In Ireland, over 20% of people have a gap on their CV. They happen.
But how you talk about them in an interview or on your CV can make all the difference to a hiring manager.
Whether it’s due to personal reasons, travel, redundancy, a career change or simply a pause to reset, taking time away from work is more common than ever especially in the construction industry, where project cycles and contract work can naturally lead to breaks in employment.
When it comes to explaining a career break, the biggest mistake we see candidates make is getting stuck in the past over-explaining, justifying, or worrying about what an employer might think.
The truth? Most hiring managers care far more about where you're going than where you've been.
Instead of focusing on the reasons behind your career gap, focus on what you’ve learned and what you're now ready to bring to the role. This is your opportunity to:
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Reaffirm your passion for the industry
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Highlight the skills you’ve kept fresh or developed
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Show maturity, self-awareness, and purpose
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Emphasise your readiness to return and make an impact
It’s not about having a perfect, linear CV. It’s about demonstrating clarity, confidence, and commitment to your next role.
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