How Do I Explain an Employment Gap to Take Care of Our Kids?

by Thomas
(Arizona)

I have taken over seven years off of work to take care of my two children, while my wife's career has fast tracked. I'm a bit nervous on how well it will be perceived that I was Mr. Mom.

I do have an MPA and during the seven year hiatus I volunteered on my historic neighborhood board, city commissions, and various public committees.

How Do I Explain a Long Gap in Employment?

by Someone
(Somewhere)

After working in the Insurance Industry for over 25 years I retired. After retirement I went on the road as a team driver for a large company to see the country. In February 2007 my team driver was hurt which required several major surgeries and we were "let go" due to this.

I put my job search on hold to care for my fiance who was my team driver. Then my oldest sister was diagnosed as being "terminally ill" last year and I moved in with her to care for her until she passed away January of this year.

After her passing I handled her affairs and now I am in need of a job and do not know how to handle this large gap on my resume.

How Do I Explain Six Years Taking Care of My Kids?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere, USA)

am not actively looking for a job, but would like to have my resume ready in case I would need it in the future.

For the last six years, I have been a stay at home mom. I have a BA, and work experience from the past. What do I say that I have been doing for the last six years? (In other words, "How do I deal with such a long employment gap?")

How Do I Account for an Employment Gap on My Resume?

by Lisa A. Randall
(Kansas City, MO)

I have been working for an insurance company for only one year and am now faced with a layoff. Before coming to work at my present job, I spent 9 months caring for my disabled mother after my father's death, and then 6 months moving and dealing with the issues after her death.

I would like to know the best way to cover this period of time on my resume. I have searched caregiver sites and none of them cover this issue.

Thanks,

Lisa A. Randall

How Do I Explain an Employment Gap Due to Caregiving?

by Bob
(Fayetteville, NC, US)

I have been out of work for several years due to taking care of children and grandchildren and taking care of six sick parent and sick in-laws.

How do I fill in a 12 year gap in my resume?

I have been a homemaker for the last 12 years due to caring for my disabled sister so I have a rather large gap in my work history. Previous to that I waitressed for a number of years. How can I "embellish" my resume without fibbing? Thanks,D.J.

How do I explain a gap of employment on resume?

by Mariel
(Stratford, CT)

I stopped working June of 2008 due to a lay off. At that time I decided to expanded our family. As a result I remained home to care for myself and my newborn. I am now ready to go back to work but don't know how to put it on my resume? What category? And how do I word it? Please help...



ANSWER: Employment gaps are best handled in the cover letter. You can't really list a gap under work experience. Be honest about your reasons for the gaps and if relevant, emphasize new skills you gained during the gap. Also, check the many answers already given here about employment gaps for caregiving: http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com/questions-about-employment-gaps-due-to-time-off-for-caregiving.html

Good luck!
Kathi