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Questions to practise
I can see a gap on your CV. Can you walk me through your recent experience?
They want a short, clear picture of your recent time so they can move on to your skills.
Use one or two calm sentences about the break. You can keep the reasons private. Then talk about your skills. Example: I took two years away from work. Now I am ready to return, and I kept learning.
What did you do in your last job?
They want to understand your experience and skills before the break.
Give your job title, two main tasks and one result. Keep it simple. Use the past tense: I managed, I organised, I helped.
How have you kept your skills up to date?
They want proof that your skills are current and that you stayed active.
Name one specific course, project, volunteer task or self-study from the last year or two. Say when you did it and what you can do now. Example: Last spring I finished an online course in spreadsheets.
How would you use that in this job?
They want to see that your recent learning connects to their work.
Link your skill to one task in the job description. Example: I learned to make reports in spreadsheets. In this role, I could use that for weekly sales reports.
What are your strengths?
They want to know what you can bring to the team.
Choose two strengths that match the job, such as being organised or good with people. Give a short, real example for each one. Keep it honest and simple.
Tell me about a time you worked well in a team.
They want a real example of how you work with other people.
Use a simple structure: the situation, what you did, and the result. Example: Our team had a busy week. I shared tasks clearly and helped a new colleague. We finished on time.
Tell me about a time you had a tight deadline.
They want to know how you plan and stay calm under pressure.
Use the same structure: situation, action, result. Say how you planned your time and what you did first. The example can come from work, volunteering or a course.
Why are you ready to return to work now?
They want to hear that you are prepared and motivated to start.
Say it clearly and positively. Example: I planned my return, I updated my skills, and I am ready to start in this role. Do not explain too much.
How will you manage the change back to a work routine?
They want to know you can start work smoothly.
Give two practical points, such as your daily routine and how you plan your week. Add a short example of learning something new quickly.
Do you have any questions for me?
They want to see your interest and how you think about the role.
Prepare one or two questions. For example: What does a normal day look like in this role? Or: What training do new team members receive?
I took a planned break, and now I am ready to return.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
I took a planned break, and now I am ready to return.
During my break, I kept learning. For example, I took a course.
That was a personal time, so I would rather not go into detail. I am ready to work and I kept learning.
Last year I completed a course in…, and I practised it by…
My skills fit this role because…
I am ready to start in this role.
Common questions
Do I have to explain why I took a break?
No. You can give a short answer without private details. One or two calm sentences are enough. For example: That was a personal time, so I would rather not go into detail. Then talk about your recent learning and why you are ready now.
What if I did not take a course during my break?
Think about other things you did. Did you volunteer, help with a project, read about your field or learn a new tool at home? Any real, specific activity can show that your skills are current.
How long should my answer about the gap be?
Keep it short, about one or two sentences. A long apology is not needed. Explain the break calmly, then move to what you learned and how your skills fit the job. This keeps the talk positive.