What is the best answer to what you did in two years gap in a job interview?

When explaining a two-year employment gap in a job interview, it is crucial to be honest, concise, and to highlight any positive activities or skills you developed during that period. Here are some key points and examples to help you craft your response:

Be Prepared and Honest

Prepare a clear and honest explanation for the gap. Avoid unnecessary details but provide enough context to address the interviewer's concerns124.

Explain the Reason

Briefly explain why you had the gap. This could be due to various reasons such as:

• Caring for a family member or child
• Health or medical issues
• Pursuing further education or professional training
• Being laid off or fired
• Taking time off for personal reasons

Fill the Gap

Emphasize what you did during the gap to enhance your skills or personal growth. For example:

• Education and Training: "I took the opportunity to pursue a degree/certification in [field], which has equipped me with new skills and knowledge that I am excited to apply in this role."
• Caregiving: "I spent time caring for a family member. During this period, I also kept up with industry trends by attending webinars and reading relevant literature."
• Personal Development: "I took time off to focus on my personal well-being and development. I engaged in volunteer work, online courses, and personal projects that have made me more self-aware and confident."
• Job Search and Skill Development: "I was actively searching for a new job but also used the time to learn new skills, such as [specific skills], and worked on personal projects to stay engaged and improve my professional abilities."

Keep it Brief and Positive

Keep your explanation brief and steer the conversation back to your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Here’s an example:

"If you look at my resume, you'll notice a gap from [year] to [year]. During this time, I was caring for a family member who was ill. While it was a challenging period, I also used the time to take online courses in [relevant field] and stay updated on industry trends. I'm now ready to return to work and am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in this role."

Example Responses

If You Were Caring for a Family Member

"I spent some time as the primary caretaker for my family. During that time, I was able to be there for my family but always knew I wanted to return to work. I kept up with industry news and attended some online seminars to stay current. I’m ready to do that now and am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills in this role."12.

If You Were Pursuing Education

"I decided to pursue a degree in [field] to prepare for a leadership role. I completed my degree and gained valuable knowledge and skills that I’m excited to use in my next role. During this time, I also engaged in some freelance work and volunteer activities to keep my professional skills sharp."12.

If You Were Laid Off

"My former employer underwent a restructuring that resulted in my position being eliminated. I used this time to update my skills by taking courses in [relevant field] and networking within my industry. I’m looking forward to applying the skills and experiences I gained in my next role."12.

By focusing on what you learned, how you stayed engaged, and your readiness to return to work, you can present your employment gap in a positive and constructive light.