How to explain breaks in resume/law school apps?

Comments

• Leah M B Alum Member ⭐

  December 2017 8392 karma

  Yes, to my knowledge, you should explain any gap in which you weren't either working or in school for a significant period of time (more than a couple weeks or so).
• studyingandrestudying Core Member

  December 2017 5254 karma

  Yes, give an explanation and make it short and sweet.
• Alex Alum Member ⭐

  December 2017 23929 karma

  @fambam24 said:
  Hey all!

  I've been taking a break after my fellowship for family reasons and to work on my applications. Do I have to include anything in my resume? I'll be working again in January so I was planning to send a updated resume when I start a new position.

  Do I have to do anything else...I was told by some people that since it's normal for people to take time off after a fellowship, I don't have to do anything. I can just update the schools when I start something.

  How long has this break been? If it's not too long, I wouldn't write anything drawing attention to it. 6 months, yeah write something. 6 weeks ... Ehh, debatable. It's normal to take time off after a fellowship and more generally normal to have small breaks between different positions. I took a ~10 week leave from my job earlier this year and I don't plan on writing anything.
• 1 Like

  Tom_Tango Alum Member

  December 2017 902 karma

  @"Alex Divine" said:

  @fambam24 said:
  Hey all!

  I've been taking a break after my fellowship for family reasons and to work on my applications. Do I have to include anything in my resume? I'll be working again in January so I was planning to send a updated resume when I start a new position.

  Do I have to do anything else...I was told by some people that since it's normal for people to take time off after a fellowship, I don't have to do anything. I can just update the schools when I start something.

  How long has this break been? If it's not too long, I wouldn't write anything drawing attention to it. 6 months, yeah write something. 6 weeks ... Ehh, debatable. It's normal to take time off after a fellowship and more generally normal to have small breaks between different positions. I took a ~10 week leave from my job earlier this year and I don't plan on writing anything.

  This. Common sense is probably the best approach
• fambam24 Member

  December 2017 215 karma

  Thanks guys! This is really helpful. The break has been longer than I expected. So I'll write a short note with my application. I just don't want them to question anything.