If you are looking for a job after a long or short break in employment, or if you have noticeable gaps in your employment history, you must be prepared to address these lapses with potential employers. While many job seekers worry that gaps in employment will negatively affect their job opportunities, taking time off is commonplace and there are many ways to effectively address the issue. Take a deep breath and read on.

First of all, it is important to understand why employers may view a gap in your employment history as a red flag. Unexplained absences from the workforce may lead an employer to believe that you will not make a long-term commitment to the company or that you are less reliable or motivated than other candidates. The key is to address those concerns by offering a solid reason why you left the workforce alongside a solid explanation of why you would like to return.

If you have shorter gaps in your employment history, you can minimize them by formatting your resume in a certain way. To begin with, it is acceptable to list your job experience by year (say, 1999 – 2002) rather than listing the exact months, which may reduce the space between jobs. Another option is to compose your resume in a functional format, rather than chronological, which tends to de-emphasize the time you spent at each position. The point isn’t to hide the time you spent away from work, but to avoid calling attention to it.

If you are re-entering the workforce after an extended leave, it is advisable to explain your absence in your cover letter. In addition, consider how your absence can be an advantage to a potential employer. Just because you didn’t work in a professional environment doesn’t mean that you didn’t garner any skills. Did you volunteer, travel, take classes, learn a language, work as a caregiver for a parent or elderly person, or work on any freelance projects? Include these experiences on your resume and tie them to your career goals.

Next, be prepared to talk about your absence during the interview. You want to present yourself in the best light possible, so provide a solid reason why you left the workforce, explain what you did during your absence, and tell the employer why you are ready to return to work. It is acceptable to say that you took time off to reevaluate your career goals or to raise a family. Always be honest, but don’t forget to emphasize the skills you’ve gained while away from the job.