Gap Pathways

The gap isn't the problem. The unrehearsed answer is.

Every reason for a career gap needs a different answer, different evidence, and a different kind of nerve. Choose the pathway that matches your situation — each one builds your story end to end, hands you confidence exercises tailored to your answers, and turns your evidence into talking points you can say out loud.

HiredAfterFired

You were let go for cause or under a cloud. You are still hireable — with the right, short, unbothered answer.

• You were terminated, asked to resign, or 'mutually parted ways'
• You dread the question 'why did you leave?'
• You worry a reference check will end every process

Open this pathway

Layoff

The role was cut, not you. Your job is to keep the story two sentences long and the momentum visible.

• Your role, team, or function was eliminated
• You were part of a reduction in force or a company wind-down
• The search has run longer than you expected and confidence is slipping

Open this pathway

Caregiving

You stepped out to care for someone. The skills didn't stop — and the gap needs one sentence, not an apology.

• You left work to care for a child, parent, partner, or family member
• You've been out for a year or more and the resume looks frozen
• You're unsure how much to disclose about your caring responsibilities

Open this pathway

Incarceration

You have a record. You also have a route: fair-chance employers, a disclosure plan, and evidence that outweighs a background check.

• You served time and are re-entering the workforce
• You have a conviction that shows on a background check
• You don't know when — or whether — to disclose

Open this pathway

Returning after illness

You were unwell, or you were recovering. You owe an employer a timeline and a readiness statement — not a diagnosis.

• You stepped back for physical or mental health reasons
• You're recovering, managing a condition, or newly stabilised
• You're unsure what you're required to disclose (usually: far less than you think)

Open this pathway

Not sure which one fits? Start with the closest match — the story steps and evidence you build carry across to the Gap Story Builder and your resume either way.

Advantage toolkit

The deeper tools, mapped to where they belong in your pathway. Open one when its stage comes up — you don't need them all at once.

View pathways