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I’ve been out of the military since 2009 and am 90% disabled. I have a gap in employment for 4 years while I was a student and would like to start working again. I just need some resume help and help with cover letters

Veteran

Joe Page North Las Vegas, NV

Just looking to come up with the best way to explain or cover the gap in my employment so that I am marketable..

11 December 2018 8 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Kathleen Colton Saint Charles, IL

Hello, Joe.

I agree that your educational time does not present a gap, but rather an opportunity. Did you have a faculty advisor during those years? If so, contact that advisor and ask that s/he write a recommendation letter on your behalf, and then use it as an attachment to your resume(many times, resumes state "references upon request" but there is no reason to wait for someone to ask!). If you did not have a specific advisor, reach out to a couple of your favorite professors.

By the way, you went back to school to MAKE yourself marketable!

Best,
Kathleen

17 December 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jacinda Chan Sacramento, CA

I can help you. I have a disability too, and I know how to write a resume for this. Email me at jacinda@cal.berkeley.edu.

Advisor

Jo Prabhu San Rafael, CA

Many companies reserve a % of their job openings for persons with disabilities and need to know ahead and up front if your disability requires special needs such as ramps for wheelchairs, transportation, special hearing or visual aids or even if they need to set aside an open or specially lighted office area based upon your particular needs. Staff employees also need to be notified and made aware of those they hire so they can as a company make accommodations to interact with you. Most applications provide a check box asking if you are disabled and I would encourage you to consider applying and checking the box only if the job involves allowing you to perform the duties required.

Advisor

Lex Levin Northborough, MA

Joe, you don't have a gap - you were a student. Simply turn your student experience into a job block to represent that on your resume. List some relevant classes and projects as well as any academic awards or honors to flesh it out. If you are looking into Federal jobs in particular, I can help - Vets to Feds is my specialty. Check out my website and get in touch through my Contact page, www.lexlevinllc.com. Best of luck!

Advisor

Dr. Daniel Johnson Youngsville, PA

Joe, perhaps you might focus on a stay at home business option that you can work from a phone and computer (either full time or part time) There are a variety of companies that provide such potential if you are open to ideas. If interested, I might suggest one. Daniel

Advisor

Susana Moraga Hayward, CA

Joe,
Your school should have a career center to assist you with your job search tools as well as contacts.
Are you working with the Department of Rehabilitation? They also provide support and help you find a job.
Going to school does not create a gap it provides experience and focus for your career goals.
Best,

Advisor

Susana Moraga Hayward, CA

Joe,
Your school should have a career center to assist you with your job search tools as well as contacts.
Are you working with the Department of Rehabilitation? They also provide support and help you find a job.
Going to school does not create a gap it provides experience and focus for your career goals.
Best,

Advisor

Duke Khadan Sawh Keyport, NJ

Hi Joe,

Send me you draft resume and cover letter and we can work on this together. Send to duke4446@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays.

Duke

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