It's normal to feel discouraged, but there are a few focused steps you can take to improve your chances:

• Rework your resume to clearly explain the 2-year gap. Keep it honest—mention if you were upskilling, dealing with personal issues, or preparing for exams.

• Start building a strong LinkedIn presence. Share projects, write short posts on what you're learning, and connect with professionals in your field.

• Enroll in a short-term certification or internship, even if unpaid, to show active engagement and learning.

• Apply strategically. Don’t mass apply. Customize your resume and cover letter for each role.

• Reach out directly to recruiters or employees on LinkedIn. Ask politely for any openings or referrals.

• Focus on small and mid-size companies and startups—they often value skills over gaps.

• Practice mock interviews and improve communication. Career gap candidates are often judged more during interviews, so preparation is key.