Resumes - Mother's Recruitment Consultant

Jill Levine has been a freelance Recruitment Consultant for 13 years, hired by large Corporations to fill their open positions. She is an expert at resume writing, interview preparation, career coaching, people management and matching qualifications to job requirements. Lucky for us Jill shares invaluable advice for those looking for work!

How should moms account for a gap on their resume?

Gaps on resumes are usually a red flag, but can be explained on the resume in this format. “Raising Children- 2004-2007”.
If there are several gaps, the resume will be less appealing.

Is it appropriate for women to ask for part-time hours when the employer is looking for full-time?

If a candidate is being represented by a headhunter, the headhunter typically gives Human Resources or Hiring Manager, a heads up that the candidate is looking for part time, or Alternate Work Arrangements, (AWA). IF the candidate received the interview on their own, I advise them not to bring up Part Time status, until there is a real interest in their experience. Most companies seeking Full Time employees, will not consider part time. (It's different for mom's who are already working in the company, with proven success)

What type of references should be expected?

References have changed over the years. Most companies check date of employment, salary and reason for leaving. Smaller companies may check business references, which are given to them by the candidate. (Sometimes a legal issue)

How can women develop an effective resume?

The format is most important. This will take time for me to explain. Top line is, not too wordy, show job stability, show upward mobility such as promotions, eliminate unexplained gaps.

Please share some interview tips?

Speak confidently, be animated and answer the interview questions with examples, so hiring manager is clear on what you are trying to communicate. Refrain from going off on tangents and wait for the interviewer to finish the question, before answered. Make sure you are well prepared with knowledge of the company and any new press release that you can speak to, on the interview. (All info found on Google). Ask if you have the skills desired and what the next steps are and always reiterate how interested in the position you are!

- Visit Jill's personal profile page on Butterfly
- Go back to Career Coach