How to Explain a Two Year Career Gap on Resume

Navigating career gaps can be challenging, especially when it comes to knowing how to explain a two-year gap on a resume. Whether the gap was due to personal reasons, travel, or further education, presenting it effectively on your resume is crucial to reassure potential employers of your readiness to re-enter the workforce.

In this blog, we’ll explore several key situations where career gaps are common, including travel, caring for a family member, pursuing further education, and making a career change. We'll provide practical examples and tips to help you frame these gaps as periods of growth and skill development, ensuring your resume remains strong and competitive.

How to Explain a Two Year Career Gap on Resume

Explaining a two-year career gap on your resume effectively can help mitigate employer concerns. You can address this in sections such as the "Employment History," "Professional Experience," or a dedicated "Career Break" section. Here are some tips on how to explain a two year gap on your resume:

1. Be Honest: Clearly state the reason for your gap in the appropriate section. For example: "Career Break (2018-2020): Took a two-year break to recover from a medical condition."
2. Highlight Relevant Activities: Mention any courses, volunteer work, or freelance projects you did during the gap. For example: "Completed online courses in project management and volunteered at a local non-profit."
3. Emphasize Transferable Skills: Focus on skills gained or enhanced during the gap. For example: "Developed strong organizational skills and time management while caring for a family member."
4. Use a Functional Resume Format: This format focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history.
5. Document Your Gap Briefly: Include a short explanation in the employment history section. For example: "Career Break (2018-2020): Took time off for personal health recovery and skill development."
6. Show Continuous Learning: Highlight any self-study, certifications, or webinars you participated in. For example: "Earned certifications in digital marketing and data analysis during my career break."
7. Describe Volunteer Work: Detail any volunteer work and the skills you developed. For example: "Volunteered as a project coordinator for a community initiative, enhancing my leadership skills."
8. Mention Freelance Projects: List any freelance or consulting projects you undertook. For example: "Completed freelance graphic design projects for small businesses."
9. Include a Skills Section: Add a skills section to your resume to emphasize relevant skills. For example: "Skills: Project Management, Data Analysis, Team Leadership."
10. Explain the Gap Briefly: Provide a brief explanation directly in the work history section. For example: "2018-2020: Career break to address personal health issues and complete professional development courses."
11. Showcase Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements or recognitions during the gap. For example: "Received a volunteer of the year award for community service."
12. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive tone when explaining your career gap. For example: "My career break was a period of growth and skill development, and I’m excited to bring these new skills to your organization."

By following these steps, you can effectively explain a two-year career gap on your resume and reassure potential employers of your readiness to re-enter the workforce.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Personal Health Issues

When addressing a two-year career gap due to personal health issues on a resume, it is essential to be both honest and strategic. Clearly communicate the reason for the gap while focusing on your recovery and readiness to return to the workforce. Here are three examples of how to effectively handle this in various situations:

Gap on Resume Due to Personal Health Example 1: Professional with Continuous Work History Prior to the Gap

Situation: You had a steady job before the health issues and are now ready to return to the same field.

Work Experience: Marketing Manager XYZ Corporation, New York, NY January 2015 – December 2019

• Led a team of 10 in developing and executing marketing strategies, resulting in a 25% increase in brand engagement.
• Managed a $1M marketing budget and achieved a 30% ROI on campaigns.

Health and Recovery Period January 2020 – December 2021

• Took a planned career break to address and recover from a significant health issue.
• Engaged in professional development through online courses in digital marketing and project management to stay updated with industry trends.
• Volunteered for local non-profits, providing marketing consultancy and maintaining my skillset.

Gap on Resume Due to Personal Health Example 2: Recent Graduate Entering the Workforce

Situation: You graduated shortly before or during the onset of your health issues and are now entering the job market.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABC University, Los Angeles, CA Graduated: May 2020

Health and Recovery Period June 2020 – June 2022

• Experienced and overcame significant health challenges, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• Participated in various online coding bootcamps and webinars to enhance my technical skills.
• Contributed to open-source projects, gaining practical experience in software development.

Gap on Resume Due to Personal Health Example 3: Career Changer

Situation: You were in a different field before your health issues and used the recovery period to prepare for a new career path.

Work Experience: Sales Associate DEF Retail, Chicago, IL March 2016 – February 2020

• Consistently exceeded sales targets by 15% through excellent customer service and product knowledge.
• Trained new employees on sales techniques and customer relationship management.

Health and Recovery Period March 2020 – February 2022

• Took a necessary break to focus on recovery from a health issue.
• Undertook coursework in data analytics and obtained a certification in Data Science from an online platform.
• Completed freelance projects in data analysis for small businesses, showcasing my new skills and dedication to career transition.

In each example, the health and recovery period is addressed honestly but concisely, emphasizing continuous learning, skill maintenance, and readiness to re-enter the workforce. This approach ensures transparency while highlighting your proactive steps during the gap.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Caring for a Family Member

Explaining a two-year career gap due to caring for a family member on your resume involves being forthright while highlighting any skills or experiences gained during this period. It’s crucial to convey your dedication to family while also emphasizing your preparedness to rejoin the workforce. Here are three examples tailored to different situations:

Gap on Resume Due to Caring for a Family Member Example 1: Professional with Continuous Work History Prior to the Gap

Situation: You had a consistent career before the gap and are now ready to return to the same industry.

Work Experience: Project Manager XYZ Corporation, Boston, MA January 2014 – December 2018

• Oversaw the successful completion of multiple high-budget projects, improving efficiency by 20%.
• Managed cross-functional teams and coordinated with stakeholders to ensure project alignment with business goals.

Family Care Period January 2019 – December 2020

• Took a planned career break to provide full-time care for a family member.
• Developed strong organizational and time-management skills by coordinating medical appointments, managing household responsibilities, and ensuring overall well-being.
• Stayed updated with industry trends through webinars and online courses, including certification in Agile Project Management.

Gap on Resume Due to Caring for a Family Member Example 2: Recent Graduate Entering the Workforce

Situation: You graduated shortly before or during the onset of your caregiving responsibilities and are now entering the job market.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design ABC University, Seattle, WA Graduated: May 2019

Family Care Period June 2019 – June 2021

• Took a career break to provide essential care for a family member, demonstrating empathy and responsibility.
• Enhanced graphic design skills by completing freelance projects, including logo design and website creation for local businesses.
• Completed online courses in advanced graphic design software, staying current with industry practices.

Gap on Resume Due to Caring for a Family Member Example 3: Career Changer

Situation: You were in a different field before the caregiving period and used this time to prepare for a new career path.

Work Experience: Administrative Assistant DEF Company, Dallas, TX February 2015 – March 2019

• Provided administrative support, managed schedules, and organized company events.
• Implemented a new filing system that increased efficiency by 15%.

Family Care Period April 2019 – April 2021

• Took a necessary break to care for a family member, developing advanced multitasking and problem-solving skills.
• Pursued a career change to data analysis, completing a certification in Data Analytics from an online platform.
• Conducted volunteer data analysis projects for local non-profits, demonstrating commitment and gaining practical experience.

In each example, the family care period is acknowledged candidly, with a focus on the transferable skills and professional development pursued during the gap. This approach demonstrates your commitment to family while underscoring your proactive efforts to maintain and enhance your career readiness.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Parental Leave

When explaining a two-year career gap on your resume due to parental leave, it is important to be honest and show how you have stayed engaged with your industry or developed relevant skills during this period. Here are three examples illustrating how to effectively address this gap in different situations:

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Parental Leave Example 1: Professional with Continuous Work History Prior to the Gap

Situation: You had a stable career before taking parental leave and are now ready to return to the same field.

Work Experience: Software Developer XYZ Tech Solutions, San Francisco, CA June 2015 – June 2019

• Developed and maintained web applications, contributing to a 15% increase in user engagement.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement new features.

Parental Leave July 2019 – July 2021

• Took a planned career break for parental leave to focus on raising a newborn and ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood.
• Stayed current with industry trends by participating in online coding courses and attending virtual tech conferences.
• Completed freelance projects for small businesses, maintaining and enhancing coding skills during the break.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Parental Leave Example 2: Recent Graduate Entering the Workforce

Situation: You graduated shortly before or during your parental leave and are now seeking to enter the job market.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration ABC University, Chicago, IL Graduated: May 2019

Parental Leave June 2019 – June 2021

• Took time off to focus on the early stages of parenthood, managing household responsibilities and child care.
• Utilized this period to enhance my skills through online business courses, focusing on marketing and finance.
• Volunteered with a local community group, assisting in organizing events and managing social media, which provided practical experience in business operations.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Parental Leave Example 3: Career Changer

Situation: You were in a different field before taking parental leave and used this time to prepare for a new career path.

Work Experience: Customer Service Representative DEF Corporation, Houston, TX January 2014 – January 2019

• Assisted customers with inquiries and resolved complaints, achieving a high satisfaction rate.
• Trained new hires on customer service protocols and company policies.

Parental Leave February 2019 – February 2021

• Took a career break for parental leave to care for a newborn and manage family responsibilities.
• Pursued a career change into digital marketing by completing an online certification in Digital Marketing Strategy.
• Gained practical experience by managing a personal blog and social media accounts, increasing follower engagement and implementing SEO strategies.

In each example, the parental leave period is acknowledged transparently, with an emphasis on the proactive steps taken to stay engaged with the professional world or develop new skills. This approach highlights your dedication to both family and career, showcasing readiness to re-enter the workforce with enhanced capabilities.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Pursuing Further Education

When addressing a two-year career gap on your resume due to pursuing further education, it's important to clearly communicate that this period was spent enhancing your skills and knowledge. This explanation should emphasize how the education aligns with your career goals and adds value to your professional profile. Here are three examples of how to effectively present this in different situations:

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Pursuing Further Education Example 1: Professional Continuing in the Same Field

Situation: You were already established in your career but decided to pursue an advanced degree to deepen your expertise.

Work Experience: Financial Analyst XYZ Corporation, New York, NY June 2015 – August 2019

• Conducted in-depth financial analysis, providing strategic recommendations that led to a 10% increase in profit margins.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop financial models and forecasts.

Education Period September 2019 – August 2021

• Pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance at ABC University.
• Gained advanced knowledge in financial management, corporate strategy, and leadership, enhancing my ability to contribute to higher-level business decisions.
• Completed a capstone project that involved developing a financial strategy for a start-up, resulting in a comprehensive business plan ready for investor presentations.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Pursuing Further Education Example 2: Career Advancer Seeking a Leadership Role

Situation: You took time off to gain a qualification that would help you move into a leadership role.

Work Experience: Marketing Coordinator DEF Agency, Los Angeles, CA April 2016 – June 2019

• Assisted in the development and execution of marketing campaigns, contributing to a 20% increase in client acquisition.
• Coordinated events and managed client communications to ensure seamless project delivery.

Education Period July 2019 – June 2021

• Completed a Master of Science in Marketing with a focus on Digital Marketing and Strategic Management from XYZ University.
• Acquired leadership skills through courses in team management and strategic planning, preparing for transition into managerial roles.
• Led a group project that involved creating and executing a digital marketing strategy for a non-profit organization, which successfully increased their online engagement by 50%.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Pursuing Further Education Example 3: Career Changer

Situation: You decided to pursue further education to transition into a completely different field.

Work Experience: Elementary School Teacher GHI School District, Boston, MA September 2014 – June 2019

• Developed and implemented lesson plans, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.
• Collaborated with other educators to create interdisciplinary projects that enhanced student learning outcomes.

Education Period July 2019 – July 2021

• Pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at ABC University, focusing on software development and data analysis.
• Gained proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Java, with hands-on experience in developing applications.
• Completed a final project involving the creation of an educational app, which integrates lesson planning tools for teachers, bridging my experience in education with my new skills in technology.

In each example, the education period is clearly marked on the resume, highlighting the degree obtained, the skills acquired, and any relevant projects or experiences. This approach ensures that the career gap is seen as a valuable period of growth and learning, directly contributing to your professional advancement.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Career Change

When explaining a two-year career gap on your resume due to a career change, it’s essential to highlight how this period was used to acquire new skills, gain relevant experience, and transition into your new field. The key is to frame the gap as a deliberate and strategic move that adds value to your new career path. Here are three examples tailored to different scenarios:

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Career Change Example 1: Transitioning from One Professional Field to Another

Situation: You were working in a specific field but decided to shift to a completely different industry.

Work Experience: Accountant XYZ Corporation, Chicago, IL March 2015 – April 2019

• Managed financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving the accuracy of financial reporting by 15%.
• Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets and financial statements.

Career Change Transition Period May 2019 – May 2021

• Pursued coursework and certifications in Software Development, including obtaining a Full Stack Developer certification from ABC Online Academy.
• Completed several freelance web development projects, including designing and launching websites for small businesses.
• Attended industry conferences and participated in hackathons to build a network within the tech community.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Career Change Example 2: Moving from a Technical Role to a Creative Role

Situation: You decided to move from a highly technical role to a more creative profession.

Work Experience: Mechanical Engineer DEF Engineering, Seattle, WA June 2014 – June 2019

• Designed and tested mechanical components, contributing to a 20% improvement in product efficiency.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into product designs.

Career Change Transition Period July 2019 – July 2021

• Enrolled in a Graphic Design program at XYZ Design School, where I developed skills in digital illustration, typography, and branding.
• Created a portfolio of design projects, including branding packages, website designs, and marketing materials for various clients.
• Volunteered as a graphic designer for non-profits, applying my design skills to create promotional materials and gaining real-world experience in the creative industry.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Career Change Example 3: Switching from a Corporate Role to Entrepreneurship

Situation: You left a corporate position to start your own business or freelance career.

Work Experience: Human Resources Manager GHI Corporation, New York, NY January 2013 – March 2019

• Managed recruitment processes and employee relations, improving retention rates by 10%.
• Developed and implemented HR policies that streamlined operations and enhanced workplace culture.

Career Change Transition Period April 2019 – April 2021

• Launched and managed a freelance consulting business, specializing in HR consulting and career coaching.
• Acquired clients by leveraging my corporate experience, providing services such as resume writing, interview coaching, and organizational development.
• Completed a certification in Small Business Management to strengthen my entrepreneurial skills and ensure the success of my new venture.

In each of these examples, the career change transition period is clearly identified on the resume, emphasizing the proactive steps taken to develop new skills, gain relevant experience, and prepare for success in the new field. This approach presents the career gap as a period of intentional growth and strategic planning, positioning you as a well-prepared candidate in your new industry.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Travel

When addressing a two-year career gap on your resume due to travel, it's important to frame the experience as a period of personal growth, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Highlight any relevant skills you acquired or experiences that contribute to your professional profile. This approach helps to present the travel gap as a valuable experience that can positively impact your career. Here are three examples of how to address this situation on your resume:

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Travel Example 1: Professional Returning to the Same Field

Situation: You took a break from your career to travel the world but are now returning to your original field.

Work Experience: Marketing Specialist XYZ Corporation, New York, NY January 2015 – December 2018

• Developed and executed marketing strategies that resulted in a 20% increase in brand visibility.
• Managed social media campaigns, growing online engagement by 30%.

Travel and Cultural Experience January 2019 – December 2020

• Traveled to 15 countries across Europe and Asia, gaining a deep understanding of diverse cultures and global markets.
• Developed strong problem-solving and adaptability skills while navigating unfamiliar environments and managing travel logistics.
• Documented the journey through a travel blog, which attracted a significant following, enhancing my skills in content creation, SEO, and digital marketing.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Travel Example 2: Recent Graduate Using Travel to Build Soft Skills

Situation: You graduated and decided to travel before starting your career, using the experience to develop valuable soft skills.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations ABC University, Los Angeles, CA Graduated: May 2018

Travel and Personal Development June 2018 – June 2020

• Traveled extensively across South America, volunteering with local NGOs to assist in community development projects.
• Improved cross-cultural communication skills by working with diverse groups and leading workshops in English as a Second Language (ESL).
• Gained fluency in Spanish through immersion, enhancing my ability to engage with Spanish-speaking clients and partners in a professional setting.

Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Travel Example 3: Career Changer Using Travel to Explore New Career Path

Situation: You used travel as an opportunity to explore a new career path and gain relevant experience.

Work Experience: Software Engineer DEF Tech Solutions, San Francisco, CA March 2014 – February 2018

• Developed and maintained software applications, contributing to a 25% improvement in system performance.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design user-friendly interfaces.

Travel and Career Exploration March 2018 – March 2020

• Traveled across Africa and Southeast Asia, researching sustainable development practices and the impact of technology on rural communities.
• Completed online courses in environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship, aligning my technical skills with my new career interests.
• Conducted field research and interviews with local entrepreneurs, culminating in a detailed report on sustainable business models, which I presented at a local seminar upon my return.

In each example, the travel period is clearly articulated on the resume, focusing on the skills gained and experiences that are relevant to your professional development. This approach allows you to present the career gap as an intentional and enriching experience that contributes to your career trajectory.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Travel

When explaining a two-year career gap due to travel, emphasize how this period contributed to personal growth and skill development that benefits your professional life. Frame the experience as a strategic break that enhances your global perspective and adaptability.

Work Experience: Marketing Specialist XYZ Corporation, New York, NY January 2015 – December 2018

• Developed successful marketing strategies that increased brand visibility by 20%.

Travel and Cultural Experience January 2019 – December 2020

• Traveled across 15 countries, enhancing cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills, and documented the journey through a travel blog, honing content creation and SEO skills.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Caring for a Family Member

When addressing a career gap due to caring for a family member, be honest about the break while highlighting how you maintained or developed relevant skills during this time.

Work Experience: Project Manager XYZ Corporation, Boston, MA January 2014 – December 2018

• Successfully managed projects, improving efficiency by 20%.

Family Care Period January 2019 – December 2020

• Took a planned break to provide care for a family member, during which I enhanced my time management and organizational skills through the coordination of care responsibilities.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Pursuing Further Education

If your career gap was due to pursuing further education, emphasize how the new qualifications align with your career goals and add value to your professional profile.

Work Experience: Financial Analyst XYZ Corporation, New York, NY June 2015 – August 2019

• Provided strategic financial recommendations that increased profit margins by 10%.

Education Period September 2019 – August 2021

• Pursued an MBA with a concentration in Finance at ABC University, enhancing my ability to contribute to high-level business decisions.

How to Explain a Two-Year Career Gap on Resume Due to Career Change

When explaining a career gap due to a career change, focus on the steps you took to acquire new skills and transition into your new field.

Work Experience: Accountant XYZ Corporation, Chicago, IL March 2015 – April 2019

• Improved financial reporting accuracy by 15%.

Career Change Transition Period May 2019 – May 2021

• Completed a Full Stack Developer certification and gained experience by working on freelance web development projects.

Each of these examples presents the career gap as a strategic and valuable period of growth, ensuring that the gap is viewed positively by potential employers.