Should I add Primary Caregiver on my resume?

by Robin Renee Andrews
(Santa Ana, CA)

I've worked for an auto finance company for eight years. I was laid off three and a half years ago and I haven't found work yet. I was an unpaid primary caregiver for my sick mother. She died nearly two weeks ago, may she rest in peace. Should I add it on my resume or not. What should I do?

Answer: I am also an unpaid primary caregiver, so I know well what you must have gone through with your mother. It's a lot of work, and I definitely think you should give yourself credit for it, at least in your cover letter.

If you decide to list it on your resume, then you should also list skills and accomplishments in the role, if you can. This will show that the time was not wasted, that you continued to gain skills/experience that can be valuable to future employers.