Resume
Tips for Heading Back to Work After Children
Every year, numerous parents decide
to return to the workforce after taking time off to raise children.
Whether the time was for six weeks or 18 years, most parents who are
going back to work find it difficult to overcome the gap in
employment. The time between jobs can hurt your chances of
re-entering the job market and many employers will admit that these
breaks in employment history tend to push a candidate out of the
running for an opening.
Almost all parents who have spent
time at home versus working an outside job have activities that can
and should be included on a resume when the time comes to return to
work. Just because you did not receive paid compensation for your
work doesn’t make your experience less valuable. Treat volunteer
activities the same as you would a paid position. Include things
such as charity work, parent teacher associations, and fund raising
efforts. Any leadership roles in such organizations will help to
highlight skills and accomplishments related to the position you are
applying for.
Did you work at home or were you
self-employed during this time? Whether you worked full or part
time, be sure to include self-employed or contract experience. This
will show a potential employer that you are able to multitask and
work with little or no supervision. Highlight important
accomplishments or duties in your resume.
Did you take any online courses
while you were a stay at home parent? By listing any continuing
education, you are demonstrating that your skills are fresh and not
outdated.
Are you a member of a professional
organization or did you attend any seminars or conferences regarding
the field you are applying for? Display your dedication to the field
by including this information as well.
In order to avoid an immediate
disqualification caused by your employment gap, use a combination
resume. Chronological resumes may be easier to put together, but
they do not stress the areas that are key for parents returning to
the workforce after having a break in employment.
Include only those skills that
apply to the specific position you are applying for. For instance,
if you are going into the childcare or teaching field, it would make
sense that you include more of the actual parental duties you
performed than if you were going to work in a corporate setting.
Above all, be honest about why you
have the gap in your employment. You can explain your absence in the
cover letter, but don’t go overboard. State why you were away and
then accentuate how you have kept up to date with your skills. If
you show a potential employer that you have taken the steps
necessary to stay involved, you have a higher probability of landing
the job.
By Jennifer Anthony
Resume Writer and Consultant
http://www.professional-resume-service.com/
|
