Getting into the job market after a gap year isn’t always easy, but there are things you can do to feel more confident and resilient, submit high-quality applications and perform well in interviews.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- Think ahead
- Review what you’ve done in the last 12 months
- Set an achievable goal
- Mention your gap year in your application
- Get up to date with your industry
- Get in touch with a recruiter
- Tap into your networks
- Make use of your free time
- Look after yourself
1. Think ahead
If you’re coming to the end of your gap year and have found yourself with some spare time, be proactive and lessen the load for when you return from your gap year by:
- Looking at job boards to gain an understanding of what the market’s like
- Reading through your CV and review your LinkedIn profile so you know how much work is required to update them – read our advice for optimising your LinkedIn profile and using AI to improve your CV
If you’re feeling motivated, you could reach out to your networks or post on LinkedIn to say you’re going to be looking for opportunities within a month or two.
2. Review what you’ve done in the last 12 months
Take some time to assess what you got up to during your gap year and how this might translate into the skills and attributes hiring managers are looking for.
Remember that a gap year isn’t a year off from learning. You don’t need to be in formal employment or education to continue developing. If you travelled, there’s a good chance you learned how to deal with stressful situations and problem solve when things went wrong. If you spent the year volunteering, perhaps this taught you how to communicate with different people and work well in a team?
3. Set an achievable goal
When setting career goals, it’s important to be practical and realistic. It may be that your first job after a gap year isn’t in your ideal industry – perhaps you work a temporary or part-time role in a different area for a while, earning money while applying for jobs in your preferred sector.
Likewise, applying for jobs at a grade below your ideal position may mean you get back on the career ladder quicker, while giving you the chance to upskill and catch up on new developments that happened during your gap year.
4. Mention your gap year in your application
Unexplained gaps in your CV could raise concerns or questions, so it’s best to acknowledge your gap year in job applications. Give a brief outline of what you did, where and for how long. For example:
Career break (May 2025 – April 2026)
One year of work and travel in Australia and New Zealand.
If your gap year is applicable to the role you’re applying for – then highlight this in your cover letter. Explain how your gap year shows your interest or passion for a certain industry, or enabled you to develop expertise that would be an asset to the job.
If your gap year isn’t relevant to the job, then give a brief summary before clearly stating that it’s finished and you’re looking for paid employment. For example: ‘After spending a year volunteering with children in a community-based project in Ghana, I returned to the UK in March 2026 and I’m now seeking paid employment.’
5. Get up to date with your industry
Don’t assume that the industry hasn’t changed in the last 12 months. Do some research on the latest trends and be ready to talk about these in your cover letter and interviews, highlighting that you’re still up to date on your sector despite taking a year out.
6. Get in touch with a recruiter
At Unitemps, we have a friendly team of recruiters who have matched a range of people with exciting job opportunities. Why not visit your local Unitemps branch to chat with them about what you’re looking for? They can provide expert advice and insights to help with your transition into the workforce.
7. Tap into your networks
Previous colleagues and university friends may point you in the direction of companies that are hiring, or recommend you for a role at their organisation. Keep an eye out on platforms like LinkedIn and Meet Up for industry events and networking opportunities.
If you feel confident, you could put a message in any group chats, Facebook groups, or post on LinkedIn, explaining that you’ve returned to the UK and are looking for a new opportunity. Express your thanks to anyone who helps you out, and return the favour if the tables are turned in the future.
8. Make use of your free time
After returning from a gap year, you may have more free time than usual. Gaining new skills is a fantastic way to use this spare time – through online courses, keeping up to date on industry news, or undertaking voluntary or freelance work that adds value to your CV.
9. Look after yourself
It can be difficult to adjust to ‘normal life’ after a gap year, so ease yourself in gently at first. Especially if you have taken time out to do something very different to working – such as travel or pursuing a creative project – sitting at your laptop all day firing off job applications might be a shock to the system.
Your applications could be lower quality if you pressure yourself to apply for every job you see. Take regular breaks, make sure you eat enough and drink plenty of water, and get some fresh air at least once a day.
Remember that rejection is part of the process and try to keep positive – there’s something to learn from every unsuccessful job application. Read our advice for handling job rejections and getting feedback after an unsuccessful interview.
Just finished your gap year and looking for your next job opportunity? Whether you’re interested in a temporary job or part-time work, or are looking for a permanent, full-time role – find a job with Unitemps.
Last updated on 29 April 2026
Share this article