At 9:56pm on September 27, 2009, Julie Cohen said…: Hi Liz - You're welcome - what you're asking regarding the resume is whether you should use a 'reverse chronological resume' vs a 'functional resume.' There are pros and cons to both. Reverse chronological lists your experience from present to past - highlighting skills, experience, results, etc. With your gap, you'd fill in the major volunteering as the most current. The functional highlights your skill areas, and lessens the focus on employers and timeline. The issue with functional is that often a reader will assume you're trying to 'hide' something. I think it's 50/50 on which style you would like to use. Reality is you have a gap. If you'd like to send me a draft of your resume, I'm happy to give you feedback. Send it to Julie@JulieCohenCoaching.com. Best, Julie

At 8:12pm on September 25, 2009, Julie Cohen said…: Hi Elizabeth -Thanks for your note. You ask a question that a lot of people ask. And, you don't have to 'fill' the gap. First off, if you did any type of significant volunteer work, you can put that in there. If you didn't that's OK too. The gap is real. You need to focus on your past experience, what you currently bring to the table (as you said once a SW always as SW). Your skills and compassion remain. You need to sell how you can contribute and you can sell your enthusiasm and energy to return to the workforce after your deliberate break will enable you to 'hit the ground running.' You can briefly acknowledge the gap in the coverletter, but don't dwell. You want to sell your value and strengths, not what you perceive as a deficit. It really is fine to have your first employment on the resume be your last job if that is what it is! Sell your story, not your gap. Here's a question to consider that's more important than the gap - "What can you contribute to our organization?" (My hunch is that the answer probably hasn't changed too much over the 10 years, and you're probably 'older and wiser' too!)

Best,
Julie
BF Resident Career Coach

At 4:40pm on September 24, 2009, Terry Starr said…: Hi Elizabeth,
Welcome to Butterfly... you have come to the right place. As you may know we are currently hosting a live auction with the handsomely sweet Nick Lachey to benefit VH1 Save The Music.

You can start your journey here by looking to join some of the many groups to connect and network with like women (groups under members tab).

Enjoy the celebrity Mom Mentor videos like the one this month with Legal Analyst Lisa Bloom or our April video with Danielle Monaro, and the inspiring working mom interviews. Don't miss the resourceful/lifestyle editorial offering advice in everything from child care to parenting to travel and nutrition.

Or, consider reaching out to Julie Cohen if need be, Butterfly's resident Career Coach (click thru on left side of home page) who is an expert in guiding women. She offers great advice in the Resources/Career Coach section. And, there's 10,000+ job openings available right here on Butterfly's job search board. In October we introduce interview tip from Jill Levine, recruitment specialist. (Don't hide the gap in your resume.. think about what you've done over the years: manage family finances, volunteer...)

Please let us know if you have any questions and please take a moment to invite your circle of moms into the community so that we can empower as many women as possible/upload your photo!
Very Best,
Terry and Bradi, Co-Founders