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how to explain a 7 yr break from work in a positive light

14 replies

Glassofwine · 26/08/2006 18:41

Hi, I haven't worked for 7 years and am now thinking about looking for something part time. I've done some research to find local companies in the field in which I used to work (there are a few). Am about to start work on my CV, but don't know how to explain the career break ie to have children. What would you do?

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beansprout · 26/08/2006 18:44

I work in the voluntary sector which is ok about this kind of thing so just that, "career break to raise my family" is valid. You could big up anything that you did during that time that was in any way work related?

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Orinoco · 26/08/2006 21:53

Message withdrawn

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nearlythree · 26/08/2006 22:05

Explain you've had a career break to raise kids. Anyone who knows anything about families will know you've been working bloody hard.

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pippo · 26/08/2006 22:11

could you do one of those cv's where you list skills by category, rather than things in chronological order iyswim?

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horsecrazy · 26/08/2006 23:58

I havent worked since 1998 as I have been having four children within that time.....and I am now wanting to return to work......I have just put on my CV that I am a mum returning to work after having children.....you will find that most places understand that women have time off to have children and be a mum/housewife. I am never worried by it as its perfectly natural and alot of prospective employers will like the fact that you have children and are a returning mum and are more grounded because of this..........GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

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CountTo10 · 27/08/2006 00:09

I've been involved in the recruitment of various people in our department and mostly all of them have been women and most have had a period of time in their cv labelled as a career break to have children. We've never questioned it or thought hmmmm that means they might not be able to do their job. No prospective employer is allowed to discount you on the basis that you've had kids. Hope you're successful in your search!!

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horsecrazy · 27/08/2006 00:25

I agree CountTo10 I have never had any probs with either agencies or employers by myself being a fulltime mother for a longtime.

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suzywong · 27/08/2006 00:28

In Australia the term " Home Duties" is used and is perfectly acceptable and widely used with no questions asked.
Would that cover it

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WideWebWitch · 27/08/2006 06:56

My cv has a five year gap with 'raising a family' on it. God, it's awful but an agency put it there adn I haven't got around to changing it and don't know what I'd change it to tbh.

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Glassofwine · 27/08/2006 09:56

Phew you are all making me feel so much better, it's a little nerve wracking, but at the same time exciting. Thanks

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Judy1234 · 27/08/2006 14:24

Most people who recruit have families. I don't think a career break matters.

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colditz · 27/08/2006 14:26

as long as you weren't in jail, I don't think they care what you were doing, really

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Glassofwine · 27/08/2006 15:14

Ha ha - sometimes it does feel like jail, that's why its time for work.

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Glassofwine · 27/08/2006 21:40

Ok, have been working on a letter and CV, but I am concerned that my work experience will make me look overqualified. I was a producer and would like to do some sort of admin/secretarial job as I'm looking for part time and you don't get part time producers. I want to somehow say that I don't expect to be in a similar sort of role without sounding highhanded or like I'm suggesting that I'd be slumming it IYSWIM. Any suggestions?