First impressions matter: this is how you explain gaps in your CV

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

Your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer. There are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure you attract positive attention and are best remembered. For example, how do you explain the gaps in your CV? Job Cloud AG Content Manager Mathias Steger (40), who runs a blog for job seekers there, knows the answer to this question and explains to Blick what else you should pay attention to.

Sometimes gaps in your CV cannot be avoided. Even if you feel like they’re not going well, you have to be honest about it. “We do not recommend lying or hiding gaps under any circumstances,” Steger explains.

Therefore, when writing your CV, be careful to present your career chronologically and carefully check the periods of education and activity mentioned. Because the expert knows: “These are checked regularly by HR managers – for example when comparing job references with the CV – and errors or fraud are often discovered.”

While it’s obvious that some gaps may appear on your resume, it also depends on what you’ve been doing during that time. “It’s important not to just ‘laze around’ when there are gaps. “You should use the free time between jobs judiciously, for example to learn a foreign language, get further training in the online sector or participate in social life,” says Steger.

There’s nothing wrong with traveling during a free period, according to a business expert. However, rather than just talking about a beach holiday, it would be good if you could explain the purpose of the trip in detail, for example a cultural trip or language trip.

There are other things to consider if you want to get the most out of your resume. According to Steger, a standard resume is not recommended. “It is often forgotten that the CV should ideally always be adapted to the relevant position. Because for each position different things are important or less interesting.”

An attractive graphic design is also recommended. For example, the most important elements should be highlighted and quickly visible. “An HR manager usually looks at the CV for only a few seconds and does not need to search for a long time to find the necessary information,” explains the expert.

Nowadays, a simple CV is often not enough anymore. Employers are increasingly relying on social business networks to form impressions of applicants. “It is recommended to maintain at least one business profile and update it regularly,” Steger advises.

But caution is also advised when it comes to private social media profiles: “HR staff regularly Google applicants – and it’s not a good idea to have photos showing the person drunk, for example.”

Source : Blick