Six ways to navigate employment gaps

Employment gaps can feel daunting, especially in the competitive world of in-house legal roles. Whether due to personal circumstances, economic shifts or company restructuring, these gaps are increasingly common and don’t have to hold you back. By addressing them head-on and using interim opportunities to your advantage, you can not only bridge the gap but also enhance your career story.

Acknowledge and redefine the gap

The first step in tackling an employment gap is owning it. Be honest with yourself and prospective employers about why you stepped away. Reframe the time off as a period of growth. Did you take courses, volunteer or work on freelance projects? Any activity that shows you’ve been productive and developing is a plus.

For example, if you took time off to care for family, highlight the organisational and problem-solving skills you gained. If the gap was due to redundancy, talk about how you used it to reassess your goals or learn something new.

Revamp your CV

When updating your CV, focus on your skills and achievements rather than sticking rigidly to a chronological format. A functional CV lets you emphasise core strengths and achievements.

For interim roles, clearly label them to avoid confusion. Instead of listing a short consultancy as a full-time job, describe it as an “Interim General Counsel” role or “Freelance Legal Consultant.” This makes it clear that these were short-term engagements.

Maximise interim opportunities

Interim roles can be a game-changer during career gaps, offering the chance to:

• Stay active: Keeping your skills sharp and staying current in the legal field shows dedication to your profession
• Expand your network: Interim roles often connect you with new industries and professionals, opening doors to future opportunities
• Show versatility: Adapting quickly to different environments adds to your professional appeal. For example, taking on compliance for a fast-growing start-up highlights your ability to manage complex risks
• Build your reputation: Success in interim roles often leads to strong references, better visibility and potential long-term roles

Focus on learning

Legal work is constantly evolving, so use employment gaps to boost your knowledge. Pursue certifications in areas like data privacy, ESG compliance or attend workshops and webinars to stay ahead.

Sharing your insights on LinkedIn, whether through a short post about a legal trend or engaging with thought-provoking content from your network—can keep your professional profile visible, showcase your expertise and expand your connections.

Nail the interview

When it’s time for interviews, be ready to discuss your gap confidently. Frame it as a period of reflection, learning or growth that’s made you a stronger candidate.

Lean on your network and trusted recruitment partner

Your professional network can be a goldmine during career gaps. Attend events, join forums and connect with peers on LinkedIn. Let your network know you’re open to interim roles, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors who’ve navigated similar challenges.

A trusted recruitment partner can provide valuable guidance around handling challenging interview questions, boosting your confidence and strategically marketing your skills to potential employers. Leveraging their strong industry relationships, they can help open doors to opportunities that align with your career goals.

Employment gaps don’t have to derail your career. For in-house lawyers they can be an opportunity to pivot, upskill or explore new paths. By embracing interim roles and taking a proactive approach, you can keep building momentum, show resilience and position yourself as a versatile, adaptable candidate.

Remember, a career is a journey, not a straight line. These pauses, if managed well, can lead to unexpected opportunities that add depth and value to your professional story.

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