Welcome to Q&A From the Trenches! Every week we take your questions on building a resume, interviewing, searching for jobs – ask us anything!
QUESTION: For the last 8 years I’ve focused on taking care of my children. I’m re-entering the workforce and need to know how to address this on my resume. What can I do to call attention to my skills, instead of how long I have not been working?
You’re right – it’s a challenge when you haven’t been in the workplace for a number of years to show hiring managers that you have the required experience and skills, without focusing on the gaps of your employment.
Your resume needs to convey your potential by demonstrating your capabilities, and establish your value to a future employer. If you’re returning to a job in a field similar to your career before kids, showcase your previous experience. If you’re looking to jump into another industry, highlight relevant skills from your old career applicable to the new job you want.
Use activities to help fill gaps – keeping in mind how it relates to your job goal. For example, the role you played in your children’s school fundraising or charity events helps you demonstrate transferable skills. Establish leadership and motivation abilities by indicating how you led a planning committee of 15 parents. Show your organizational skills and indicate the amount of money you raised putting together a silent auction at the spring fair.
If you helped plan the school’s holiday food drive for a local charity, include how you collected items to be donated from local merchants, and objectives that were established and met. This shows hiring managers project management skills, ability to meet deadlines, and how you contribute to reaching (and/or exceeding) specific goals.
Perhaps you wrote a blog about childcare, or started an online group to connect with other parents on reliable babysitters in your area. Your marketing and social media skills shine through and hiring managers can see your abilities in effective communication. Make sure you put this on your resume – social media skills are very desirable – especially if you can quantify your experience with an increase in followers or fans! (Check out the article “By The Numbers: Quantify Your Resume for Maximum Impact”)
Keep in mind just because you weren’t paid for the past few years … doesn’t mean your skills aren’t valuable!
Any freelance or seasonal jobs you held should also be included. If you took continuing education/professional development courses, or hold memberships in organizations, put these in as well – they show commitment to keeping your skills updated and dedication to a certain field or industry.
Remember – always be honest about explaining your employment gap, and be confident during your interviews. This ensures a hiring manager they can be confident in your abilities to do the job. Get back out there – we’re rooting for you!
If you have a Question for Q&A From the Trenches tweet us at @InspiredResumes or drop us an email at deidre@inspiredresumes.com
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