Rest Assured: A Career Gap in 2025 Won’t Be Held Against You

One of the most common concerns our clients raise is whether an employment gap will hurt their chances of landing interviews.

If you’ve recently experienced redundancy, taken time out for family or health reasons, or simply struggled to find the right fit in a competitive market, you may be wondering how it will be perceived by recruiters — especially now, when technology and economic shifts are reshaping the job market at pace.

Here’s the reality: in 2025, career breaks are more common than ever. Layoffs linked to economic uncertainty, AI-driven restructures, and changing personal priorities mean that recruiters and employers are used to seeing gaps. What matters most is how you explain them.

We asked recruiters, hiring managers, and business leaders for their perspective — and their message is clear: a career gap is not a dealbreaker.

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Do employers still view career gaps negatively?

Ten years ago, a gap might have raised red flags. Today, the rules are different.

Recruiters know that strong candidates step away from work for many reasons: redundancy, reskilling, relocation, caring responsibilities, or simply rethinking career direction. What matters now is how you frame the gap and what you’ve done with that time.

👉 Short gaps of up to six months are rarely questioned.

👉 Even longer gaps are acceptable if you can explain them clearly and show how you’ve maintained your skills.

As one executive recruiter put it: “We care less about when someone wasn’t working and far more about what they achieved before and after. A gap doesn’t erase a track record of impact.”

Should you address a career gap on your CV?

Yes — but briefly and factually.

Your CV should not go into lengthy explanations, but it should show continuity. If the dates clearly indicate a gap, add a simple line such as:

• Career Break (2022–2023) | Focused on professional development, industry certifications, and volunteer consulting

• Redundancy Following Organisational Restructure (2023) | Undertook executive education in digital transformation and leadership

Stick to the facts and, where possible, highlight activities that show professional growth: online courses, certifications, volunteering, consulting, or portfolio work.

Should you explain the gap in your cover letter?

Absolutely. Your cover letter is the right place to expand — but keep the tone positive and forward-looking.

A strong approach is to acknowledge the gap, briefly explain the reason, and focus on the skills you built or experiences you gained that are relevant to the role.

❌ Avoid over-explaining or writing defensively.
✅ Do show resilience, initiative, and readiness to contribute again.

For example:

"Following a company-wide restructure in 2023, I used the opportunity to complete an Advanced Leadership Programme at London Business School while advising two scale-ups on go-to-market strategy. I am now ready to bring this fresh perspective and energy to [Company Name]."

This reassures employers that you stayed proactive and positions the gap as part of your career growth.

How should you handle a gap on LinkedIn?

When you’re between roles, three areas of your LinkedIn profile matter most:

1. Headline

Instead of just writing “Open to Work”, use the space to highlight your expertise and target role.

✅ Example: Senior HR Leader | Organisational Development | Talent Strategy | Driving Inclusive Growth

This makes it clear what you bring to the table.

2. About Section

Use your summary to frame your career journey and highlight what you’re looking for next. Be upfront about your goals and proactive about your value.

"I bring 15+ years of experience leading global operations for financial services firms. After completing an executive course in digital risk management during 2023, I am now seeking senior opportunities where I can apply my expertise to build resilient, tech-enabled businesses."

3. Open to Work Settings

Switch on LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” setting and choose “Recruiters only” if you prefer discretion. Be specific about the roles and locations you’re targeting so recruiters can find you.

In Summary

In 2025, a career gap is not the red flag it once was. Recruiters know that talented professionals take breaks for many reasons — what matters is how you communicate it.

Here’s the formula:

• Keep your CV factual and concise.

• Use your cover letter to explain briefly, with a positive spin.

• Optimise your LinkedIn profile to show your expertise and future goals.

Handled the right way, a career gap can even strengthen your story by showing adaptability, self-awareness, and resilience — all qualities employers value in today’s ever-changing workplace.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk