As you look for a job in schools, you may have to face some tough questions during the interview process. One of the most common and challenging ones is: “Can you explain gaps in your employment history?”
Gaps in your employment history are periods of time when you were not working, either by choice or by circumstance. They can be caused by various reasons, such as:
- Taking a break to travel, study, volunteer, or pursue a personal project
- Dealing with a health issue, a family emergency, or a personal crisis
- Being laid off, fired, or quitting a job due to a conflict or dissatisfaction
- Facing a difficult job market or a lack of opportunities in your field
Whatever the reason, having gaps in your employment history can make you feel anxious and insecure about your chances of getting hired. You may worry that employers will see you as unreliable, unqualified, or unmotivated. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, many employers are understanding and flexible about employment gaps, as long as you can explain them in a positive and honest way.
Here are some tips on how to explain gaps in your employment history during an interview for a job in the education sector:
1. Be prepared
Before you go to the interview, review your resume and identify any gaps in your employment history. Think about the reasons behind them and how they relate to your career goals and skills. Prepare a brief and clear explanation for each gap, focusing on the positive aspects and the lessons learned. Avoid lying, exaggerating, or blaming others for your gaps. Also, avoid giving too much personal or negative information that may raise red flags or make the interviewer uncomfortable.
2. Be confident
During the interview, don’t be afraid or ashamed to address your gaps in your employment history. Instead, be confident and assertive about your value and potential as a candidate. Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements that match the job requirements and the employer’s expectations. Emphasize how your gaps have helped you grow professionally and personally, and how they have prepared you for the role you are applying for. For example, you can mention how you used your time off to learn new skills, gain new perspectives, or overcome challenges.
3. Be positive
When explaining your gaps in your employment history, use a positive and optimistic tone. Show enthusiasm and interest in the job and the employer. Avoid sounding defensive, bitter, or apologetic about your gaps. Instead, show gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to interview and work with them. Demonstrate how you are ready and eager to contribute to their goals and vision. Also, show flexibility and adaptability to their needs and expectations. For example, you can express your willingness to undergo training, take on extra responsibilities, or work with different teams.
4. Be honest
The most important thing to remember when explaining your gaps in your employment history is to be honest and truthful. Don’t lie or hide your gaps, as this can backfire and damage your reputation and credibility. Employers can easily verify your information through background checks, references, or online sources. If they find out that you lied or misled them, they may reject you or rescind your offer. Therefore, be honest and transparent about your gaps, and explain them in a way that shows your integrity and professionalism.
Sample explanations
Here are some examples of how you can explain different types of gaps in your employment history during an interview for a job in schools:
- Gap due to travel, study, or personal project: “After working as a teacher for five years, I decided to take a year off to travel around the world. It was a lifelong dream of mine, and I wanted to do it before settling down. During my travels, I learned a lot about different cultures, languages, and educational systems. I also volunteered as a tutor and a mentor for underprivileged children in several countries. This experience enriched my perspective and enhanced my skills as an educator. I am now ready to resume my career and apply what I learned to your school.”
- Gap due to health, family, or personal issue: “Unfortunately, I had to leave my previous job as a school counselor due to a serious health issue that required surgery and recovery. It was a difficult time for me, but I am happy to say that I am fully recovered and cleared to work by my doctor. During my time off, I stayed in touch with the latest developments and trends in the education sector. I also took some online courses and read some books to refresh and update my knowledge and skills. I am very excited to get back to work and help students with their academic and personal needs.”
- Gap due to layoff, firing, or quitting: “As you may know, the pandemic had a huge impact on the education sector, and many schools had to close or reduce their staff. Unfortunately, I was one of the employees who were laid off due to budget cuts. It was a hard situation, but I understood the decision and parted ways with my employer on good terms. Since then, I have been actively looking for new opportunities and applying for jobs that match my qualifications and interests. I have also been working as a freelance tutor and a consultant for some educational organizations. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to succeed in this role and add value to your school.”
Conclusion
Having gaps in your employment history is not a deal-breaker for getting a job in the education sector. As long as you can explain them in a positive and honest way, you can still impress the employer and convince them that you are the best candidate for the role. Remember to be prepared, confident, positive, and honest when addressing your gaps, and highlight your skills, achievements, and potential. With these tips, you can ace your interview and land your dream job.
Good luck!
