Should You List Gig Work on an Executive-Level Resume? Here’s What You Should Know

When it comes to crafting the perfect executive resume, every detail matters. As a finance executive who has taken a break from the workforce, you may be wondering whether or not to include gig work, such as food delivery or ridesharing, on your resume. After all, that time helped you financially during your break, but will it reflect well on your career story?

In this blog, we’ll explore whether including gig work on an executive-level resume is a good idea, how to frame career gaps positively, and what hiring managers are really looking for when they read resumes from high-level candidates.

The Unique Landscape of an Executive Resume

At the executive level, resumes aren’t just a list of job titles. They’re strategic marketing documents, carefully designed to communicate your leadership skills, experience, and ability to steer an organization towards success. Unlike earlier in your career, when every role and job change was relevant, executives need to streamline their resumes to focus on positions that highlight their strategic thinking, leadership, and expertise.

As you gain more experience, resumes become shorter and more targeted. While a comprehensive resume might have been appropriate for mid-level roles, an executive-level resume should spotlight your most significant achievements and leadership roles.

The Potential Impact of Listing Gig Work

One of the first questions you might have is: Will listing gig work on an executive resume dilute my professional image?

For many hiring managers, the answer is yes. While gig work like DoorDash or Uber is honest work, listing it on an executive resume could raise questions about your career trajectory and leadership capabilities. This is especially true if you’ve previously held high-level positions in finance or management.

As one expert pointed out, “If I saw a resume that had someone going from an executive position to DoorDash, I'd generally wonder if they were okay.” The concern is that listing jobs that seem beneath your previous level of experience may send the wrong message to potential employers.

In other words, a resume that shows a sharp contrast between high-level leadership positions and gig work can confuse hiring managers. They may question whether you’re ready to re-enter the corporate world or if you’ve lost confidence in your abilities.

Relevance Is Key: When to List Gig Work

The rule of thumb for any resume is relevance. If your gig work directly aligns with the job you’re applying for, it could be worth mentioning. For example, if you did consulting or freelance work that’s relevant to finance or executive management, you might include that experience. However, driving for Uber or delivering food typically won’t enhance your credibility as a finance executive.

Instead of listing gig work, you can focus on other productive activities during your break, such as managing your real estate investments, personal development, or caregiving for a family member. These roles, though not formal employment, can be framed in a way that highlights leadership, responsibility, and strategic thinking.

Addressing Career Breaks on an Executive Resume

Career breaks are common among executives. Burnout, personal commitments, or simply taking time to regroup are valid reasons for stepping away from the workforce. The key is to present that break in a positive light.

Here are a few strategies for addressing career breaks on your executive resume:

1. Highlight Real Estate Investments

If you were managing real estate investments during your break, highlight that as part of your professional experience. Real estate management can involve financial planning, strategic decision-making, and project management—all valuable skills for an executive.

You might frame this time under a title like “Real Estate Investment Manager” or “Real Estate Portfolio Director.” This allows you to maintain a professional narrative while showing that you were actively engaged in managing assets.

2. Frame the Break as a Sabbatical

Some executives choose to frame career breaks as sabbaticals, using the time for personal growth, travel, or education. A sabbatical demonstrates that you were taking time to recharge or gain new experiences, which can be valuable when returning to the workforce.

One commenter suggested, “You can feel free to list a job like ‘Caregiver for a family member’ with the dates of your gap.” This allows you to acknowledge the break without over-explaining or going into details that aren’t relevant to your professional image.

3. Don’t Overexplain

While it’s important to acknowledge career breaks, you don’t need to go into excessive detail. A brief line explaining your break, such as “Took a sabbatical to manage real estate investments and pursue personal passions,” is enough to address the gap without drawing too much attention to it.

Tailoring Your Resume to Executive Roles

Executives are hired for their leadership skills, vision, and ability to drive business results. When crafting your resume, keep the focus on what hiring managers are looking for in a top-level candidate. That means highlighting leadership roles, strategic accomplishments, and your ability to solve complex business problems.

Here’s why you should avoid including irrelevant roles like gig work:

• It Dilutes Your Executive Brand: Listing lower-level positions can confuse hiring managers and take the focus away from your executive experience.
• It Creates Questions About Your Career Trajectory: If you go from an executive role to a gig economy job, hiring managers may wonder if you’ve lost confidence or if you’re unable to manage the stress of leadership.
• It Shifts Focus from Your Key Strengths: Your resume should emphasize your ability to lead, manage teams, and make strategic decisions. Gig work, which is typically task-based, doesn’t highlight these skills.

Be Prepared to Explain Your Career Gap in Interviews

When you get to the interview stage, be ready to discuss your career break confidently. Here’s how you might explain your time away from the corporate world:

“I took a well-deserved break to focus on managing my real estate portfolio, which included overseeing major renovations and financial planning. During that time, I also cared for an elderly family member. This experience has given me fresh insights, and I’m excited to bring my renewed energy and perspective back into a leadership role.”

This response highlights responsibility, financial management, and personal development—all qualities that are valuable in an executive.

Use Selective Storytelling

At the executive level, selective storytelling is critical. Your resume doesn’t need to include every job or activity you’ve had in the past few years. Instead, focus on what strengthens your application and aligns with the role you’re pursuing.

As one expert noted, “You list things that will get you hired, simple as that.” In other words, if the gig work doesn’t add value to your executive resume, leave it off. Instead, emphasize your real estate management, personal development, or even the valuable time you spent recharging after burnout.

Key Takeaways

• Gig work is typically not necessary to include on an executive resume, especially if it’s unrelated to your career goals.
• Focus on presenting a professional, high-level narrative. Highlight relevant leadership experience, personal development, or real estate management as ways to fill career gaps.
• Address career breaks briefly. You don’t need to over-explain your time away from the workforce. A simple explanation, such as managing investments or taking a sabbatical, is sufficient.
• Tailor your resume to the executive role you’re applying for. Keep the focus on your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver results.
• Be prepared to explain your career gap in interviews. Emphasize how you managed your time effectively and how your experiences during the break have prepared you for new challenges.

By focusing on your strengths and being strategic about how you present your career break, you can maintain a strong, credible executive image without needing to mention unrelated gig work. Instead, highlight the skills and experiences that make you the best fit for the executive role you're targeting.