Do I refer to my career break and if so when?

[lexloofah]

I have not worked for about 5 years, mostly due to relocation for DHs (long hours, away a lot) job then busy with kids. Think I can manage a FT job now they are older and starting senior school.

How do I approach the gap or rather cliff edge in my CV? Do I say in my personal statement that I am returning from a career break and ready to take on a new role? Do I mention in my covering letter or wait until interview if I get that far? Not sure if even employers are allowed to ask these days about family but don't want them to think I have been job searching unsuccessfully for 5 years so basically unemployable or that I took v v long mat leave

Well you will have to, because of the gap in your CV? Focus on your past experience, and try and mention any added value stuff you learned while doing childcare. Be flexible about what you will do if you can - PT or FT.

Having time off to look after your kids is nothing to feel ashamed of - it's a bloody good reason not to work - own it, don't hide it! Be upfront and put it on your CV rather than leaving an unexplained gap.

Just add one line: [Year1] - [Year2]: Career break for caring responsibilities. Add a line in your cover letter: "After a career break of 5 years caring for family, I am excited about rejoining the workforce in the potential role of [job]. Or something along those lines. All you really need to communicate is when you last worked and that you were making a deliberate choice to be out of employment and were not unemployable/in prison.

Thnx, yes don't want to hide it, just wasn't sure where to address it. Was in last job for 10 years so it has been 15 since I last applied for anything and not had a gap before.

Will big up transferable skills as going for a role I haven't done before and yes have done some voluntary committee stuff which is relevant so going to highlight that too.

Prison, hadn't thought of that!