How to explain gaps in employment (with cover letter sample)

Dear Ms. Paulson,

I am Agnes Chan, a former Personal Shopper at one of the world’s leading fashion retailers. I was excited to learn through Crystal Wong, the Assistant Accountant of your apparel brand, that you are on the lookout for a Fashion Designer and I am writing to express my ardent interest in the position. I believe my passion for the art of fashion coupled with my international exposure will make me a valuable asset to your company.

As my resume details, I have three years of experience working in the fashion industry. Upon completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion and Textiles at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I worked as a Sales Associate at Shop+Drop before being promoted to Personal Shopper in the same company in just a year after demonstrating my exceptional ability to meet clients’ fashion needs and cultivate great customer relationships. That is how I got my step into the industry!

To realize my passion for becoming a fashion designer, I left Shop+Drop after 3 years of employment and pursued a full-time Postgraduate Diploma at the British Academy of Fashion Design in London, after which I spent a year living in neighbouring European cities and taking inspiration from the continent’s natural landscapes, architecture, and happening fashion scene. I have attached my portfolio to this email, which includes a few of my sketches that were inspired by the medieval Parisian streets and the breathtaking Tuscany sunsets among the other wonders I witnessed.

In fact, the two years I spent in Europe helped me thoroughly understand the larger influences at play in the fashion industry and greatly sharpened my vision and attention to detail. From producing initial conceptual sketches and illustrations to driving optimal design and development of garments, I am confident that I will create fast-selling garments that are in tune with your customers’ preferences and the latest industry trends.

It would be an honor to be a part of your brand, which has a reputation for setting trends instead of merely following them. With a strong background in fashion design coupled with my commitment to achievement, I am confident I can quickly exceed your expectations and meet the demands of this role. I look forward to discussing this position in further detail in person.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have any questions or need further clarifications on my experience. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Yours sincerely,

Agnes Chan

+852 9000 0000  |  [email protected]