How to overcome employment gaps due to disability
When you are in the job market and have an employment gap, it can be challenging to overcome it. This becomes even more challenging when this gap is due to a disability, injury, or health condition as many people feel nervous or unsure about how potential employers will react.
It’s important to remember that these gaps do not define your potential and capabilities, and there are ways of framing them to make yourself look more appealing to hiring managers. Here are some strategies on how to overcome employment gaps due to a disability.
Acknowledging the employment gap
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that having an employment gap due to a disability, injury, or health condition is common and perfectly alright. Many people have faced the same challenges and worked through them effectively. 
So before anything, recognise that it's okay and accept that it's nothing to be ashamed of. This will help you to feel better prepared and more confident when it comes to interacting with hiring managers.
Refrain from mentioning it too early
When you are putting together your resume and cover letter, you should avoid mentioning your disability being the cause of an employment gap. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and experiences that you do have. If the employer is curious about an employment gap, they can ask you directly about it in the hiring process.
Reframing the narrative
A great way to overcome employment gaps in your resume is to focus on the positives of what you did during your employment break. During your interview or discussion with the hiring manager, explain the gap honestly but focus on what you’ve learnt and how you’ve grown during that time.
Whether you are building new skills, taking online courses, volunteering, or just working on your general professional development, these activities can help to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement. When you’re discussing these activities, frame them as valuable experiences that have contributed to your skill set.
Showcasing your strengths
When applying for any job, you should always focus on your strengths and achievements, and the same thing applies when you wish to overcome an employment gap. Always try to highlight key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are applying for. A great way to prepare for this is by looking at the requirements of a role and preparing statements that convey that you have the required skills and qualifications. 
Hiring managers value candidates who bring forward a positive attitude and strong work ethic, so be sure to emphasise these qualities when talking to potential employers.
Using resources and support
If the idea of going to interviews and talking to employers is daunting alone, there are lots of resources and support services available to help you prepare. You can prepare in small ways by talking to friends and family and getting advice, or take the next step and seek out career counsellors and disability employment services.
Des providers help get you job-ready and prepare you better for job interviews and opportunities. For example, APM Employment Services is an organisation that can work with you personally to help you work on developing skills, writing your resume, and preparing you for job interviews.
Preparing for interview questions
Probably the most daunting part of overcoming employment gaps is having to explain the gap to a potential employer in person. Preparation is key, and if you prepare for the question well, you’ll come off as more confident and experienced. For example, if asked “Can you explain the gap in your employment history?” you might respond with any of the following details: 

• The courses you did to upskill
• The organisations you volunteered for
• The webinars and forums you participated in to stay informed
• Any additional activities you can draw from to highlight your experience

An example of a response could be, “During my time away, I focused on managing my heath and upskilling through several online courses in project management and data analysis. This time away has allowed me to better equip the skill set needed for this role.”
Moving forward with confidence
The most important thing to remember is that you can your employment gap doesn't have to be a barrier. By focusing on your strengths and leveraging available resources, you can feel more confident in your job search. Whether you would find it more valuable to practise interview questions solo or need a second opinion to be completely ready, there are many ways that you can secure a role perfect for you. With preparation and the right mindset, you can turn your employment gap into a testament of resilience and growth, presenting yourself as a strong candidate ready to contribute effectively to any team.