Blog Post: Handling gaps in your resume

Whether you have chosen to re-enter the workforce after taking time off or your job search has simply taken longer than you've expected, you may have a gap in your resume and don't know how to fill it.
 
Offer information - if you have chosen to stay at home or have taken some time for travel, you have definitely gained some skills. In cases like these, list what you have done as a gap filler, for example "Traveled Europe" you can them list the skills you learned that you feel have made you a better job candidate" built relationships quickly with other travelers",. "able to feel comfortable in new environments", "self starter and able to work in groups or alone", etc.
 
If you're gap is due to your job search list what you have done on the side (be aware that you should always be doing something to better yourself as a candidate). So, things like volunteering, joining new networking groups or associations, etc.
 
Remember, recruiters will focus more on what you do have listed on your resume more so than the the information not listed, so be sure you are focusing your attention on making that information really speak to the recruiter. Don't just list your duties (i.e. customer service), list your accomplishments (i.e. kept customer retention at 90% with strong customer service skills and one-on-one relationship building.)