Cover letter explaining a gap example
A cover letter is the place to explain a gap in a few sentences, so the employer is not left guessing. Put your best evidence first, then say why you were away, that you are ready now and what you kept up. You do not have to give health or family details.
Read the letter as text
Angela Tierney
Preston · [email protected] · 07700 900278
17 October 2026
Mr Colm Dwyer
Finance Manager
Lindale Joinery
Unit 3, Brookfield Works
Preston PR2 9ZQ
Dear Mr Dwyer
Application for Bookkeeper
I am applying for the Bookkeeper post at Lindale Joinery. I worked in accounts at Ribbleton Building Supplies for ten years, latterly running the purchase ledger, and I am now returning to work after a career break.
At Ribbleton I processed about 600 supplier invoices a month in Sage 200, reconciled the 40 largest supplier statements every month and prepared the weekly payment run. I also helped with the quarterly VAT return and the year-end schedules for the auditors, which is the work your advert describes.
I left in 2024 to care for a family member full time. That caring role has now ended, and I am ready to work full time. During the break I completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and learned Xero, which I see you use, and since 2025 I have kept the petty cash and Gift Aid claims for a local carers’ centre.
My CV is attached, and I can start straight away. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely
Angela Tierney
Fictional letter from Angela Tierney, the applicant in the CV after caring for a relative example. Every person and employer in it is invented.
Why each paragraph is there
I am applying for the Bookkeeper post at Lindale Joinery. I worked in accounts at Ribbleton Building Supplies for ten years, latterly running the purchase ledger, and I am now returning to work after a career break.
The job, your experience and the break, said plainly at the start.
At Ribbleton I processed about 600 supplier invoices a month in Sage 200, reconciled the 40 largest supplier statements every month and prepared the weekly payment run. I also helped with the quarterly VAT return and the year-end schedules for the auditors, which is the work your advert describes.
Your strongest evidence, before anything more about the gap.
I left in 2024 to care for a family member full time. That caring role has now ended, and I am ready to work full time. During the break I completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and learned Xero, which I see you use, and since 2025 I have kept the petty cash and Gift Aid claims for a local carers’ centre.
The gap in a few sentences: why, that it is over, and what you kept up. No more detail than you want to give.
My CV is attached, and I can start straight away. Thank you for considering my application.
When you can start, and a short close.
Other ways to explain a gap
Sentences for other reasons. Use one that is true for you, keep it short and go straight back to your evidence; you do not have to give health or family details.
Raising children. I spent five years at home raising my children, and now that both are at school I am ready to return to work full time.
Illness. I took a year away from work because of illness. I have recovered and am ready to return.
Still caring. I still care for a family member, so I am looking for a post of about 25 hours a week, ideally between 9am and 3pm.
Redundancy. My role was made redundant when the site closed in March. Since then I have completed an IOSH Managing Safely course, and I can start straight away.
Travel or study. I spent a year travelling and studying Spanish, and I am now looking for a permanent post.
Keeping it short. I have had a break from paid work since 2024 and am now ready to return.
If you still care for someone, you can request flexible working, such as different hours or days, from your first day in a job (GOV.UK: Flexible working, checked 17 October 2026).
If you have a condition that may need an adjustment at interview, the disability disclosure letter shows how to ask for one.