Is it important to explain gaps on your CV in the document itself?
We’d argue that it is.
Your CV is your first impression when you apply for a job in accountancy and it’s been proven that it can take as little as six seconds for someone to judge you based on their first impression.
So, if a potential employer spots multiple unexplained gaps on your CV, that really might be all that it takes for them to move your application straight to the ‘NO’ pile.
There’s so many reasons why a genuinely talented accountant with a lot to offer might have gaps on their CV, here’s just a few.
- Time off to care for your family.
- Travel.
- Physical or mental health recovery.
- A period of interim working.
And that’s to name just a few.
So what’s the best method for addressing these gaps on your CV? Here’s our thoughts on the matter.
‘Honestly is always the best policy in all aspects of life and particularly on your CV. Don’t get caught in the trap of lying about the dates that you worked somewhere as these things have a habit of coming back to haunt you at a later date.’
Garry Howling, MD
We’re all human. Particularly in 2022 and very briefly and succinctly explaining on your CV that you took 3 months out of work to cope with a bereavement or to travel the world shouldn’t harm your application one bit.
‘Your CV needs to be punchy. So a very brief explanation for your gap is all you need. You don’t want to overly draw attention to it and if your potential employer feels the need to explore it in more detail they can do that at interview.’
You never know, they might have travelled the same part of the world as you have and the opportunity to chat about it might present a great way to connect with your interviewer. Sometimes it’s the issues we worry about the most that end up working in our favour!
Garry knows a thing or two about recruitment legislation too…
‘Rest assured that you are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act of 2010 and The Mental Health Discrimination Act of 2013. So though first impressions count, you shouldn’t expect an honest truth about a period of difficulty in your life to mean you’re not favoured for the role.’
And as part of our role as career counsellors we’re always here to support you to put a positive spin on your CV.
‘In 2022 transferable skills really matter and it’s likely that your time away from your desk might have given you a few of those. Consider what you learned during your time off and how you might reframe that learning and present it as something that will appeal to your employer.’
In conclusion, gaps on your CV are not something you should lose any sleep about but you should take time to present them in the right way.
And at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, led by the experience of our MD and senior team, we’re always on hand to offer job searching accountants a listening ear and the viewpoint of a critical friend when you’re putting your CV together.
Plus there’s heaps of practical advice and tips in our Candidates’ Hub.
If we can support you today with your search for your next professional step in practice, drop us a line on 03335 777 787 or email info@publicpracticerecruitment.co.uk
