Hey there, job seekers! Are you nervous about the employment gap on your resume? Do you know how to address it in your cover letter? Fret not, because we’ve got you covered with an employment gap cover letter sample that you can personalize to your own unique situation. We understand that employment gaps can cause anxiety, but we believe that with the right approach, you can still land your dream job. With our sample cover letter, you will find examples that will help you create a letter that highlights your strengths and downplays any employment gaps. You can easily edit the sample to fit your own qualifications and situation. Don’t let an employment gap hold you back, let’s get started on crafting your winning cover letter today!
The Best Structure for an Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample
It can be daunting to address an employment gap in a cover letter, but it’s important to acknowledge it and explain it in a professional manner. Here are some tips on how to structure your cover letter when addressing an employment gap:
Address the Gap Upfront
Don’t beat around the bush – address the employment gap as soon as possible in your cover letter. This shows that you’re transparent and honest, and it also reassures the employer that you’re not hiding anything. You can mention it right after your opening paragraph, or you can dedicate a whole paragraph just for your employment gap.
Explain the Reason for the Gap
After acknowledging the gap, explain the reason behind it. Make sure to be honest and concise. If it was due to a personal matter, you don’t have to go into too much detail. However, if it involved furthering your education, travelling, or caring for a family member, mention it as it shows that you were productive during that time. Being open about the reason also helps the employer understand why you were out of work and how it’s not a reflection of your ability to perform in the role you’re applying for.
Highlight Relevant Experience During the Gap
If you undertook any relevant experience or learning during the gap, highlight them in your cover letter. It could be volunteer work, freelance projects, continuing education, or any other relevant experience that relates to the job you’re applying for. This not only fills the gap but also shows the employer that you were proactive and continued to develop your skills.
Show You’re Committed to the Role
After addressing the gap and explaining it, assure the employer that you’re committed to the role you’re applying for and dedicated to contributing to the company. Focus on how your skills and experience align with the position, and how you can add value to the organization. This shows that you’re serious about wanting the job and are committed to growing with the company.
In conclusion, addressing an employment gap in a cover letter can be intimidating and challenging, but it’s important to be transparent and honest about it. By following the tips above, you can structure your cover letter in a way that reassures the employer and highlights your qualifications and skills, rather than your gap.
Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample
Sample 1 – Raising Children
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After completing my bachelors, I got married and decided to start a family. During that time, I dedicated my time and energy to raising my children and making sure they were properly taken care of.
Now that my children are older and more independent, I am eager to get back into the workforce and utilize my skills and experience. Although I have been out of the workforce for a while, I have been keeping myself updated with the latest trends and technologies in my field. I have also been volunteering and attending workshops to enhance my skills and keep them relevant.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company and show my value as an employee. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 2 – Health Issues
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. During my last job, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that required me to take some time off work to focus on my health and well-being.
Although the condition was challenging, I am happy to say that I have made a complete recovery thanks to proper medical care, therapy, and lifestyle changes. I understand that my absence may have raised some concerns about my ability to work, but I can assure you that I am now fully capable of performing my duties and making a valuable contribution to your company.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to return to the workforce and utilize my skills and expertise to help your company achieve its goals. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 3 – Traveling Abroad
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After completing my studies, I decided to take some time off and explore the world. I traveled to various countries and gained valuable experience and knowledge about different cultures and ways of life.
Although it may seem like a leisurely pursuit, my travels were not just for fun and relaxation. I used the opportunity to learn new languages, volunteer with local organizations, and gain skills that would be useful in future employment. I am now eager to put my experiences and skills to use and contribute to your company.
Thank you for considering my application. I believe that my travels have made me a more well-rounded and adaptable individual who would make a valuable addition to your team. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 4 – Pursuing Further Education
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue further education and obtained a masters degree in my field. During this time, I was fully committed to my studies and did not engage in any work or employment.
Although it may seem like a lengthy absence, my education has provided me with valuable knowledge, skills, and experience that I can apply to the workforce. I have also participated in internships and research projects that have further enhanced my abilities. I believe that my education and experience make me a strong candidate for this position.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to put my skills and experience to use and contribute to your company’s success. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 5 – Unemployment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After the completion of my previous job, I faced a difficult period of searching for suitable employment opportunities. During this time, I was actively seeking employment, attending interviews, and developing my skills, but unfortunately, I was not successful in securing another job.
Although the experience was challenging, it taught me valuable skills such as adaptability, and resourcefulness that I believe make me a strong candidate for this position. Through my challenges, I have gained a new appreciation for the importance of teamwork, hard work, and dedication, which are all qualities that I would bring to your company.
Thank you for considering my application. I am passionate about a career in your company and believe that my skills and positive attitude would make me a valuable addition to the team. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 6 – Caregiving
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After completing my last job, I made the decision to care for a family member who had a serious illness. During this time, I was fully committed to providing the necessary care and attention to ensure a full recovery.
Although the experience required a significant amount of my time and energy, I believe it has taught me valuable skills such as patience, compassion, and resilience, which are all essential qualities for this position. I am now ready to return to the workforce and contribute my skills and knowledge to your company.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to show you my abilities and make a valuable contribution to the team. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 7 – Starting a Business
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to explain the gap in my employment history. After the completion of my last job, I made the decision to start my own business. The experience was a challenging but rewarding one that taught me valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Although the business was ultimately not successful, I gained valuable experience, developed networks, and refined my skills. This experience has also given me a new perspective on the business world and the importance of good teamwork. I am now eager to return to the workforce and utilize my skills and experience.
Thank you for considering my application. I firmly believe that my experience of running my own business will make me a valuable asset to your team. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Employment Gap Cover Letter
When writing a cover letter to explain a gap in your employment, there are several tips to keep in mind in order to effectively address the issue and present yourself as a strong job candidate.
Firstly, it is important to be honest about the reason for your employment gap. Whether it was due to taking time off to care for a family member, undergoing medical treatment, or being laid off, be straightforward and transparent about what happened. You don’t have to go into great detail, but acknowledging the reason for your absence from the workforce will show that you take accountability and responsibility for your career path.
Secondly, use the employment gap cover letter as an opportunity to highlight any skills or experiences you gained during your time away from work. This might include volunteering, taking classes or certification programs, freelancing, or participating in a personal project. Emphasizing these experiences can show that you remained proactive and continued to develop yourself professionally, even if you weren’t working a traditional job.
Thirdly, demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm for returning to work. This can involve expressing enthusiasm for the job you’re applying for, highlighting your ability to adapt and learn quickly, or providing examples of how you’ve remained engaged in your field during your time off. Whatever you do, it’s important to signal to potential employers that you’re excited and prepared to get back into the workforce.
Finally, keep your tone positive and confident when writing the employment gap cover letter. Instead of apologizing or making excuses for your gap in employment, frame it as a valuable learning experience that has helped you become an even stronger candidate. By showcasing your skills, experiences, and readiness to work, you can convince potential employers that you are the best person for the job, regardless of any past employment gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample
What is an employment gap cover letter?
An employment gap cover letter is a type of cover letter that explains any period of unemployment on a job applicant’s resume to potential employers.
Why is an employment gap cover letter necessary?
An employment gap cover letter is necessary because it allows job seekers to explain gaps in their employment history that may be viewed unfavorably by employers.
What should be included in an employment gap cover letter?
An employment gap cover letter should include an explanation of the reasons for unemployment, a description of any skills or education gained during the gap period, and a statement of the job seeker’s ongoing commitment to their career.
Can I use a template for an employment gap cover letter?
Yes, there are several templates available for employment gap cover letters that can be customized to fit individual circumstances.
How long should an employment gap cover letter be?
An employment gap cover letter should be short and to the point, but it should also provide enough detail to fully explain the reasons for the gap in employment.
Should I mention personal issues in my employment gap cover letter?
It is generally not necessary to provide detailed information about personal issues in an employment gap cover letter unless they directly impacted the applicant’s ability to work.
Can an employment gap be viewed positively by employers?
Yes, some employers may view an employment gap as an opportunity for a job seeker to acquire new skills and pursue personal interests. It is important to frame the gap in a positive light by highlighting any achievements or experiences gained during that time.
Say Goodbye to Employment Gaps!
We hope that our employment gap cover letter sample has been helpful to you. Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but with some practice and the right tools, you can land the job of your dreams. Remember to be honest and upfront about your employment gaps while highlighting the skills and experiences you gained during that time. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more job-seeking tips and tricks!