What to Put on a Resume If You’ve Been Unemployed
Tips for Addressing Employment Gaps Without Hurting Your Job Search
If you’ve been out of work for a while, whether due to a layoff, personal reasons, or simply taking time to reset, you might be wondering what to put on your resume. Should you add “unemployed” as a title? Create a filler role? Add a “career break” section?
The short answer is: no, you don’t need to explain the gap unless it adds value.
Why You Don’t Need to List “Unemployed” on Your Resume
Resume gaps are more common than ever, and hiring managers understand that. You do not need to:
-
List “Unemployed” as a job title
-
Add a “career break” section unless there’s something meaningful to share
-
Apologize for the time off or explain it in detail
A gap only becomes a problem when it’s made into one.
What to Do Instead: Professional Ways to Handle Resume Gaps
Here’s how to keep your resume strong and focused, even after a break in employment.
1. End your last role with the correct date
If your last job ended in 2023, list it that way. You don’t need to add anything for 2024 or 2025 unless you did something relevant to your goals.
2. Include relevant activity, if any
Did you take a course, volunteer, consult, or work on personal projects related to your field? You can include those in a separate section or as a short entry.
3. Optional: Address the gap briefly in your summary
A single sentence can acknowledge the time away from work without focusing on it. For example:
“After a period of personal reset, now seeking new opportunities in [your field].”
This is usually better suited for your LinkedIn profile or cover letter than your resume.
How to Handle Employment Gaps on LinkedIn
If you’re actively job searching, your LinkedIn profile can help you stay visible:
-
Use the “Open to Work” feature to let recruiters know you’re looking
-
Consider adding a placeholder title like:
“Exploring new opportunities | Former [Job Title] at [Company]”
This shows activity and intent without needing to explain the gap in detail.
Resume Gap FAQs
Is it okay to have a gap in my resume?
Yes, especially if the rest of your experience is strong. Most gaps under two years don’t require a detailed explanation.
Should I try to fill the gap with freelance work or side projects?
Only if it’s real and relevant. Don’t invent roles or stretch the truth. It’s okay to leave a gap if there’s nothing professional to add.
Will employers assume I’m not motivated if I took time off?
Not likely. Taking time off for mental health, family, travel, or reflection is increasingly common. What matters most is how you move forward.
You don’t need to label yourself as “unemployed” or explain every gap. What matters most is showing the value you bring to your next role. Focus on your strengths, stay future-focused, and let your resume tell a confident story of where you’re headed.
Need help updating your resume after a career break?
I work with professionals every day to rewrite resumes that build confidence and land interviews, even after time away from work. Click here to learn more or book a free consult.
Bridget Batson is a Global Award Winning Master Resume Writer/Executive Resume Master/Certified Graphic Resume Architect with 20+ Years of Resume Writing, Career Coaching, and Recruiting Experience, First-Hand Expertise in Numerous Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and Named Resume Writing Expert for Multiple Publications and Television/Radio Stations. One of Only 16 Resume Writers in the World who is Both a Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) and a Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM).