How to Explain a Gap in Employment

If you have an employment gap on your resume the interviewer will probably ask you    'Why the gap?' and 'What have you been doing while out of work?'

These questions can be difficult to answer because sometimes the truthful answer is usually not a positive one and lying to the interviewer is never the right the right thing to do.

 How you develop your response will depend on the circumstances surrounding the departure from your last position and the answer you do give should not show any animosity, disloyalty or anger towards your former employer.

 So, before you answer, think about how you are going to respond and practice your answer until you get it down pat because it will undoubtedly come up at some point, probably earlier rather than later, in the interview.  The way you act and answer when asked is key to an ongoing positive interview experience.

 Ok, you're in the interview and are asked "Why did you leave your previous job?" As stated above, do not show any animosity, disloyalty or anger towards your former employer. The answer you came up with prior to the interview should be focused what went right at the previous position and how you will utilize your past experience in the new job; never, ever go into the negative!

 Here are some answers you might want to use:

• As you can see from my resume, I worked at my last position for X number of years and was laid-off from my last position when my department was eliminated due to a corporate restructuring. I learned a lot there and hope to be able to apply what I learned in the past position to this one.
• The company was cutting back and unfortunately my position was one of those. I learned a lot there and hope to be able to apply what I learned in the past position to this one.
• I was the last hired in the department and first to be let go in a round of corporate layoffs. I did learn a lot there and hope to be able to apply what I learned in the past position to this one.
• I was working as a temp in the position and the contract ended.        I would have like to have stayed on as I was learning something new every day which I enjoyed very much.
• My position was outsourced which was too bad as I really like what I was doing.
• I outlasted several downsizings but the last one included me.

If, on the other hand you were let go for breaking company policy, for example, your answer should focus on having taken responsibility and what you learned:

 "Unfortunately, I made an executive decision to help a customer and it turned out to be against company policy. I made a mistake. It was my fault and I accepted full responsibility. Although I wish it had never happened, I've come away from the situation certain that I will always use better judgment, and ask someone first before going out on a limb in the future."

If you were terminated because you and your boss didn't get along, concentrate on the good that was in the former position:

"My former manager and I were both passionate about the business and our main goal was always to do what was best for the company. We didn't always see eye to eye on issues and ultimately he thought it was best to part ways. He valued my contribution to the company and I learned a lot from being there.  Most importantly, though, I am ready to use what I learned from that experience in the future."

Leaving a company isn't always a pleasant experience and it's not always easy to explain; each person's situation is different so your best guide is to follow your instincts and keep the following tips of what to avoid in mind:

• Never badmouth your former boss or employer or say anything negative about your previous company.

• The way you talk about your last boss is how this hiring manager assumes you'll talk about him or her. Focus on the positive and don't lay blame.

• Practice in advance what you'll say; keep it brief, honest and moving. That way, you'll get past the sticky issue of getting fired and can move on to your skills and why you're qualified for the job.

• Don't whine or complain.

•  Do try to focus on growth.

 And don't lie! You can easily get caught if your future employer knows or calls your last manager to verify your employment history which could result in your not getting the job.

Keeping in mind the above you should now be able to more confidently answer the question, "Why did you leave your last job?"

Source : articlesbase.com