Handling Gaps in Your Healthcare CV: What to Say and Do
Career gaps are more common that many people think, especially in healthcare. Whether it is due to burnout, family leave, relocation, study, redundancy or simply taking time to reflect, stepping away from the profession does not mean you have stepped backwards.
But if you are preparing to re-enter the workforce, it is natural to wonder how to explain that time away, even more so when healthcare recruitment can be highly competitive.
Here is how to address gaps in your healthcare CV confidently and strategically.
1. Don’t Try to Hide It
The worst thing you can do is ignore the gap and hope no one notices. Recruiters and hiring managers will always spot a break in your employment history and if it is not acknowledged, they are left to assume the worst. Instead, show that you take ownership of your career story, including the pauses.
What to do:
Include the gap on your CV as you would any other role, with clear, professional explanation.
For example:
Career break to support family (April 2022 - January 2024)
Relocated and took time out to reassess career goals (June 2021 - Novemeber 2022)
Maternity leave (September 2023 - present)
Simple, honest and transparent.
2. Focus on What You Did, Not Just What You Didn’t Do
Even if you were not formally employed, that does not mean you were not developing. Many candidates overlook valuable skills or experiences gained during time away from work.
Ask yourself:
Did you take any courses, certifications or CPD?
Volunteer? Mentor someone?
Keep up with sector development?
Learn soft skills like resilience, time management or empathy?
Frame your break as time used purposefully, even if it was not part of a traditional role.
3. Prepare a Clear, Positive Narrative
In interviews (and sometimes in cover letters), you will likely be asked about your time away. The key? Be honest but keep the focus on the present and future.
Structure your answer like this:
Briefly explain the reason for the gap
Reassure them that you are ready to return
Refocus the conversation on your current goals and the value you bring
Example:
“I took time out after relocating to care for a family member. During that time, I stayed connected to the sector, completed my NHS Leadership Academy Edward Jenner programme, and I am now ready to re-enter a full-time leadership role. I am particularly excited about contributing to service improvement and workforce development, which were key parts of my previous role.”
4. Address Confidence and Rebuild it
One of the biggest challenges after a gap is not what others think, it is what you think. Imposter syndrome, loss of confidence or feeling like you are “behind” your peers can all hold you back.
Remind yourself:
You have already succeeded in high-pressure roles
The experience that led to your break likely made you more resilient
Many hiring managers value life experience just as much as professional experience
If it helps, start with a part-time or interim role, or seek out a supportive employer known for return-to-work pathways.
5. Work With a Recruiter Who Understands Healthcare
The right recruiter can help position your gap appropriately and connect you with employers who take a holistic view of candidates.
At Fertility Talent, we regularly support healthcare professionals returning after time out, and we know how to tell your story in a way that reflects your strengths not your absence.
Final Thought
A gap in your healthcare CV does not have to be a red flag unless you treat it like one. With the right approach, it can become part of a powerful story about resilience, reflection and renewed purpose.
Be honest. Be prepared. And more importantly, believe in the value you still bring.
If you are returning to healthcare after time away and are not sure how to position yourself. Contact our expert recruiters at Fertility Talent or simply call us on 01904 230002.