Career GlossaryEmployment Gap
Career Definition
What is Employment Gap?
A period of time on a candidate's resume where they were not employed, which may raise questions from recruiters and hiring managers.
In-Depth Definition
Employment gaps can result from layoffs, health issues, caregiving, education, travel, personal projects, or deliberate career breaks. While historically stigmatized, gaps are increasingly normalized post-pandemic.
The key to handling gaps is framing: describe what you did during the gap (upskilling, consulting, volunteering, caregiving) rather than leaving it unexplained. LinkedIn has added a "Career Break" feature to normalize this.
Why Employment Gap Matters in 2026
ATS systems and recruiters both flag long gaps. Proactively addressing gaps on your resume and in interviews prevents them from becoming an unspoken reason for rejection.
Action Item
Now that you understand what Employment Gap means, take the next step in your job search strategy.
See how your resume handles employment gaps