights and guidance for your career transition.

  • Customize Your Resume for Entry-Level Roles: If you're targeting entry-level tech positions, tailor your resume to emphasize your readiness to learn and contribute as a junior team member.

  • Dive into Internships or Volunteering: Consider internships or volunteering opportunities in tech, as they can provide hands-on experience and help bridge the gap.

Shine the Spotlight on Your Skills and Achievements


Let's talk about the good stuff – your skills and achievements. Here's how to make them pop on your resume:

  1. Skills and Achievements First: Don't bury the treasure. When addressing career changes or employment gaps, stick your skills and achievements right at the top where everyone can see them. Catch the reader's eye from the get-go.

  2. Tailor to the Target Role: Each job you apply for is unique, right? So, tweak your resume for every application. Emphasize skills and experiences most relevant to the specific tech position you're pursuing.

  3. Quantify Your Impact: Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your value, regardless of your background. Show how you've positively impacted previous employers or projects.

By addressing employment gaps with honesty and transparency and effectively showcasing your transferable skills, relevant experiences, and dedication to learning, you can create a tech resume that positions you as a strong candidate, whether you're transitioning from a non-tech background or explaining gaps in your work history. Remember that your ability to adapt and grow is highly valued in the tech industry, and your resume should reflect your readiness to thrive in a new tech career.

Create my resume