Many of us take time off, for one reason or another, from working. Sometimes, it's by choice. In other cases, it can take time to find a new job. What the best way to explain an employment gap on your CV? It depends on the situation and what you did while you weren't employed. Follow these tips from Caroline Matthews, from The Irish Career Coach on how to explain or discreetly brush over any career gaps you may have in your CV.

• Cover the Gaps

When listing dates on your CV you don't always need to list the month/year if you were in a position for over a year or if your position spans multiple years. For example, you could say 2006 - 2010 (rather than May 2006 - April 2010) which would give you some room to cover the gaps.

• Highlight your Achievements First

Start your CV with a Summary Statement and Key Achievements section so you are highlighting your skills and accomplishments first, rather than when you did what.  This content should impress a potential Employer and allow for a positive first impression of you!

• Check Your Format

You can format your CV to minimize the gaps in your employment history. For example, don't bold the dates and/or use a smaller font than the one you use for the company name or job title.

• Omit a Job (or Two)

You don't need to include all your experience on your CV, especially if you have been in the workforce for years. It's acceptable to limit the years of experience you include on your CV to fifteen years when seeking a managerial or professional position and ten years when looking for technical or high-tech job.

• Other Experience

What did you do while you weren't employed? Did you freelance or consult? How about volunteering? All those experiences count as work and can be included on your CV. List them as you would list your other jobs - with job title, company name, job description, and dates of employment. If you took a class, you can list that in the Education section of your CV.

• Use Your Cover Letter

When you have employment gaps that don't fit on your CV (you took time off due to maternity, travel or illness) use your cover letter to explain the gap. That way, the employer will know that there's an explanation for you being out of the workforce.

• Honesty Is The Best Policy

What's most important is to tell the truth. If you lie on your CV, it will probably come back to haunt you. Employers verify work history and if you put incorrect information on your CV, I can guarantee that they'll find out.

Need help creating a winning CV, that is preferred by Employers?  Contact The Irish Career Coach, Caroline Matthews on 087 958 3229 or email carolinematthews1978@yahoo.ie.