How to Talk About a Career Gap on Your CV: A Guide for Construction Professionals in Ireland

Career gaps. They happen. Whether it’s due to personal reasons, travel, redundancy, a career change or simply a pause to reset, taking time away from work is more common than ever especially in the construction industry, where project cycles and contract work can naturally lead to breaks in employment.

But while gaps are normal, how you talk about them in an interview or on your CV can make all the difference to a hiring manager.

In this post, we’ll show you how to approach career gaps with confidence, clarity, and professionalism, helping you keep the focus on your value - not your time away.

Why Career Gaps Aren’t the Red Flag You Think They Are

Employers today are more understanding than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted global work patterns and created widespread employment gaps. But even outside of that, companies are recognising the human side of candidates: people take time out to care for family, manage health, relocate, study, or simply reassess.

What matters is not the gap itself, but how you frame it.

Key Principles for Addressing a Career Gap

Here are four core tips to keep in mind when discussing a break in your employment:

Be Honest

You don’t need to go into personal detail, but you should explain the gap clearly and directly. A short, honest explanation shows confidence and professionalism.

Keep It Simple

There’s no need for long stories or over-defending your decision. Hiring managers are looking for clarity, not justification.

Focus on Growth

Even if you weren’t in formal employment, chances are you gained life experience, learned new skills, or developed personally. Highlight how that time contributed to who you are now.

Shift to What’s Next

Always end the conversation by steering attention to your current goals, qualifications, and what you’re looking for in your next role. This shows that you are forward-thinking and ready to return to the workforce.

The Construction Context: Why It’s Especially Relevant

In construction, gaps can happen between long-term projects or during slow periods in the market. Whether you’re a site engineer, quantity surveyor, project manager, or health and safety officer, breaks in work are not unusual.

Employers within the industry often value reliability, resilience, and readiness to work and if you demonstrate those traits when explaining your gap, you’ll leave a stronger impression than trying to avoid the subject.

Final Thought

Your career gap isn’t your weakness - it’s part of your journey. When you own it and present it with confidence, you take control of your narrative.

At Breagh Recruitment, we work with construction professionals across Ireland every day who are returning to work, switching roles, or rebuilding after time away. If you’re unsure how to position your experience, we’re here to help.

Looking for your next role in construction?
Reach out to our team or check out our latest opportunities across Ireland and Europe.

📞 Armagh: +44 (0)2838897882 / Dublin: 00353(0)15314345

📧 info@breaghrecruitment.com

🌐 www.breaghrecruitment.com