The short answer
- Say what happened in one plain sentence, then say what you are ready to do now. You do not need to explain more than you want to.
- Only write what is true for you. Use the examples as a shape, not as facts.
- On an application form keep it very short ("Redundancy", "Left to care for a family member"). Save the longer version for the interview.
Three short examples to copy
Example 1: a break to look after someone (for a CV, form or cover letter)
[Month Year] to [Month Year]: career break to look after [a family member / my children]. I am now ready to return to work and can start from [date]. During this time I [one true thing, for example: kept up my skills by completing an online course in X / volunteered at Y].Example 2: redundancy (what to say if asked "why did you leave?")
My role was made redundant in [Month Year] when [the company closed / my team was cut back / the company merged two roles]. It was a business decision, not about my work. Since then I have [one true thing: been looking for a role like this one / completed a course]. I'm keen to work in [type of role] again.Example 3: you chose to leave, or left for health reasons (keep it as short as you like)
I left [company] in [Month Year] to [deal with a health matter / move to a new area / study]. [Only if it is true: I'm now well and ready to work.] I'm looking for [type of role] because [one true reason you want this job].Brackets are for your own facts. Delete anything that is not true for you.
What the National Careers Service says (UK)
UKHaving a gap in your CV is not a problem, but you might be asked about it.National Careers Service, "Explain a gap in your employment". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
UKThe important thing is to be open and honest, and that you're ready to explain what you were doing during any gaps.National Careers Service. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
UKOnly share what you feel comfortable talking about. You do not need to share everything.National Careers Service, on disability or mental health. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
UKIf you took a career break, state why you took time off from work in your CV, application form or cover letter. The employer can ask for more information in the interview.National Careers Service. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
UKOutline the business decision to make your role redundant, rather than you as a person.National Careers Service, on redundancy. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
UKIt's better to talk about a dismissal at the interview, rather than at the application stage. If the employer asks you about a dismissal, give a brief explanation of: the circumstances at the time; what you have learned from the situation; how you have improved since.National Careers Service, on dismissal. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.
For a conviction, the same page says you need to check whether it is spent and points to Nacro for advice on telling employers.
If you were dismissed and think it was unfair, or something at work may have been against the law, that is a legal matter. Ask the free Acas helpline (UK) before you write anything down. We can't advise on it.
US readers: the letters above work anywhere. We could not open the US government pages on this topic today, so we quote no US rule here.
What the kit adds
The $9 kit "Explain a gap or why you left" covers six situations in three places (the form, your cover letter, the interview): fill-in files, worked examples and a one-page checklist. The examples above are the free version of the idea.
Explain a gap or why you left
What to say on the form, in your cover letter and in the interview, for six situations: time out caring for children or a relative; illness or burnout; redundancy or layoff; dismissed or left under a cloud; a short job or several short jobs; a step down or career change. Fill-in files, worked examples and a checklist.
Send us your letter before you send it. We'll tell you what's unclear or missing, usually within one working day. Free. Not legal advice. Take out names, ID numbers and anything you don't want to share first. kaiventura.founder@gmail.com
Questions people ask
What do I write in "reason for leaving" on an application form?
Keep it to a few words that are true: for example "Redundancy", "End of contract", "Left to care for a family member", "Moved away" or "Left to study". The National Careers Service says the employer can ask for more at the interview.
Do I have to explain every gap?
The National Careers Service says a gap is not a problem but you might be asked about it, and to be ready to explain what you were doing. It says nothing about a length of gap that must be explained, and we found no official figure.
Should I write "a period of ill health" on my CV?
You decide. The National Careers Service says to only share what you feel comfortable talking about and that you do not need to share everything. If you add "now resolved", it must be true.
How do I explain being fired or let go?
The National Careers Service suggests talking about a dismissal at the interview rather than on the application, and giving a brief explanation of the circumstances, what you learned and how you have improved. If you think the dismissal was unfair, get free advice from Acas first.
What if I do not have anything to show for the gap?
Be honest. The National Careers Service suggests focusing on skills you gained, such as volunteering or a short or online course, but only if you really did them. "I took time out to [reason] and I'm ready to work" is a complete answer.
Sources
- National Careers Service: Explain a gap in your employment, read 4 October 2026
Not legal advice. This is general information. Rules depend on your contract, your country and, in the US, your state. For advice on your own case, ask the free Acas helpline (UK) or a qualified adviser. Page written and checked on 4 October 2026; official pages can change.