I worked for JPMC for several years then had a child. We decided it was best for our family that I stay home with my son until he got a little older. Now that I'm ready to return to work, I haven't had success with obtaining interviews and I fear its because my resume shows a two year gap. Any suggestions on how to get over this hurdle would be greatly appreciated!
Answers
Hi Jaylin,
My wife did the same and I think times have changed for helping women with the transition back into the workforce. There a quite of few new resources but I have had people in my network recommend the Women Back to Work (WBW) website: https://www.womenbacktowork.org/
Wishing you success!
I think you need to be open about taking time to nurture your son in his early years. It probably allowed you to completely evaluate and put in place child care options, educational opportunities, etc. so now you are prepared to enter the workforce again and leave it at that.
SGT. Thomas- I reached out to a female atty at a large Los Angeles law firm for ideas and she in turn consulted with one of the law firm's staff that does a lot of non-lawyer hiring for the firm.The advice I received: use a job recruiter since potential hiring firms see oodles of resumes, whereas a recruiter knows how to get the firm's job interviewer's attention. Also, if you do send you resume, include a cover letter with a succinct explanation ( not over 2 sentences) for the gap. I would add that there are firms who openly state they prefer ex-military personnel due to the stability and discipline military serve suggests. Lastly, my friend suggested: www.monster.com/career-advice/article/resume-tips-parents-returning-towork ( I hope I give the correct site here). Good Luck . Larry Schnabel, AB/JD , CDR. , USNR-R (ret.).
Hi Jaylin,
My mom was a stay at home mom as well before returning back to work. For her, she was able to help out once a week with her sister and their company (small business) providing that experience on her resume. She also went back working at the airport from where she had previous several connections before she left to be a stay at home mom.
I would check out these resources I found on Google if you haven't already and update your resume accordingly: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+explain+employment+gaps+when+you+stay+home+mom&rlz=1C1OKWM_enUS881US881&oq=how+to+explain+employment+gap+when+you+stayed+homed&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j33l2.10261j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I would then reach out to your network (past employers and colleagues) if the work you want to do is similar or in the same industry. Best of luck!
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