Today, we’re going to have a short minisode about how to explain a gap year or time taken off for travel on your resume. I’ll discuss some helpful tips to frame your experience positively so you can get the job you want.

Here's what we cover:

Ask yourself: how necessary is it to call out that travel you’ve done?

Look at timing: (You just traveled...vs 5 years ago).
Look at job relevance: How relevant is it for the specific job you’re applying for?

If you make the decision to showcase travel in the resume:

Create a separate section for it.
REALLY IMPORTANT: You want to make sure that you only include relevant information for that job.
Get clear on where you’re applying.
Brainstorm all of the professional skills that you acquired. Common themes include: languages, problem solving, communication skills.
When in doubt, keep it short.

Cover letters and interviews are the best for selling this type of experience.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Blog on including travel on your resume: https://www.carrentals.com/blog/travel-on-a-resume/
#74) Should You Really Follow Your Heart?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/74-should-you-really-follow-your-heart-sujit-lalwani/id1151607856?i=1000451320052
#82) The Big Bad Recruiting Panel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/82-big-bad-recruiting-panel-we-ask-recruiters-how-to/id1151607856?i=1000454748986

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#104) Explaining a Gap Year or Travel on a Resume | Just Ask Chris