Facing uncomfortable questions during your job search is inevitable. “What are you doing now?” can feel like a tough blow when the reality is you have been doing nothing but searching for your first real job. If you’re a recent graduate with an employment gap, it’s easy to feel pressured to justify your time. However, these questions aren’t something to fear; they’re opportunities to showcase your proactive mindset and resilience. By taking intentional steps to fill your gap with meaningful activities, you can turn these challenges into talking points that set you apart from the competition.
Let’s take a look at some of the questions you dread the most. Together, we can reframe the narrative of uncomfortable questions during the job search. We’ll explore actionable strategies to create a compelling response while boosting your skills and confidence.
What are you doing now?
Ummm… job searching? Take a breath and use this as a chance to highlight your proactive efforts. For example:
“I’ve been taking online courses in project management through Coursera and volunteering with a local nonprofit to gain hands-on experience. This has allowed me to apply my skills in real-world scenarios while continuing to grow professionally.”
Here are some other ideas for ways you can fill the gap in employment and give you opportunities to change your narrative.
What sort of relevant work experience do you have?
It’s every new graduate’s least favorite question. How can you get job experience if you need job experience to get the job? Focus on transferable skills and relevant experiences:
“My academic projects and internships have equipped me with the analytical and teamwork skills required for this role. For example, during my internship at [Company Name], I collaborated on a marketing strategy that improved engagement by 15%. I’ve also honed my problem-solving abilities through case studies and volunteer initiatives.”
If you do not have internship experience try finding an opportunity to shadow executives at a prospective employer. Shadow Days, can give you something to talk about!
Why is there a gap in your resume?
It’s not uncommon for early roles to be short-term or not work out as expected. If you were at a job for just a few weeks or months, you might be unsure whether to include it on your resume. Generally, if the experience was brief but relevant to your career goals, it’s worth mentioning. However, if it was a truly negative expereince, doesn’t add value or align with the roles you’re pursuing, you can choose to leave it off. f you were let go after a short time, it’s important to address the situation with confidence and a focus on the positive aspects of what you learned. Here’s how to frame it:
“After my first position, I took time to reflect on my career goals and identify areas for growth. Although the role ended sooner than I had anticipated, I used that time to build on my professional development by completing certifications in [specific area, e.g., digital marketing] and working on independent projects that sharpened my skills in [relevant field]. I also volunteered with [organization name], where I gained valuable experience in [specific skills] and made meaningful contributions to [project or cause]. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of finding the right fit, and it helped me better understand how to apply my skills in a way that truly aligns with my career aspirations.”
This approach turns the situation into a story of self-awareness and growth, showing that you learned from the experience and are now better prepared for your next role. It also helps convey that, even in the face of early setbacks, you remained proactive and dedicated to your professional development.
Why did you leave your last job?
The question can be uncomfortable, especially if you were let go or left under less-than-ideal circumstances. The key here is to remain calm, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from the experience. It’s important to be honest without oversharing negative details or sounding defensive. Here’s how you can approach this question, depending on your situation:
If you were let go due to performance or fit:
“My previous role didn’t align with my strengths and career goals, and I realized that I wasn’t in the right environment to grow professionally. While it was a difficult decision, I took it as an opportunity to reflect on my career path and focus on areas where I could improve. Since then, I’ve taken steps to build my skills in [specific area] by completing [course, certification, etc.] and am now looking for a role that better matches my skills and long-term goals.” This response focuses on the positive actions you’ve taken since the departure and frames the situation as a learning experience. It shows self-awareness and a proactive mindset.
If you left voluntarily for personal or career growth reasons:
“I left my previous job because I realized that I was seeking new challenges that aligned more closely with my career aspirations. While I appreciated my time there, I recognized that I wanted to expand my skills in [specific area] and pursue opportunities that offered more growth potential. This has led me to seek roles like this one, where I can leverage my experience while continuing to grow in a field I’m passionate about.” This response focuses on your desire for growth and aligns your decision to leave with your long-term career goals, demonstrating ambition and a forward-thinking attitude.
If you left due to a company reorganization or downsizing:
“Unfortunately, due to [company reorganization/downsizing], my position was eliminated. It was a difficult situation, but I used that time as an opportunity to reassess my professional goals and focus on expanding my skillset. Since then, I’ve been actively seeking roles that allow me to apply what I’ve learned and contribute to an organization’s success in a meaningful way.” This response focuses on the external factors that led to your departure, while also demonstrating how you’ve stayed focused on professional development.
If you left due to personal reasons or to pursue another opportunity:
“I made the decision to leave my previous role to address some personal matters that required my full attention. During this time, I made sure to stay productive by [mention any freelance work, volunteer work, or courses you pursued]. I’m now fully ready and eager to re-enter the workforce and bring my skills to a new opportunity where I can make an impact.” This approach is honest but frames the personal reasons in a way that shows you’ve used your time productively and are now focused on moving forward in your career.
By framing your departure thoughtfully, you can demonstrate that you are focused on the future and excited for the next step in your career.
Final Thoughts
Navigating an employment gap is about owning your narrative. Focus on skill-building, volunteering, freelancing, networking, and passion projects. This will allow you to transform a gap into a period of growth and opportunity. Remember, every step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to your first real job.
Need more guidance? Check out all of our resources to help you land the job. For more personalized, expertise, work with a career coach. Rise Consulting LLC, creators of Your First Real Job, provides expert career coaching and networking assistance. We’ll help you build meaningful connections, boost your confidence, and take charge of your future. Discover what’s possible with personalized guidance—learn more at Rise Consulting LLC!
