So, since graduation last July, I went travelling across the US and Canada, and now I'm back in the UK looking for jobs. I know employers don't like it when there are gaps in work history. So, I was wondering, how should I add that I went travelling on my CV? Should I include in the personal summary?
I need help with my CV regarding taking time off to travel?
- Thread starter asdfguy
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Soldato
I’d just say travelling. It’s pretty standard after Uni so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Soldato
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just say travelling, try to the great experience in learning to live in different countries, and liase with people from different cultures.
it's not a bad thing if you spin it right, at least you were doing something rather than being sat on the dole doing sweet fa
it's not a bad thing if you spin it right, at least you were doing something rather than being sat on the dole doing sweet fa
Permabanned
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Less than a year isnt really a gap.
As an employer i would be concerned if somone hasn't worked or studied as a young person for a period of over 6 months..
This could imply a number of things but most importantly that they may not actually need the job and may underperform.
If somebody was travelling for a period i would take that in to account, and probably not hire them because they are more likely to be one of those gypsy hipster socialist idiots from the inbetweeners movie.
But seriously most people who go travelling after studying generally come from decent backgrounds, can save money and have high ambitions.. all reasonably desireable attributes for a prospective employee.
Soldato
Just make up some jobs you did in the States when travelling. **** like working in a bar, picking grapes, working at a farm for lodging etc.
Caporegime
Just make sure you can lie about the places you said you went to and stop playing World of Warcraft.
Soldato
I did a 3 month stint in Malaysia as a life changing experience wrangler. Please hire me.
Soldato
On mine I just put
Travelling Australia - Date to Date
Held various short term jobs to support travelling
Had various interviews over the years and no one has seen it as a problem.
Soldato
Picking up on this - assuming you have been travelling why does it need to be spun right? I'm failing to see how it could be seen as a negative?
Obviously if you've been travelling for 5 years that might be slightly different ....
In my experience in hiring people I don’t like gaps in employment with nothing filling that gap. Travelling fills a gap for me and I would not put me off hiring at all especially straight from school or uni.
I have a gap on my cv from 5 years ago. That comes 10 years into a career at a senior almost board position. I simple put on my cv “the gap in my employment between x and x was due to me taking an oppurtunity to travel coast to coast of the states with the wife before starting a family”. No issues.
I have a gap on my cv from 5 years ago. That comes 10 years into a career at a senior almost board position. I simple put on my cv “the gap in my employment between x and x was due to me taking an oppurtunity to travel coast to coast of the states with the wife before starting a family”. No issues.
For someone who's lucky to have been in a travelling position for the past 15 years and spends about a quarter of my year overseas I understand the benefits of travelling. If done correctly, if gives you the unique insight and understanding of other cultures which you just can't get from being in the UK or at home.
It's also important to consider who may be reviewing your application. If they're from the generation that didn't have the opportunity to 'travel after study' then they may be, unfortunately, tainted by the general stereotypes of 'GAP YEAR TRAVEL' which is hippies trying to find themselves.
If you word it correctly and, importantly, the employer half decent they'll recognise the benefit!
A final point, never forget if you are lucky enough to get an interview, it's as much of an opportunity for YOU to see if you want to work for them as much as them seeing if they want you!
Good luck!
It's also important to consider who may be reviewing your application. If they're from the generation that didn't have the opportunity to 'travel after study' then they may be, unfortunately, tainted by the general stereotypes of 'GAP YEAR TRAVEL' which is hippies trying to find themselves.
If you word it correctly and, importantly, the employer half decent they'll recognise the benefit!
A final point, never forget if you are lucky enough to get an interview, it's as much of an opportunity for YOU to see if you want to work for them as much as them seeing if they want you!
Good luck!
Soldato
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It should be seen as a positive and I wouldn’t worry about it at all. Just remember you will get asked about it and think about how you will respond positively to likely questions.
Caporegime
On mine I have almost a 1 year gap where I was travelling. I got asked if I worked during this time and I answered with a "no, I was previously in the fortunate position of being able to save up enough to not have to work during this time and enjoy other life experiences" or something like that. The trick is to turn it into a positive 
Also, as others have said. A LOT of people go travelling these days. So why lie about it?
Also, as others have said. A LOT of people go travelling these days. So why lie about it?
Associate
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It'll be fine as long as they think you've got it out of your system. Put a good spin on it like has already been said. Just don't talk about doing another year out as they will think you're going to bail on them.
What do you employ? Floor staff for Primark?
I wouldn't worry too much OP. Call it a sabbatical if you want, nothing wrong with that.
How rude! I employ management for a large takeaway company .
I think the main issue with gaps is just background checks, essentially the worry is you've tried to conceal something.
If you've gone travelling then that is a perfectly fine explanation to give for a gap, it isn't unusual at all these days for people to go travelling before or after uni or indeed to take a career break. For the purpose of a background check you can provide copies of say airline tickets or simply get one of your referees to confirm that you were indeed travelling between X and Y dates.
If you've gone travelling then that is a perfectly fine explanation to give for a gap, it isn't unusual at all these days for people to go travelling before or after uni or indeed to take a career break. For the purpose of a background check you can provide copies of say airline tickets or simply get one of your referees to confirm that you were indeed travelling between X and Y dates.
You sound like a terrible employer.