How to Explain Work Gaps in Your MBA Applications

If you have  a prolonged gap in activity   either at  school or at work on your resume,  you probably already know that explaining it can be difficult. Being open and ready to address this hole in your profile with the Admissions Committee will greatly benefit your application. Lets examine the two major ways you can tackle work and education gaps in your business school essays and interviews: Be Open and Ready Be prepared to answer questions from the Admissions Committee regarding your gap. Being ready  to  discuss  your gap will allow you to be composed when asked about it  during your  interview. An honest demeanor will help keep the interview on the right track, while allowing you to explain the context of the gap. Addressing this openly in your  essays also gives you the chance to take control of the message and show your character, personality, and purpose.    Over the years, I have had successful clients who had gaps in their educational or professional history be  admitted to top programs. Reasons for these gaps have ranged from choosing to take  a break to explore other countries, to taking care of the family business, to  recovering from illness. Being forthcoming about the reasons for these interruptions helped demonstrate their authenticity and made it easier for the Admissions Committee to appreciate their personal growth. Add Another Dimension Explaining the reason for your breaks will also allow the Admissions Committee to gain more insights about your personal life story and your priorities. For instance, an applicant who had to overcome personal issues to eventually complete his undergraduate degree reflected thoughtfully that his struggles at that key point allowed him to build resilience and empathy the same qualities that have formed the foundation of his leadership principles. Communicated sincerely, a message like this  will come across powerfully, especially when supported with the context of applicable leadership activities you may have taken on during, or after, your gap. Another applicant had to take over the family business due to his father’s illness while he was still studying. Doing so helped shape his sense of responsibility at a young age, and his maturity served him well in taking on early leadership roles. Experiences such as these  are attractive, as business  schools look for applicants with strong leadership potential. Additionally, your travels can be used to show your international motivation, openness to new experiences, and ability to relate to diverse cultures. Sharing your involvement with worthy organizations while you are on break will also give a peek into the causes you hold dear. Highlight this whenever possible, as it will show your  personal enrichment and act as a  unique  addition to your profile. To conclude, don’t be too secretive about  your education or work  gaps. Instead, use your gap as an opening to connect with the Admissions Committee on an even deeper level. Applying to business school? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today, or take our free MBA Admissions Profile Evaluation  for personalized advice for your unique application situation! And as always, be sure to find us on Facebook, YouTube, Google+  and Twitter. Written by Edison Cu, a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for  INSEAD.