What’s the best way to explain a career gap or career change in an interview so that it comes across as intentional and growth-focused rather than a red flag?

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Older worker here. I’ve worked in c suite roles, middle management, senior management, junior roles in health, education, banking, university sector and my advice is don’t be ‘honest’ about your situation just look after you. It depends how long the gap but you could have been OS to study (subject) or taking time off to look after a sick or disabled family member. It’s none of their business. Their true concern is your level of skill. Also the more senior you become the more workplace sociopaths you will have to deal with. These people sometimes appear to be your new best friend. This may include the person interviewing you so I think you are getting the picture. Never discuss your personal life at work it’s a competitive environment (banks are the worst) and that can tempt people to betray you. I’ve got lots of friends I met at work but I observed their behaviour over a long period of time to ensure consistency and genuineness before sharing.

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Yes, Yes, Yes!! I 100% agree with this statement. 💪🏾❤️🧠

Ideally you should be honest and offer a concise explanation of whatever it was you did during that time. If you traveled, went back to school, decided to pivot to something more interesting, or whatever, just say so. If you did something you'd rather not talk about, you can try to come up with a plausible spin to put on it.

Yeah I get you, best to rather than just leaving it blank.

Whenever I've had a career gap, I tried to frame it like I'm waiting for the right opportunity, not just taking a job just to take it. I'd rather have a gap and hold out for the best thing for my career over taking something immediately and risking it not being a good fit.

Be direct and calm. Briefly explain the reason, highlight what you learned or developed, then pivot to how it strengthens your value now. Confidence in the narrative matters more than the gap itself.

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