There are a number of reasons you may have a gap in your work history. Whatever your situation, it’s often difficult to explain that employment gap to potential employers. According to CareerBuilder, here are three tips to help you prepare a perfect answer to a tough question.

1. Get comfortable with your pitch
Practice focusing on the positive by showcasing what you’ve accomplished and what you bring to the table. Don’t over-focus on that gap in employment and try not to draw more attention to it than necessary.

2. Think about how you made it work for you
Make a list of what you were doing during your employment gap that improved your skills or expertise. These experiences are great things to include on your resume or discuss in an interview. Prove to the hiring manager that you weren’t slouching around on a couch for months, but instead were focused on professional growth.

3. Stay honest and open
When asked about your employment gap be up front, answer honestly and with eloquence. Employers want to hear you’ve spent your time off focused on personal growth and self-reflection. Again, remember to focus on the positive.