How to Navigate Gaps in Your IT CV

How to Navigate Gaps in Your IT CV

In today's job market, career gaps are no longer the red flag they once were. Whether the result of redundancy, caring responsibilities, travel, illness or a career break for personal development, gaps in your CV are becoming increasingly common and understood. In the IT sector, employers are less concerned about whether you had time away, and more interested in how you used that time and how ready you are to deliver value going forward.

Be Transparent, but Strategic

The first rule when addressing a CV gap is honesty. Attempting to conceal time away from the workplace rarely works and can create mistrust if discovered later. However, being honest does not mean you have to dwell on the absence itself. Instead, focus on framing the gap in a way that demonstrates initiative, resilience and professional relevance.

For example, if you were made redundant and took time to regroup, it is perfectly acceptable to say so. Employers appreciate authenticity, especially when paired with a forward-thinking attitude.

Showcase Any Upskilling or Personal Development

One of the most effective ways to address a CV gap in IT is by highlighting any steps you took to stay connected to the industry. Employers love to see proactive candidates who take ownership of their professional growth.

Consider including:

• Online courses completed through platforms like Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning

• Certifications gained in your field, such as AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, Salesforce or NetSuite

• Contributions to open-source projects or personal GitHub repositories

• Volunteer tech work, whether for charities, schools or community groups

• Tech blogs you may have written or online communities you participated in

These activities show that you remained engaged with your skills and committed to continuous learning, even during time away from formal employment.

Prepare to Talk About It Confidently

In interviews, be ready to talk about your career gap with confidence. You do not need to apologise for it. Instead, briefly explain the reason for the gap, highlight what you learned or achieved during that period, and then shift the focus onto the present.

You might say something like:

“After a redundancy, I took six months to complete a series of AWS certifications and contribute to several GitHub projects while also supporting family. That time allowed me to deepen my cloud computing skills, and I’m now fully ready and motivated to take on a new technical challenge.”

Framing your gap this way keeps the emphasis on your capabilities and readiness.

Focus on What You Offer Now

The ultimate goal when discussing a CV gap is to pivot the conversation towards what you bring to the table today. Your technical knowledge, soft skills, and work ethic are what matter most to hiring managers. Make sure your CV and interview responses demonstrate:

• Your current skill level and certifications

• Real-world experience and achievements

• Your ability to work well in a team or remote setting

• Your enthusiasm for returning to work and making an impact

Consider Tailoring Your CV Format

If your gap is recent or longer in duration, you might benefit from a hybrid or skills-based CV format, rather than a traditional chronological layout. This allows you to bring your technical expertise, tools and accomplishments to the forefront, rather than focusing solely on dates. It can be particularly useful if you have worked on freelance or personal projects during your break that demonstrate your continued relevance in the IT space.