Gaps in your CV – how to explain parental leave and other breaks

Do you have a gap in your CV? Then you're not alone. Parental leave, sick leave, or a period of unemployment are common reasons for a gap between two jobs. Still, many people feel uncomfortable explaining it – and risk either staying silent or overcompensating.

The truth is that employers in Sweden are used to gaps. What matters is not that the gap exists, but how you present it. With the right strategy, you can turn a difficult period into a strength – and show that you are both self-aware and professional.

Why you shouldn't hide the gap – and not over-explain either

Trying to hide a gap by changing dates or skipping jobs is both unethical and risky. Recruiters often do background checks, and a discovered lie can cost you the job even if you are the best fit. At the same time, you don't need to write a whole chapter about every week that wasn't filled with work.

The goal is to be honest without giving unnecessary details. Write out months and years for each job, and add a short line under the gap explaining what you did – without apologizing. You don't need to explain everything in the CV; it's enough to provide a framework so the recruiter doesn't have to guess.

• Use exact months (for example, "March 2022 – June 2023") so the gap becomes clear – then the recruiter doesn't have to count themselves.

• Avoid phrases like "unfortunately" or "for personal reasons" – they signal uncertainty.

• Save the deeper explanations for the interview, where you can speak with warmth and naturalness.

Parental leave – a merit, not an obstacle

Parental leave is a completely normal part of working life in Sweden. Most recruiters have their own children or colleagues who have been on parental leave, and they see it as a given. Still, many choose to write "parental leave" in the CV with an apologetic tone.

Flip it: parental leave develops skills like planning, patience, prioritization, and the ability to juggle many balls. Write "Parental leave – planning and coordination of everyday logistics" or something similar, if it feels natural. It shows that you don't see the time as lost, but as a period where you learned something relevant to work as well.

• Write "Parental leave" outright – there's nothing to be ashamed of.

• Add a short sentence about what you got to practice, for example "structured everyday life with several parallel activities".

• Avoid mentioning exactly how long the leave was – it's not relevant to your skills.

Sick leave – how to handle it without revealing too much

Sick leave is more sensitive, as it can raise questions about your health and future attendance. You have no obligation to disclose diagnoses or details. It's enough to write "Sick leave" or "Rehabilitation" in the CV, and ideally add what you did during that time – for example, "recovery and gradual return to work".

At the interview, you can say that you were on sick leave, that you are now doing well, and that you are ready to work. Keep it brief and look forward. If you have an adapted work situation or need support, you can mention it when you feel comfortable – but you are not obliged to share it in your application.

Unemployment – show that you were active, not passive

Unemployment is often the gap that feels hardest to explain, especially if it was long. But the same principle applies here: be honest, but show what you did during that time. Write, for example, "Unemployed – actively searching and skills development" and list concrete activities such as courses, volunteer work, or projects you ran on your own.

The important thing is that you don't let the gap look like empty time. Even if you haven't had paid work, you have likely learned something – maybe about yourself, your priorities, or a new tool. Phrase it in a way that shows you took responsibility for your situation.

• Mention specific courses, certifications, or self-studies you completed.

• Include volunteer work or board assignments – even temporary ones.

• Write "actively job seeking" if you were registered with Arbetsförmedlingen – it shows that you didn't stand still.

How to tailor the explanation to each role – and end strong

A gap can mean different things depending on the role you're applying for. For a role that requires high stress tolerance, you can emphasize that during your sick leave you learned to set boundaries and work sustainably. For a leadership role, parental leave can be highlighted as a period of planning and responsibility. Think about what the recruiter is looking for – and choose the aspects of your gap that strengthen your application.

End the CV with a short summary where you highlight your main strengths and your motivation for this specific role. That way, you end strong, and the gap becomes just one of many parts of a bigger picture. You are much more than your gaps – and with the right wording, it becomes clear to everyone who reads your CV.