To not want to fill in this section of the application form!?

[chabbychic]

I have to 'explain any breaks in employment' in my employment history.

I don't want to!

Over the last 6 years I've moved house, got married, and had two children. Sometimes I didn't work because I had awful morning sickness, sometimes because I was enjoying motherhood, sometimes because I didn't want or need to.

I am feeling guilty that my employment history is a bit ropey and that it will come across that I can't stick at anything!

I'm not going to explain my breaks in employment, and if it comes up in interview then I shall say what I feel!

You may not get an interview if you don't explain. Just so your aware.

you're sorry!

And that's your right.

You won't get the job.

But it's your right.

Refusing to tell them about it will come across as far more ropey. It'll look like you've something to hide.

Plus I certainly wouldn't hire someone who came in with a bad attitute towards me if I asked a reasonable and perfectly normal question like that.

But again, it is your choice. Just don't do it thinking they will still consider you.

'Maternity/childcare break' is enough of an explanation for the application form.

"I was looking after my two small children" in interview is understood by most. I don't think you need to explain any more than that.

Agree that if you are defensive it will not come across well.

You can just give a sort of vague, catch-all explanation, like household duties (horrible term). They want to know you aren't hiding anything like a stretch in prison! If you don't fill it in and you somehow manage to get the interview (unlikely) you will be grilled on it.

Hecate is completely right. It depends on how much you want this job, which judging from your post, doesn't sound like you are too bothered.

Besides, moving house and having children are perfectly reasonable reasons for not working.

Just say 'I was raising my children' and they will ask no more.

Yes you need to fill it in, you will be asked about it if you don't.

I worked in a recruitment agency years ago, and a man came in and filled in the form, I noticed he had a 10 year gap in his job history so I asked him about. He'd been in prison! was a bit nervous as was alone in the office, there was only 2 of us, and my colleague had nipped out to do some shopping!

Chabbychic, application forms drive me demented and I hate that we are made somehow to feel guilty for spending periods not working out of choice so I do sympathise, but as others have said you won't get the job (your application will be weeded out in the first sift) if you don't fill it in.

Your reasons for not working are perfectly "reasonable", just dress your activities up in the sort of revolting management speak that gives HR officers wet dreams and you should get a look in.

Sorry, just had to vent a bit of my own spleen there... but seriously, bringing up the children, moving house (was there any renovation work to manage?) and running a home all involve skills transferable to work situations.

Good luck!

Thanks Maud, a really helpful answer. I will fill it in I shall just object internally!

But why do you object to being asked a perfectly reasonable question?

YABU and silly

I would not employ someone who had gaps in their CV and were unwilling to explain why.

You could have been doing a 6 year stretch inside for all they know

Agree with RunAwayWife and as an HR Manager if you're awkward before the interview you are likely to be a nightmare as an employee. The ones that ring up and pick holes in the process usually turn out to be difficult employees. What on earth is your problem? All you have to put is full time mother or carer which is far better than having six jobs in the same period.

YABU. Reasonable question to ask.