If you’re wondering how to explain career gaps during a job interview, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not the exception. According to recent data analyzing over 27 million résumés from 2020 to 2025, more than half of all professionals have at least a one-month employment gap, with 58% reporting gaps of six months or longer. As layoffs continue to rise—particularly in tech, management, and government sectors—career gaps are becoming the norm. But here's the good news: how you talk about those gaps matters more than the gap itself. And there’s a smart, simple strategy that can help.

Why Career Gaps Are Becoming More Common

The employment landscape has changed dramatically in the last five years. Mass layoffs at companies like Microsoft, federal job cuts across 27 government agencies, and widespread restructuring in industries like retail and logistics have left millions of qualified professionals with unplanned breaks in their employment history. Add the rise of freelance work and the gig economy—now encompassing nearly 50% of the U.S. workforce—and the idea of an uninterrupted career path is quickly becoming outdated.

This shift has brought a new level of openness about career pauses. Whether your gap resulted from job searching, caregiving, health reasons, or gig work, you’re in good company. And rather than being a red flag, a well-explained career gap can be a chance to highlight your adaptability, resilience, and growth.

How to Explain Career Gaps in a Job Interview

Hiring managers are human too, and they generally want three simple things when they ask about a career gap:

• What were you doing during the break?

• Why did the gap happen?

• What did you gain from the experience?

The key is to craft a brief, confident narrative that focuses on progress, not perfection. For example, if you were laid off, there’s no need for shame. It’s a common event in today’s workforce. If you took time off for family, education, or personal development, that’s worth sharing too. Many employers now prioritize skills and real-world experience over traditional credentials—so highlight how you kept learning or contributing in other ways.

Your answer doesn’t need to be long or defensive. A short, confident explanation that ties back to the value you now offer the employer is what matters. Something as simple as: “I was laid off and used the time to take a certification course and volunteer as a project manager, which sharpened my leadership skills,” is effective and impressive.

Shift the Focus From the Gap to the Growth

Remember, a gap in your resume doesn’t mean a gap in your value. Instead of worrying about what’s missing, focus on what you discovered. What skills did you develop? What clarity did you gain? Maybe you took on freelance projects, explored entrepreneurship, or simply had the time to reflect on your career direction. These are powerful insights that hiring managers appreciate—especially when tied to how you’ll contribute to their team.

Confidence is key. If you approach the conversation with shame or uncertainty, it’ll show. But when you treat your gap as a natural part of your professional journey—and connect it to the strengths you bring today—you reframe the entire narrative.

Use This Strategy: Tell a “Because” Story

Here’s a practical interview strategy: when talking about a gap, use the word “because.” It connects the experience to a positive outcome and shows you’ve thought it through. For example:

• “Because I took time to care for a loved one, I’ve developed stronger time management and problem-solving skills.”

• “Because I spent six months freelancing, I gained hands-on experience with different teams and learned how to quickly adapt.”

This shift turns your gap into an asset—one that enhances your credibility and relatability.

Your Unique Story is Your Strength

Don’t underestimate the power of your journey—even the unconventional parts. Whether you were caregiving, traveling, exploring a new path, or simply navigating a difficult job market, your experience has value. And sometimes, the most surprising details can make your story stand out. Just like a former corporate executive who once worked as a stuntman (true story!), it’s often the unexpected elements that reveal your grit, creativity, and willingness to learn.

The interview isn’t about defending your past—it’s about showing how you’re prepared to succeed in your future role. So embrace your story, lead with confidence, and remember: career gaps don’t define you. The way you grow from them does.

Final Thoughts

Career gaps are rising across every industry—and that’s okay. Today’s job market is more flexible and understanding than ever. The key is to be honest, confident, and forward-looking in how you talk about your time away from traditional employment. With the right mindset and message, your career gap can become one of the most compelling parts of your professional story.

Got a gap in your résumé? You’re in good company. Share your story in the comments—or check out our other posts for interview tips that help you land the job with confidence.