I've been applying for jobs for over two months. I still haven't got any interviews. I realize I haven't worked in quite a few years but how am I suppose to get back in the workforce if no one will even talk to me.

So you read Ashley Wilson 's post on writing a resume with gaps, and you got the interview! But what if they ask about resume gap details in the interview?

Be honest

Maybe you had a baby, or maybe you took time off to take care of yourself or a family member. There’s no shame in that. You might find a connection with the interviewer if they have had a similar situation.

Think forward.

The more guilt and shame you have about your resume gap, the more the interviewer will be able to pick up on. There will be twists and turns in life, and that is completely normal. Make it clear to the interviewer that you are now ready for an opportunity to challenge yourself and create value for the company.

Life happens.

Let’s say you had to leave your old job because of personal issues. No problem! Tell the interviewer that you had to take time away to resolve personal projects, but you are now ready to focus on your career. Accept that you have a resume gap, and try to speak briefly and calmly about it. If you do this, chances are they will be more interested in your attitude and skills than the gap itself.

If this has helped you, please comment below and let me know!

Hello! So glad to meet all of you! I am 51 returning to the work force after a car accident and then cancer. So, yes, there is a gap in my work history.. I really wanted to say my last job was a patient. However, spending the amount of time that I have with other patients and doctors I have a transformational view on interpersonal communication and empathy. I have mad skills in technical writing, being the liaison between technology and clients, project championing, anticipating needs, and professional development. I am told that I have a great sense of humor and I make others feel valued. I’m looking forward to finding a career that fits just right.

Just figure it's a little late but I'm looking around ,just don't know?

Hello! I am new at all of this. It has been years since i worked. It is not at all like it used to be. So i am very lost. I truly would appreciate any help in how to apply and obtain a job nowadays I truly don't need a full-time job because of my age and my health conditions I'm not a sick person but I had broken my back and four places so I am not able to lift more than 50 pounds and I'm not able to do that all day long so if anyone of you armoire can help me in acquiring the things that I need to say and things that I need to fill out on getting a job it would be more than preciate it thank you for your time and your understanding Mis. Mary

Returning to the workforce after raising our daughter. Even though it's been years working outside the house, I still feel that I have a lot to offer the right company!

I am looking for work. No license but have transportation. Worked for town of Cary NC for 3 years doing solid waste. Worked in Tennessee on a waste dock for a few months. Ready to get back into work force.

My last job I had was 3 years ago and i have only had 3 jobs my whole life. With each job, I was there for 1 or 2 years. I feel like my experience has probably expired so that maybe a reason I cannot get a job even with my college degree. I need advice, should I go get a company job before going for my career?

I have been out of work for a year and eager to start again soon. I am willing to learn and expand my experience.

Sometimes it’s hard to explain away those glaring gaps in your resume, but with these tips you can lessen their impact and give employers a reason to overlook them and hire you anyways!

1. Add volunteer work to your resume

Ok, you may be thinking, but what if I didn’t work for free for a non-profit while I was unemployed? I was dealing with life and job seeking!

“Volunteer” work can be anything from being a caregiver for your family to working in your local food pantry. If you were busy doing something, you should emphasize that by adding those experiences to the Volunteer section of your resume, complete with dates and responsibilities. Just like any other job!

Employers who see that you have been busy while unemployed will be more likely to see you as a self-motivated hard-worker!

2. Focus on soft skills

Reserve a separate area of your resume for your skills, from the most objective like “MS Word” to the more subjective, like “time management” and “conflict resolution.”

These are all key skills, and if you can back them up in an interview with instances where you’ve effectively used them, employers will be seriously impressed!

3. Add a personal touch with traits

I’m going to assume you know yourself pretty well by now. You know if you’re good-humored or serious, cautious or bold etc… Well, add that to your resume! Choose a few key phrases that both accurately describe you and would make you a valuable employee for your field.

Employers want to know who you are as well as what work you’ve done. A bad culture fit can be just as damaging (if not more) than an unqualified hire, so employers are now paying very close attention to soft skills and emotional intelligence.

Still struggling to fill in those resume gaps? The Jobcase Resume includes all of these suggested sections and more! Click here to edit your profile and view your new resume. When you’re done, let us know below if we helped!

We can’t wait to bring more new and improved tools to you. Stay tuned for more about Jobcase’s Resume or click #JobcaseInsider to see all of the posts in this series in one spot!