Should You Mention a Gap Year on Your CV?

To mention or not to - that’s a million-dollar question. When crafting a CV, one of the critical decisions job seekers face is whether to mention a gap year. While employment gaps aren’t uncommon, they can be a bit scary. 

Why? Because it is a double-edged sword. You never know what recruiters might think of your gap year. Some may assume the worst when they see it on your CV, and others might be interested in knowing the reason why you have a gap year in your resume. 

So, what should you do? 

Let’s look at this a bit more deeply so you can make an informed decision. 

What is a gap year?

For professionals, a gap year refers to a year they took off in between jobs. While you might be doing something important, you were not engaged in full-time employment. There can be an N number of reasons for taking time off, ranging from personal problems to blowing off steam to pursue your passion. 

What are the benefits of mentioning a gap year on your CV?

Gaps in your CV are not necessarily a blot on your professional career. It can be a transformative period, offering amazing opportunities for professional and personal growth. By highlighting your experiences strategically, you can gain the following benefits:

Demonstrate your personal growth 

You may have taken a break to spend time traveling, pursuing self-improvement, or volunteering. This signifies personal growth. 

Showcasing your experiences may highlight your self-awareness and maturity. Many recruiters value candidates who can reflect on their experiences and articulate how those experiences contribute to their professional and personal development. 

Showcase the skills you have acquired 

Many individuals acquire new skills during their gap years, and this knowledge can be valuable in the workplace. For example, volunteering could develop problem-solving and leadership skills, while traveling abroad may augment adaptability and cultural awareness. 

Mentioning these experiences in your CV can showcase your readiness to tackle diverse challenges. 

Showcase your adaptability 

Often, gap years involve stepping out of your comfort zone, which may demonstrate your adaptability. Employers are always on the lookout for employees who are highly adaptable. Hence, mentioning a gap year on your CV that has enhanced your adaptability might make you a highly desirable candidate. 

What are the drawbacks of mentioning a gap year in your CV?

Hold on, do not right away start jotting down your experiences during gap year in your CV. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of your decisions. 

Some of the drawbacks of mentioning gap years are:

Risk of misinterpretation 

The risk of misinterpretation is one of the potential drawbacks of mentioning a gap year in your CV. Recruiters might end up viewing it as a sign of lack of commitment or instability, especially if you fail to present it in a positive light. 

It is critical to frame the gap year in such a way that it perfectly aligns with the requirements of the job you are playing for. Try to show the experiences learned during your gap year have made you a better candidate for the job role. 

Perceived lack of productivity 

If you fail to communicate effectively, your gap year might be viewed as a period of unproductive downtime. Recruiters may even question why you didn’t spend the time gaining relevant skills or experiences. 
How do you effectively present a gap year in your CV?

Frame the gap year experience positively 

If you have decided to mention it in your CV, focus on the positive aspects and the ways the experience has contributed to your professional or personal growth. Use language that emphasizes the knowledge and skills you have gained instead of the absence of employment. 

For example, you could write, “Spent a year improving intercultural communication skills through international travels” instead of simply writing, “Took a gap year.”

Focus on emphasizing the skills you have gained 

Highlight the experiences or skills relevant to the position you are applying for. For instance, if you were engaged in community work during your gap year, highlight skills like teamwork, project management, and leadership. 

You can relate their skills to the job requirements to stand out from the other applicants. 

Align the gap year with your career goals 

Describe the gap year in such a way that it aligns with your long-term career goals and helps you land your dream job. For example, if the job requires exceptional communication skills, emphasize how the challenges you faced during the gap year helped you develop these abilities. 

Please note: If you mention a gap year in your resume, the interviewer is bound to ask you about it. You must be well-prepared with an answer. While answering, be confident and self-assured. Also, the dates must be maintained accurately. It is always better to rehearse your answer so you don’t end up fumbling and give the interviewer the wrong impression. 

Final thoughts: Make the right decision

Ultimately, it is your decision whether you want to mention a gap year in your CV. However, if you decide to mention it, ensure you do it strategically and in a way that recruiters see it as a valuable asset to your candidacy.