Application - say SAHM or not?

[OhHolyJesus]

I'm due to apply for a job at a company I really want to work for. Previous application didn't result in an interview and I wonder if it's because I didn't say what I've been doing the past two years as I've been a SAHM since resigning during my mat leave.

How do I say it - on the CV, in my cover letter, or just not mention it? I fear it looks like I just haven't worked for two years which is true.

To not mention it seems deceptive but it's not like an actual job (although it feels like one sometimes!). I've heard that talking it up and listing negotiation skills with toddlers etc is frowned upon. Really not sure what to do, I just want to get an interview!

The company is an international one with a reputation for being women/Mum friendly (supportive of flexible working hours etc).

I put a 'brief career break to care for my family' to cover the gap. I've successfully got several jobs since then

I put career break to care for family as well

I would put that you had time out for family leave otherwise they might wonder why you weren't employed for that period of time. I recently received some CVs from a recruitment company and most of them had this in them so it's obviously a good thing to do.

100% state career break. Two years is not that long.

Whatever you do please do not state negotiation skills with toddlers etc or stating that you are the CEO of your house (yes, I saw that once!).

I recently put 'Returning to work after extended maternity leave' (DS is 16 months) on a job application and was on the final shortlist of 6 candidates. There were nearly 400 applications, so my career break didn't put them off!

At the interview, they asked why I wanted the job. I said, I'm currently at home looking after my son, I'm very happy doing that but would be ready to go back to work if the right opportunity came up. I really believe in this company and I want to be part of it, so that's why I applied'.

Still waiting to hear back, but you can totally turn being a SAHM to your advantage if you phrase it right. It's a very legitimate reason to have taken a career break and I think most employers understand and respect it. If not, they're probably shit to work for anyway so you're not missing out.

Good luck OP!

Thanks all - I feel my mistake before was to leave it blank, like my career ended two years ago without explanation! Will definitely use some of the phrasing here and if I don't get an interview at least I'll know that wasn't the reason why.

It's so terrifying just to apply, but I have to start somewhere - was gutted not to get an interview before but think my road to returning to work may be a long one.