How to justify my time-off?
Hi, I'm a software dev with around 5 years of experience slowly trying to return to the market after a 10 month long sabbatical.
How would you go about looking for a job now, with that gap in your CV? What would you write and how would you explain it at potential interviews?
Agree with several of the other responders here: tell the truth. If you took time off to deal with burnout or take care of an ill loved one, or if you couldn't find the right position, let them know. Most (though not all, sadly) recruiters and interviewers will appreciate the honesty. Yes, this is experience speaking.
Change your resume to show which years you were at a job. Leave the months off.
e.g.: Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dunder-Mifflin, 2009-2023
A 10-month gap will be invisible. You'll see. Then, next step, never mention it in an interview.
I’d be suspicious if you tried to hide it and it came to light. I’d just be honest and say you took some planned time out, did a bunch of non work related stuff, recharged and now you’re ready to go again. If they push you can be creative if you’re embarrassed by what you actually did. But don’t try and disguise that you took time out as it will end any process if they find out.
Why not be honest? There’s nothing to hide and a hiring manager isn’t gonna care as long as you are qualified.
What did you do during your sabbatical? When I did something similar, I listed it on my CV as a sabbatical and also listed the skills I gained/improved on that would be of value to the potential employer. It didn't seem to hurt me at all.
Just say that you were tending to a sick family member.
What did you do during 10 months? Just put that.