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How to Fill in Resume Gaps

There are many reasons people might have missing spaces in their resume's work history. Some people have been laid off and have found it difficult to find new employment in a tough economy. Others may have taken time off for family reasons or have been recovering from an injury. Whatever your reason for missing work, there are several ways to still market yourself positively to a potential employer.

Here are some tips on how to fill in the gaps.

- Consider other activities you did or experiences you had while you weren't working. Just because something wasn't necessarily paid doesn't mean it doesn't count. If you volunteered, were involved in the community, completed special projects, or continued your education, put those activities in an Experience section. Describe them as if they were work experience and be specific about the positive skills you used or sharpened.

- Don't forget that a lot of marketing is in presentation. If you eliminate months from your resume and list years instead, gaps may not be as apparent. Make sure all aspects of your resume are clear and perfectly edited, which will distinguish you from many applicants immediately.

- A great objective can be an important first step to get your foot in the door. Create a prominent objective statement that outlines your abilities and skills, showcases your top experiences and qualifications, and glosses over exact timelines. Most hiring managers are short on time, and an objective could get more attention than exact dates.

- If you were previously involved in a specific industry, consider taking a course or two that will show you're keeping up with current changes and trends. This will show initiative and sincere interest in your career.

- If your reasons for missing work were personal--you raised a family, went back to school, or recovered from an injury--don't feel that you need to apologize. Life happens, and most potential employers understand. Don't let a negative or apologetic attitude take center stage over your positive attributes and tarnish what you have to offer.

The most important thing to remember when marketing yourself is to be positive and have a confident attitude. Don't let yourself get discouraged by gaps--use them to your advantage and show employers all the great skills and qualities you have to offer.