Mat leave on a CV?

[happyfrogger]

Is it the done thing to put your mat leave on a CV? I've worked for a company since 2007 and am on my 2nd mat leave. The first I took a year for, the second I'm still on and will take 9 months.

The company were acquired during my first mat leave by a large corporation which dramatically changed the business. Future employers would be keen to know about my experiences in this large well known company.

Should I detail on my CV that I've not been doing that for 2 years, but rather 6 months in between mat leaves?

I want to be honest and happy to talk about my 'short stint' in this new rebranded company at interview stage but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by volunteering that I've had almost 2 years out of the work place if it's perfectly reasonable to omit my mat leave.

And yes, I know employers 'can't discriminate' but lets' be honest - it doesn't sell someone!!

[titchy]

Perfectly normal to omit it. You were technically employed by the organisation during ML, so why would you make your CV look as if you weren't?

[poopooheadwillyfatface]

absolutely not
you were employed at that time
whether or not you were actually attending work isn't relevant

[titchy]

If the company was bought out, I would put 'Acme Company - Jan 2005 to present (Formerly known as ABC company prior to buy-out in April 2011)'

[PenguinsDontEatKale]

Absolutely not. You were an employee throughout.

In your circumstances it might come up at interview if, for example, they want to know your involvement in an integration programme that you missed because you were off (when you can explain it in a constructive way, hopefully), but absolutely not on the CV.

Employers would find it v odd to have it detailed. The only time you would cover that type of thing is actual career breaks, when depending on circumstances it might be the best thing to do to avoid obvious gaps.

[blackandwhiteandredallover]

I've never put mine on my CV. You were still employed at the time.

[SwimmingMom]

Don't add ML breaks to your CV. Just show continuity in work. Just treat it similar to sick leave or holidays in your mind. If asked be honest but don't get too precise about dates & duration, keep it vague. Focus & keep their attention on your good work & value you bring. IMO what matters most to acquiring companies is what value you hold today & how useful you will prove in future projects. Good luck.

[KatOD]

I did include it for my cv and had the interview yesterday and the company didn't bat an eyelid.

I think it depends what story you want to give them... Be careful though as, if you're trying to sell yourself on being in a job for a few years but actually only worked 6mo of those you might struggle to make the achievements you made seem commensurate with the time in role.

Up to you really.

[happyfrogger]

Thanks everyone, seems unanimous! Much appreciated.

[KnackeredCow]

I have added it to my CV, but there are reasons for this. I am out of work now (following refusal of my FWR - I couldn't find affordable f/t childcare for my twins). By having mat leave as the last thing on there it points to why I left. I certainly wouldn't want an employer making the assumption that I was sacked because my job history just ends.

I've had three interviews (different employers) based on the CV that discloses my mat leave. Haven't got the roles, but I know I didn't interview well (really struggling with the nappy brain at the moment).

They cannot refuse to interview you on the basis you've had mat leave. To do so would be discriminatory. Although, I admit perhaps some employers wouldn't care.

Think it really depends on personal circumstances.

[DinoSnores]

I have because it explains why I have been a registrar for over 5 years (the standard length for someone in my specialty), but am not a consultant.

[poopooheadwillyfatface]

I agree though it will vary hugely on the kind of job.

My current job is really good for us - I told them straight out that I can't be flexible 24/7 and I was looking for a PT job to fit around my family. They have been fine with that. (It also goes a long way to explain why I have taken a lower grade role, as it is a backwards step career wise but in return they are getting good value ) And while I am not totally flexible, the hours they want me to work are a pretty good fit with what I can do.