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Employment gaps

Hi,

I'm applying for an admin assistant job and on the application form it's asking me to list employment gaps since school(!).

I think I can just about remember my work history since school as most of it is taken up my education spells (college/university) so I assume I am writing all of this down in this section?

In addition, how far do I go back with my employment history? I've normally tended to go back 10 years on my CV but with the aforementioned question, I'm thinking do I need to list all jobs I've had, some of which that weren't for long.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Reply 1

put in what you were doing instead of working; i.e. college/date/course - explanation (I was studying during this time). they want you to explain any gaps you weren't working and to provide a reason for it. hope that helps

Reply 2

I'm going to have to add alot more into my work history since 2003 as I went through a handful of short term jobs before I stumbled upon on this last ten years of relative stability. They're asking for dates which I would have to guess and not sure how many times I can put on my gaps in history as "left for another job".

Reply 3

Original post
by Aky786UK
I'm going to have to add alot more into my work history since 2003 as I went through a handful of short term jobs before I stumbled upon on this last ten years of relative stability. They're asking for dates which I would have to guess and not sure how many times I can put on my gaps in history as "left for another job".

Hi sorry, i have been a little unwell and therefore not online. personally, when describing the role i would add something at the end highlighting that it was a temporary role: For example: May 2003 - Administrative Assistant (Temp Cover) -> then where it says 'reason for leaving' you can put Temp Cover Role or something like that. At least that way you have said you went in to cover a role and why the term was short. in addition to this, I would leverage your ability to cover roles on short notice as being a strength i.e. I am a fast learner and enjoy learning on the job as highlighted by my employment history where I have filled in at short notice as temporary cover. This has allowed me to develop significant transferable skills which i can bring to this role including being able to build rapport with colleagues quickly, the ability to rapidly integrate myself into a team and the ability to work with wide cross-sections of society as well as excellent, adaptable communications skill. This is an exampley that you are free to use and adapt. apologies for the delay and i hope it is helpful

Reply 4

Original post
by wasimi
Hi sorry, i have been a little unwell and therefore not online. personally, when describing the role i would add something at the end highlighting that it was a temporary role: For example: May 2003 - Administrative Assistant (Temp Cover) -> then where it says 'reason for leaving' you can put Temp Cover Role or something like that. At least that way you have said you went in to cover a role and why the term was short. in addition to this, I would leverage your ability to cover roles on short notice as being a strength i.e. I am a fast learner and enjoy learning on the job as highlighted by my employment history where I have filled in at short notice as temporary cover. This has allowed me to develop significant transferable skills which i can bring to this role including being able to build rapport with colleagues quickly, the ability to rapidly integrate myself into a team and the ability to work with wide cross-sections of society as well as excellent, adaptable communications skill. This is an exampley that you are free to use and adapt. apologies for the delay and i hope it is helpful

Thank you
Original post
by Aky786UK
Hi,
I'm applying for an admin assistant job and on the application form it's asking me to list employment gaps since school(!).
I think I can just about remember my work history since school as most of it is taken up my education spells (college/university) so I assume I am writing all of this down in this section?
In addition, how far do I go back with my employment history? I've normally tended to go back 10 years on my CV but with the aforementioned question, I'm thinking do I need to list all jobs I've had, some of which that weren't for long.
Any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks!

I think 10 years is far enough to go back.

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