Make Small Resume Tweaks.
Making small changes can result in big payoffs. Omit months from the time periods for each entry in the Professional Experience Section of your resume (include only the year). By doing so, small employment gaps aren’t apparent to hiring officials. This also disguises those occasions when you may have been employed by an organization for only a brief period of time.
Use the Cover Letter to Your Advantage.
Address longer employment gaps in your cover letter. Keep it brief and objective. Make sure you include the ways in which you stayed up-to-date with industry changes/trends. Also, emphasize the skills and experience you gained during times you were not employed that might be attractive to prospective employers.
Example 1: “Since leaving XYZ Corporation in 2013, I have been seeking employment with a corporation that perfectly aligns with my values and long term career goals. I have continued to keep abreast of industry trends by…”
Example 2: “I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and over 12 years of experience teaching in a Special Education Classroom. With the recent transition of my husband to the civilian workforce and with both children in school full-time, I am now able to rededicate myself to the teaching profession. During the past five years, I have continued professional development training…”
Group similar positions together.
By taking two or more positions that are similar and combining them into one period of time, you can make your gaps in employment less apparent. For example, if you worked as a contracting professional in four different jobs in a three-year period, combine all four jobs under one job title, and use a period of time that encompasses all three. This would also work well for those applicants who are Consultants or Independent Contractors.
Include all relevant PAID AND NONPAID employment.
I have yet to meet a military spouse who does not volunteer her/his time in some capacity. Many spouses undervalue the skills and experience they have gained through nonpaid employment. Just make sure you list nonpaid positions as such.
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Don’t forget Professional Training.
Include any RELEVANT training, professional licenses, and formal education. Be sure to list what year education/training was completed, particularly if it accounts for or was completed during an employment gap.
Remember, keep the focus on what you've done and can do!