How to Explain a Career Break on Your CV + Examples

Taking a career break doesn’t have to hurt your job prospects. In fact, it can highlight your adaptability and growth. Whether you paused to raise a family, travel, study, or recover, it’s all about how you present it.

This guide will show you how to explain a career break on a CV, when and where to include it, and provide real-world career break CV examples. Learn how to turn your time away into a strength that employers will respect.

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What is a career break on a CV?

A career break on a CV reflects a specific time when you weren’t engaged in formal paid work. This gap in your employment history can occur for various reasons, such as parenting, travel, personal health issues, further education, or professional development. Including a career break in your CV is entirely acceptable. The key is to present it positively and highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or growth you gained during that time.

Many job seekers ask: “Should I put a career break on my CV?” The answer is yes, especially if the break is recent or would otherwise leave a suspicious gap in your timeline. Being upfront adds credibility and allows you to showcase the skills or personal growth you achieved during that period.

How to explain a career break in a CV?

One of the most common questions people ask is: “How do I explain a career break on my CV without harming my chances?” The answer is: with clarity, honesty, and relevance.

Rather than avoiding the subject, takeownership of your break and use it as anopportunity to showcase your adaptability, values, and transferable skills. Whether your break was planned or unexpected, employers appreciate candidates who are transparent and self-aware.

Here’s how to explain a career break on a CV effectively:

1. Be honest and direct

Avoid vague wording or skipping over the break entirely. If you don't acknowledge it, hiring managers may assume the worst. A simple one-liner is often enough:

This shows maturity and readiness to return.

2. Focus on transferable skills

Even if you weren’t working, chances are you were learning, managing, or developing something. Whether you were homeschooling children, organising complex travel, or managing a health recovery plan, you’ve gained relevant skills.

This sort of framing can help employers see you in a positive light.

3. Show you’re work-ready

Make it clear that the break is over, you’ve kept your professional skills sharp, and you’re motivated to rejoin the workforce.

By including this kind of statement, your CV after a career break can feel more confident and future-focused.

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Reasons for taking a career break (with examples)

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) estimates that around 90,000 people in the UK take a career break each year, highlighting the continuous flow of professionals stepping away from and returning to the workforce. 

According to LinkedIn, women are more likely to take a career break to focus on parenting, while men are more often motivated to step away to pursue professional development. In fact, over a third of women cite full-time parenting as the reason for their break, compared to less than 1 in 10 men. Meanwhile, professional development is the most common reason given by men, at just over 15%.

There are many legitimate and relatable reasons to take time away from work. When thinking about how to explain a career break on your CV, your reason matters – not because employers will judge it, but because it provides context.

Here are some common career break CV examples by reason, each with longer explanations to guide your wording:

1. Parental leave or raising a family

Taking time out to focus on your children is one of the most common reasons for a career break. Employers recognise the commitment and skill it takes to raise a family, and increasingly view this as a valid life choice rather than a professional weakness.

This demonstrates that you were proactive and committed to your professional identity, even during your break.

2. Health and recovery

If your break was for physical or mental health reasons, there’s no need to go into medical detail. A simple acknowledgement, followed by a focus on your recovery and current readiness, is sufficient.

This example strikes a balance between honesty, confidence, and reassurance.

3. Travel or sabbatical

Extended travel can be a valuable asset, especially if you have learned a language, volunteered abroad, or developed a deeper cultural understanding.

In this case, the travel break shows initiative and personal growth.

4. Study or professional development

If you pursued further education or completed courses, you can easily turn your career break into a plus.

This is a perfect example of how to put a career break on a CV while highlighting progress.

5. Career transition or reflection

Sometimes, a break is used to reassess goals and make intentional changes. Employers often appreciate the self-awareness this shows.

This example shows clarity, purpose, and initiative.

Where to mention a career break on your CV?

The best place to put a career break on your CV depends on its length, recency, and relevance. Here are the most common and effective options:

In the employment history

Include the break as a clearly labelled entry in your employment section, just like a job. Give it a title such as “Career Break,” followed by the dates and a brief explanation. This helps maintain chronological clarity and avoids mysterious gaps.

In the personal statement

If the break is recent or ongoing, it may help to mention it upfront in your personal profile:

In the cover letter

Use your cover letter to provide a little more context. This is a great place to reassure employers of your enthusiasm and qualifications, especially if your break was unusual or lengthy.

CV formats that work best after a career break

The format of your CV can significantly affect how your career break is perceived. Here are the most effective formats to consider if you're returning to work after time away:

Chronological CV

If you have a strong, consistent work history before your break, a chronological CV is still a solid choice. List your break within the timeline and keep the focus on your work experience and accomplishments before and after.

Skills-based CV (functional CV)

If your break was lengthy or involved a significant change in direction, use a skills-based CV to highlight your abilities instead of your timeline. This allows you to present your most relevant competencies upfront.

Hybrid CV

This format combines both, starting with a skills summary and followed by your career history. It works especially well for those with non-linear paths or multiple career breaks.

Choosing the best format for your situation can help bridge gaps while highlighting your strengths, making it perfect for building a strong CV after a career break.

How to return to work after a career break?

Getting back into the workforce can feel daunting, especially if you've been away for a year or more. But with some preparation and confidence, your return can be a smooth one.

Here are practical steps to help:

1. Refresh and upskill

To reinvigorate your professional mindset and skills, consider taking a short course, volunteering, or completing a project. This can be especially helpful when explaining a career break in a CV or during an interview.

2. Network and reconnect

Reach out to former colleagues or attend local events and online meetups. A warm lead is often the quickest path back into a job.

3. Prepare your story

Consider carefully how to describe a career break on your CV and during interviews. Keep it honest, positive, and future-focused. Confidence, not apology, is the key to a triumphant return.

Taking a career break doesn’t disqualify you from being an excellent candidate. On the contrary, it can demonstrate emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic thinking – all qualities employers admire.

Are you looking for additional career resources? Check these guides:

• How to Spot a Toxic Work Environment Before It’s Too Late
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• How to Email Your CV Like a Pro (Examples Included)
• How to Write a Job Offer Acceptance Letter (With Samples)
• How to Get a Job in 2025: A Complete Guide

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Do you put a career break on your CV? Yes, and you should place it where it makes sense, in a confident and structured way. Whether you’re updating a career break CV, deciding “should I put a career break on CV?”, or crafting a career break on a CV example that fits your journey, remember this: the gap doesn’t define you. Your skills, attitude, and readiness to return do.

Thank you for reading my article. Feel free to explore our other blog posts to learn more about how to shape your career in the best possible way!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• CIPD, Managing a career break
• LinkedIn, (2024) Global Gender Gaps in Career Breaks