Employment:How to Fix a Spotty Employment History-2

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Often it is not why you took time off from working; it is how you explain this gap to a potential employer that will make the difference.  If you explain a year long hole in your employment history by stuttering and saying that you were incarcerated, you are likely to lose credibility with a potential employer. 
Read on for some common reasons for a gap in employment history and how you should explain these to potential employers.  Remember to be confident, no matter what reason you had for taking time off, and be prepared to answer more detailed questions about your reason.  Emphasize why you want to rejoin the workforce and why this particular position or company is the right place to do so.  Turn your employment history into an asset, not a hindrance.

• Children –
  One of the most common reasons for taking time off is to care for small children.  Many women take off time immediately before or after a pregnancy.  Though some companies offer generous maternal and paternal leave options, staying at home with your new baby may be your choice.  When you return to the workforce from staying at home with children, focus your employment history on your education and skills prior to the time off.  Also highlight any volunteer work, classes you took or activities you did during your time off.  Emphasize that you continued to expand your skill set during this time and that you always planned to return to work.
  
• Education –
  Some people worry that taking time off to attend school full-time will ruin their employment history.  Employers often appreciate someone who completely dedicates him or herself to gaining new training and education.  Be honest about your decision.  Express that you decided to take time off from work to get the most you could out of the education experience and that you returned to school in order to give yourself more employment opportunities.  Include your education on your resume with the dates.  If you were not able to complete your degree, explain why and show that you plan to finish as soon as possible.  Most employers will understand when plans are altered due to unforeseen financial constraints, for example.