employment gap in career
What is the best way to adress a 10 year gap in employment on a resume? The time was spent at home raising and taking care of a family.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Terry Starr on -
When you're ready to return to the workforce and you have a gap in your resume, consider this:
- Take a positive approach
- Include any volunteer work you have done, whether in the PTA or other organizations
- Include if you were responsible for your household finances
- Skills in managing your household which could include: Time Management, Organizational, Communications, etc.
- Include any related coursework or networking opportunities you may have been involved with
From a resume standpoint, you want to include a brief sentence or two about your gap, but again, quick and to the point. On the same note, when the interviewer asks you about that gap in your resume, you should be prepared to include any volunteer work, time spent managing the household, with all of the said skills mentioned above, and that you're ready to get back to work.
Since you will most likely be asked to furnish references after the interview, I would suggest ahead of time, you contact your work-related circle and let them know you may need them to act as a reference for you. This way, you not only line up your references as a usual step in the interview process, now your circle of ex-colleagues is aware you're looking. Perhaps, they can refer you in to a company they know is looking for your talent and skills.
Never feel embarrassed about the gap. Employers know return-to-the-workforce moms bring so many transferable skills to the table. We are an undertapped productive talent pool...that is beginning to get the recognition we deserve.
Moms need to come in, get their work done, and get home to their families. Feel confident going into the interview. Besides your past "traditional" work experience, we have become, in order to survive as a mother, the masters of "time management." There's a lot to be said about that!
By the way, there are many HR MOMS in the Butterfly community -- I would love for them to weigh in!
Terry Starr
Co-Founder
MyWorkButterfly.com
-
Permalink Reply by Susan Burg on
-
When I had a gap I simply put "Personal Sabbatical" on my resume. If I get an interview and the subject comes up I give a short explaination and thats all. Theres no need to put your personal life so far out there and all the interviewer wants to know is why. When I was absent for a two year period and went back to the work force I simply said I stayed home with my child after maternity leave. He didn't need to know the rest of the story.
-
Permalink Reply by Hania Qubein on -
I know so many moms who understate what they were doing at home; managing family projects includes budgeting , planning events, training children in sports as well as sales, marketing and networking with other parents.
Practical resume tip: include buzz words!
Most companies sift through hundreds of resumes electronically, so if the applicant doesn't have the right buzz word in the resume, it won't even come up. It's essential to get "smart" about what's changed and what's in your field, and reflecting that understanding in your resume . Attend a networking event /course for people in your field or subscribe to a newsletter or magazine; knowing all the buzz words will help.
-
Permalink Reply by Amy Impellizzeri on -
Make sure you touch base with fellow Butterfly member, Carol Fishman Cohen. She co-founded a great company called iRelaunch - which is all about helping moms "relaunch" their careers after a hiatus at home. I interviewed Carol for my column and attended the recent iRelaunch Career Relaunch Forum. There is specific advice about resume-drafting in their book: Back on the Career Track, and on their iRelaunch.com website - good luck!
Hiring & Business Opportunities!
Sponsors
Quick Poll & Survey
© 2012 Created by MyWorkButterfly.
