What questions might interviewers ask about my gap, and how do I prepare?

Most gap questions fall into a few predictable types, so you can prepare one honest answer for each.

Common questions:

• "Can you tell me about this gap?" Give your two-sentence summary.
• "What did you do during that time?" Mention courses, volunteering or projects, if any.
• "How have you kept your skills up to date?" Name specific tools, courses or reading.
• "Why are you returning now?" Explain what has changed and why this role fits.
• "Are you ready to commit to a full-time role?" Answer clearly and briefly.

Preparation tips:

• Write your answers down and practise them aloud.
• Keep each answer short and end it on the job.
• Decide in advance what you will keep private, and prepare a polite line for it, such as "It was a family matter that is now settled."