A gap year doesn’t have to be a red flag if you present it clearly and confidently.
Mention the Gap in Your Timeline
Use a simple line like “Career break for personal reasons / caregiving / travel / upskilling (Year–Year)”.
Highlight Productive Activities During the Gap
- Courses, certifications, and self-study.
- Freelance projects or part-time work.
- Volunteering or family business help.
Prepare a Short Spoken Explanation
Be ready with a 2–3 line explanation that is honest but not overly personal.