Should I explain I have been out of country on resume to explain employment gap?

Nutshell-13 years employment history with same company, consistent promotions so thats solid.but took a year off to live in Central America..do I want to explain up front on resume or cover letter about sabbatical so they don't presume I have spent the last 14 months as a deadbeat ( which I was, BTW, but a deadbeat on an island in an exotic locale which makes it more palatable I think).


Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Should I explain I have been out of country on resume to explain employment gap?
I would include in a cover letter, but not on the resume. A simple "I have been out of the country for the last year and am now looking forward to resuming my career" or something to that effect should suffice.
Reply:If they ask yes tell them that you were out of the country.


different countries have different laws about working while a visitor and you may have picked up odd jobs or been in a relationship where you did not need to work


All that is none of their business really.


One year is a very short time in reality. just leave it alone unless they ask for further clarification and then unless it makes you look better keep it brief.
Reply:You want to explain the gap in employment or you may not get called in to interviews. Put something in your cover letter explaining that you took a 14 month sabatical out of the country.
Reply:I would include it - and simply state that you lived in Central America during that time period doing "charity work"





sure it was charity to you - but ya gotta be creative -





if they ask just tell them you worked with the local people
Reply:It would not hurt to explailn the gap in employment...that way you are upfront, and the way I would look at things...you have taken some time out to enjoy life and now are ready to go back to work.
Reply:Wait for it to come up during the interview. Never air it on your resume or cover letter.