How do you write a resume when you haven’t worked in years?

Here’s how you write a resume when you haven’t worked in years:

1. Make your resume skills-focused. The best way to do this is by using a functional resume format, which frames your experience in terms of your relevant skills, rather than each job you’ve had and when you had it.
2. Include courses you took or volunteer work you did during your period of unemployment.
3. Emphasize your education by adding more detail to your resume education section.
4. Add any training or certifications you got while unemployed.
5. Pair your resume with a convincing cover letter that explains your situation.

Employment gaps on resumes are common, and yours probably isn’t the dealbreaker you may think it is. Most employers understand there are many valid reasons to take extended time off from working, such as raising a child or suffering from long-term health issues.