Having a gap in your work history does not have to be the end of your career. There are multiple things you can do to make yourself stand out as a strong candidate when you apply for jobs:

• Generate referrals. If someone in the company is advocating for you, it can help them look past the gaps to see your qualifications. Informational interviews are a great resource for this.
• Focus on accomplishments. When your resume and cover letter tell the employer what you have achieved professionally, that can help them envision you doing the same for them.
• Craft your story. While you cannot eliminate these gaps, you do get to choose the story you tell about them. You can highlight what you learned during this time, the impact you had while not working, or even the relationships you gained. Since people will likely ask you about it, be prepared to talk about it in a way that is authentic but presents the gap in a positive light.

While a gap can be a barrier, using effective job search strategies can help you overcome it to reach the next step in your career.