What is the best way to cover up gaps in employment?

I have a 2.5 year gap with one contract in between that lasted a month only due to issues on the clients side. I am getting phone interviews but few face to face interviews and nothing is converting into an offer. I have been asked about the gap since I list it as volunteer work and I try to explain it as best I can but a lot of the time it comes up.

My dilemma is, should I just keep sending out resumes as before or should I try to mask the gap with a fake job. I have a friend who has a business and says he will cover for me even though I won't show any W2 or 1099 income from that business. I have also heard of a some companies that will, for a fee, give you a reference and pretend to be your previous employer.

I don't like to lie but I don't want to starve either. I spoke to an HR recruiter I know who told me if a company does a thorough background check I will be found found out. I need some good advice from the board as to what my options are.

Do not make up a job or pay a company to lie about a job! You will eventually be caught and lose your job, making it even more difficult to find another one!

Most of us here have the same gap, or longer. Volunteer work should help, it shows that you remained active and tried networking to find another job.

Again, the worst thing you can do is lie! I have been on interviews where the employer realizes WHY there is such a gap, but when there are 150 - 200 applicants for every job in my area, it cuts your odds down significantly to be hired, especially someone in my age group!

I'm not sure how i would get caught if the business is legit and the owner is willing to say I worked there. Unless they can check W2 records I think I would get away with it. I did do some PT work but I don't want to put it on my resume since it was only part-time and it's doesn't match the type of F/T employment I am looking for.

I think what I should have done and will do in the future is create some sort of home based business that I can legitimately put on my resume as current employment while I'm looking for a real job.

I have had gaps in employment over the years that range from a couple of months to a couple of years. Below are a few explanations that I have used to cover gaps in employment.

- I took time off to travel, and spend time with relatives and friends in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Washington and Canada (or wherever you have relatives and friends).

- When my kid was in grade school, I would say that I took time off to be a stay at home mom for a while, and was now ready to return to work.

- When my kid was a teenager, I would say the same thing, and emphasize how important I thought it was to be involved in my kid's life, especially during the teenage years.

- I wanted to take some time off, and now feel refreshed and ready to return to the workforce.

Also, when I am not working, I am typically doing some sort of volunteer work, somewhere, and I include that on my resume. It's a great way to network!

I've said things like this also.

Recently, while unemployed I've been helping to take care of an elderly relative as well as writing a book.

I think that everyone has something in their life which is completely true and valid to use during these gaps. Just look at your life--you're probably not doing "nothing..."