Stylist, 6 February 2025: ‘Does a career gap on your CV really matter?’
Victoria McLean, CEO and founder of career consultancy City CV, says that career gaps aren’t as big a deal as we’re led to believe.
“Life doesn’t run in a straight line, and neither do careers. Hiring managers know this. What really matters isn’t the gap itself but how you position it,” says McLean. “Instead of worrying, focus on what you gained during that time and how it makes you a stronger candidate. Did you pick up new skills? Gain a fresh perspective? Strengthen your resilience? That’s what employers care about – not whether you took time out, but what you bring to the table now.”
McLean promises that the old-school stigma around career breaks is fading fast, especially post-pandemic. “Hiring managers care about whether you can do the role, make an impact and slot into their team. What they don’t care about is whether you took two years out for family. If you can confidently articulate your experience and demonstrate your value, that’s what will land you the job, not an uninterrupted timeline,” she says.
The article can be read in full here.