SAHP - what to put on cv

[Sunisshining12]

Been a SAHM for nearly 5 years. DD born with a genetic condition, and is disabled. I’ve been caring for her round the clock as well as general Mum duties for both DC. DD will be starting school in Sept.

How do I fill this gap on my CV? I don’t want to disclose about DC condition as worry it will put potential employers off if they think i have a lot on my plate being a Carer and a parent to young children. Plus I haven’t ‘worked’ for nearly 5 years.

Didn’t do any volunteering or anything interesting during this time either.

Any advice please?

[quote theresagiantonthebeach]**@Fred578* @SleepingStandingUp*. but I don't see what's wrong with just saying you were a SAHP. .....not to list it as job skills but to state why there is a gap in employment[/quote]
You can say it if you want, but you need to think about this from the perspective of the employer, not yours or the perspective of some kind of abstract social validation.

An employer needs to know that you were out of the workplace for some time, and also that it wasn't because you were unemployable/a lazy arse/in prison/dealing drugs instead. "Career break for caring responsibilities" covers this nicely. It gives them the required information. Putting too much emphasis on yourself as a parent and the fact you were caring for DC is not something the employer really needs to know, and there's plenty of research to demonstrate that framing yourself prominently as a mother hurts women at work and activates bias and stereotypes. So you can make a point of saying "SAHP" on your CV instead of "career break", but the prospective employer doesn't need to know, and you're making a point of putting yourself as a parent first and prospective employee second, which is unlikely to help you get the job.

OP, have a look at Women Returners website.. they are really good and work with companies to get women back into workforce and have plenty of resources. They say the same thing as @Respectabitch says... put it as career break on the CV. Employers appreciate honesty and its common to take a break these days.

Flexible working is going to be huge post covid so dont worry about it. Most corporates are open and most willing to it x

[quote Fred578]@SleepingStandingUp... ‘manager of toxic waste’ [/quote]
11 month old twins
That's all I'm saying ,😂😂😂

[quote theresagiantonthebeach]**@Fred578* @SleepingStandingUp*. but I don't see what's wrong with just saying you were a SAHP. .....not to list it as job skills but to state why there is a gap in employment[/quote]
I don't think the issue is putting career break for children, in fact I'd be a bit 🙄 at someone having a 7 year career break with no reason
Bit it's when people start listing that they balanced the catering list for 5 exacting clients, jiggled the shopping budget etc as tho that isn't just adulting

@goldenochre - will check it out, that sounds good. The profession i’m trying to break back into is fiercely competitive, elitist, masculine & not flexible in the slightest. Lord help me!

@SleepingStandingUp - haha!!

@theresagiantonthebeach there’s nothing wrong with people saying they were a stay at home parent. My point was aimed at people who try and position that as some kind of career on their CV by listing the responsibilities (that we all have and have to juggle) as part of their ‘role responsibilities’. I have looked at a lot of CV’s and every time I see something like that it makes me roll my eyes. I understand it’s hard to fill a CV after being out of employment for several years but as long as there is a reasonable explanation for that time then it’s fine.

Often job adverts have a contact name for more info pre applying. I Used this to ask if they would be open to a part time /job share applicant. Some said yes, some no. Reduction in wasted time all round!

This is a very informative thread! Thank you

@Aubrey1981

I had a 10 year break after having kids and over the past six years have worked my way up through the company I work for. I know recruit new staff as well and the key for getting a foot in the door is having some sort of volunteering experience. That’s what I did for two years and I now recommend to the people that I meet. There is so much competition for jobs that we would need to see evidence of some sort of work experience in order to offer an interview for an entry level job. Good luck!!

@Aubrey1981 I've had a nearly two year break, would I need volunteer experience after a short break? At what point would it be necessary? I'm looking at a maximum of 3/3.5 year gap at the moment when my youngest goes to school. I have a currently sleeping online business that I can resurrect to help with some experience to fill the gap. Does being self-employed help fill the gaps too?