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We always say that it's better not to have gaps on your resume. It's better to show continual career progression and it's better to show a constant path rather than jumping around between careers.
What if that's not the case for you? First, don't worry. You can't change history, and you can't change your resume. What's done is done.
Second, find good explanations for the career hiccups. For example:
"I took a lower level job because I'd been laid off and my family needed me to work. I went into real estate just as the market crashed. I thought I could make it, but the economy was against me."
"I have a 6 month gap between roles; I was looking after my mother during a terminal illness."
Third, if you can, find the positive out of those circumstances. For example:
"I took the lower level job and remembered what it's really like to be managed. I think that experience will make me a better manager."
"Working for myself was eye-opening - I learnt how complex a business really is. It's given me real insight into how a business runs."
"Looking after my mother was a privilege and one I don't regret. I learnt a great deal about patience and forgiveness during that time too."
We'll be back next week with more practical guidance. If you want to move more quickly, you can find all the follow-up emails here.
The Career Tools Team