June 23, 2021
There are many reasons to feel apprehensive about returning to the workforce post-COVID. For many people, part of this apprehension will include worrying about how to best position a gap in employment.
If you are returning to the workforce post-COVID, there are many ways to positively explain your gap in employment to potential employers. With a little work and know-how, you can still land your dream job.
So take a deep breath, know you’re not alone, and let’s explore how to cover your COVID-related employment gap (or any gap, for that matter) when seeking new work.
The first thing to remember about your gap in employment is that you are far from alone. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs during the pandemic. Rest assured that in all likelihood, your fellow applicants may also have gaps in their employment.
Remember, the pandemic affected everyone, including recruiters. Everyone understands the havoc it wreaked on our day-to-day lives, so try not to let your employment gap affect your confidence.
Now is not the time to be humble. Like we explained in our 32 Resume Tips & Tricks, it’s important to highlight your juiciest bits of your information in the top third of your resume. This way you can grab the hiring manager’s attention right away and keep them wanting to read more.
So be sure to highlight your accomplishments, and to quantify them as well. Include any particular successes in your former positions, as clearly as possible.
Similarly, since you want to focus on your accomplishments and not your recent employment gap, consider using a functional resume format.
In this type of resume, you highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments first before you get into your ‘jobs held’ section. Consider the skills needed for the position you’re applying for and use your top section to demonstrate your relevant accomplishments in this field.
The great thing about this resume format is that it allows you to pull your accomplishments from across multiple positions and relate them to the new position you’re applying for. It takes the focus away from your COVID-related employment gap and puts it squarely onto why you’re still the perfect candidate for the job.
Learn more about the functional resume format and other current resume trends here.
Many of us have taken the pandemic to better ourselves through online courses and other learning opportunities. If you’ve taken the time to improve your skill set, be sure to take the time to include it on your resume, too.
We’ve recommended more budget-friendly ways to improve your skill set (outside the workforce) here.
Feel free to share your excitement about returning to the workforce in your cover letter or email, but don’t dwell on your gap or provide too many excuses for it.
For example, here are two casual yet professional ways to explain your gap:
“After taking time to focus on my family during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am excited to return to driving results within my role.”
“After taking the time off to hone my skills in XYZ over the last several months, I believe I can contribute to the team in the following ways …”
In these examples, the applicant isn’t hiding their gap, but they also aren’t letting it define them or colour their application in a negative light.
At Resume Ninjas, we’ve been there ourselves, and we understand how challenging the job application process can be. That’s why we love helping clients who might lack confidence and need a little push. If you could use a little push returning to the workforce post-COVID, remember that we offer comprehensive packages and a 90-day money back guarantee. Contact us to learn more or get started.
Client Type: Mid-Career | Stuck in Job Rut
Industry: Information Technology (USA-based)
Services Provided: Resume Optimization, Career Coaching, Interview Preparation
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question.
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question where his life was going. Fear of leaving the comfort zone and not knowing where to start had kept him stuck for years.
How Resume Ninjas Helped: Amen’s coaching goes beyond templates. In their session, she asked powerful questions like:
By helping him reconnect with his own story and strengths, she transformed his resume into a mirror of what he had actually accomplished. It was a confidence reframe, wrapped in a resume. She then coached him through interviews—offering insights, encouragement, and scripts that made him feel prepared.
Within one week, he landed interviews. Within days, he had an offer with a $30,000 salary increase.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s unique combination of strategic resume editing, deep listening, and mindset coaching gave him the push he needed. She’s not just a resume writer—she’s a career catalyst.
“I forgot how talented I was until Amen reminded me. I walked away not just with a job—but with belief in myself again.”
Client Type: Re-entering Workforce | Domestic
Control Survivor
Industry: Undisclosed (Anonymized for privacy)
Services Provided: Career Support, Resume Build, Emotional Empowerment
Backstory: This client reached out in secret. In a controlling marriage where financial transactions were monitored, she couldn’t even send an e-transfer or use a card.
Backstory: This client reached out in secret. In a controlling marriage where financial transactions were monitored, she couldn’t even send an e-transfer or use a card without her husband finding out. But she was determined to take her first step toward independence—and that step was a resume.
How Resume Ninjas Helped:
Amen met her where she was—literally and emotionally.
Understanding the sensitivity of her situation, Amen offered to meet in person and accept payment in cash. More importantly, she offered non-judgmental space and emotional safety, reminding her of her strengths and education, and showing her the career potential she thought was lost. Even before the resume was written, the client broke down in tears, saying, “You’re an angel. I’m so grateful I called you.”
Amen’s coaching goes far beyond technical formatting—it’s trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and rooted in empowerment. With every conversation, she helped this woman believe she was worthy of a future—and that she wasn’t alone.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s experience supporting women returning from maternity, abusive relationships, or major life changes gives her a special ability to see the human behind the resume. She doesn’t just write documents—she offers hope, safety, and clarity during life’s messiest transitions.
“Amen reminded me who I was before life broke me. I finally felt seen.”
Client Type: Career Shift | Midlife Professional
Industry: Laser Hair Removal & Skin Care – elegancestudio.ca Aesthetics & Personal Services
Services Provided: Career Coaching, Resume Writing, Business Branding & Marketing Strategy
Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle.
Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle. Working as a secretary while raising three children and supporting a husband with mental health challenges, she realized minimum wage wouldn’t be enough to sustain her family. She dreamed of doing something more fulfilling, something hers—but she questioned whether it was too late.
How Resume Ninjas Helped: Amen didn’t just build her brand and hand her a resume—she helped her transform her life and build a future. With over two decades of experience in career development, Amen knew this transformation needed more than paperwork. Through personalized coaching strategies sessions, Amen helped her explore entrepreneurship in a field she already loved: electrolysis. She guided her through every step—researching certifications, building confidence, and launching a business from the ground up. Amen even brought her branding expertise into play: she named the business, designed the flyers, created her business cards, and helped market the service. It became a family affair—her kids delivered door to door flyers while Amen mentored and cheered her on every step of the way.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s nurturing but strategic approach helps clients see beyond their current job search—she supports whole life transformations. With deep empathy rooted in her own experience, she helped this client reimagine what was possible at any stage of life.
“I didn’t just shift a career and get a new resume. I got my self-worth and integrity back.”
