GUEST COMMENT: How to explain a gap in your CV

The City is picking up, which is good news for those of us who are currently enjoying an extended period of leisure time (especially as the weather is turning and we'll need somewhere warm to go during the day). The downside is, of course, the need to explain that redundancy shaped hole in your CV.

In lots of ways, we're very lucky: little explanation is necessary. There's been significant coverage in the papers and on the news. Most people on the other side of the interviewing table will be only too aware how close they were to being in your shoes. However, as time moves on and other people get jobs, why are you still looking?

Well...

Be truthful now:

It might be tempting to say that you've spent the past few months recovering from a nasty tropical disease, but the truth will usually do - especially if you spin it right.

If your company/desk/asset class has ceased trading, it's an easier sell. Being unlucky is more palatable than being singled out. Try not to come across as bitter, don't point fingers or make comparisons with people who are still employed.

Imply your desirability:

Once you've covered the redundancy, you need to explain why you haven't managed to find a new job. A good answer is that you haven't found the "right one." This creates the impression that you've had offers, and turned them down.

Mention institutions rather than roles and focus on how important it is to you to find exactly the right position (be articulate about what would make this role the 'right' position).

Talk about "quality time":

Don't admit to spending long days vegetating in front of the TV. Charity work during your 'career gap' is a bit of a cliché (and you do actually need to have done it).

A better option is to say you've been spending time with any children you might have. Taking over the school run, helping with homework, really enjoying the quality time with them works well, but make sure it doesn't sound like the family will fall apart without your daily involvement.

If you don't have children, you can always go for the other option - the pursuit of further education. This should preferably be something relevant to your future career. Be careful though: a part time degree could be seen as a threat to your future ability to commit to a new job. If you need something a little flimsier then there are a lot of online, self education options on sites like investopedia.com which would fill a gap and show willing.

Failing all this, you can also opt for the technique of starting at the end of your CV and working towards the present. Lots of interviews start with "So tell me about your career to date..." You can exploit this by focussing on roles you've had, starting at the beginning. Assume the interviewers will have only booked the room for an hour and by careful time management, you can leave yourself with only five minutes to cover your departure and what you've done - or haven't done - since.