You likely felt a surge of excitement when you made the decision to switch careers. But what should you do if your job hunt starts to become a tedious and disheartening slog — and the gap on your resume is growing wider by the day? How can you address your extended absence from the workforce without making excuses? And how can you stay motivated and resolved in the face of setbacks?
How to Address a Resume Gap When Switching Careers
The do’s and don’ts of navigating a career transition that’s taking longer than you hoped.
April 04, 2024
Jenae Escobar/Getty Images
Summary.
The prospect of a new career can hold a sense of excitement. But what should you do if your job search has become a disheartening slog and the gap on your resume just seems to be growing wider by the day? What can you do to protect your mental health and rekindle your optimism for the future? In this article, the author offers practical advice to help you navigate your career switch when you’re worried about a widening gap on your resume.
New!
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.