Try these tactful tips to tackle the gaps in your resume

No matter what you might have heard, a resume gap does not have to be a black mark on your application. At VA, we understand the challenges that can arise during your career. Life happens and sometimes that means your resume might have some gaps in it.

This is especially true for military spouses, who are all too familiar with the sudden upheaval that a new deployment can deliver. Transitioning military personnel, too, know that making the move to civilian life is a complicated and time-consuming process that doesn’t always leave room for job hunting.

Regardless, your work experience may look a little different than other candidates, but there are ways you can address those differences, and even turn them to your advantage.

Wondering what we mean? Try this quick tip: use your cover letter to fill in any blanks left in your resume.

“Because of different circumstances in life, some of us have had to take gaps in our employment, explained Mike Owens, a national recruitment specialist with VA. “That cover letter can help you explain things to the hiring manager and cross out some of the question marks in your resume.”

Work at VA

Visit VA Careers to learn more about how you can better address the gaps in your resume and turn them into a positive talking point when you apply for a job at VA.