Why Are Career Gaps on Your CV Still Seen as Weakness?
By Liam Mooney
I see this time and time again – a gap on a CV is treated as a red flag. In most cases it means that the candidate will not get a look in at all for an interview. In legal recruitment, it’s common to encounter candidates who’ve faced redundancy, endured toxic environments, or taken time out for personal reasons. Yet even now, many hiring managers still interpret a gap as a weakness or cause for concern. This mindset needs to shift.
The reality? Sometimes stepping away is the bravest and wisest move a professional can make. It shows self-awareness, resilience, and in many cases, strong values. We need to move away from the outdated view that a flawless, uninterrupted timeline equals a better candidate. Instead, we should be asking: what did this person learn, overcome, or re-evaluate during that time? Overcoming adversity should be seen as a strength.
Let’s start valuing people for their capability and character—not just their chronology.
