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Original poster

Going back to work after bringing up kids, what do you put on your CV?

119 replies

hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 10:46

Need to find a job now my youngest is starting reception. What do I put on my CV where there is a big gap? Or just leave the gap and expect them to assume? I have had a brief job in the last year, and done a course.

OP posts:
TroutofnoCraic · 06/09/2023 11:00

Put it down for sure...it's what you were doing. Much better than leaving a gap. Also, think of the transferable skills gained as a sahm! Organisation skills, time management, budgeting etc.

TroutofnoCraic · 06/09/2023 11:02

And the fact you've also done some work and a course whilst running a home shows that you are proactive in your own personal development- something I would add to the personal statement at the top of your CV

Original poster
hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 13:42

Thank you for the great advice. And also boosting my confidence 😃

OP posts:
PinkRoses1245 · 06/09/2023 13:45

Definitely put it on - I hire a lot, and I’m always suspicious of gaps without explanation. And definitely mention your job, course and anything else you’ve done. I know others will disagree but don’t use being a parent or running a home as examples of skills.

Angie147836 · 06/09/2023 13:45

I have a long gap on mine and headed the gap as "Stay at home parent" but added some bits of odd work I did; volunteer reading in school, ran a toddler group, trained breastfeeding supporter (unpaid), a short (paid) invigilating contract etc

donkra · 06/09/2023 13:48

"Xdate - Ydate: Career break for caring responsibilities."

By all means list any formal volunteering, studying or contracting you did during this time period, but do not list "transferable skills gained as a SAHM", unless you want the recruiter to roll their eyes so hard they nearly fall out and then bin your CV.

Webex · 06/09/2023 13:49

I hire returners quite a lot and I agree with most of the above.

Acknowledge the gap and put it down as caring responsibilities, definitely list any relevant courses and the work you have done.

For the love of God do not be tempted to list skills you've gained from being a SAHM.

mynameiscalypso · 06/09/2023 13:51

Do not put down your 'transferable skills'. If the recruiter is a parent, they will not think very highly of you at all.

Webex · 06/09/2023 13:52

I know it wasn't your question but a general tip is don't be even slightly apologetic or sheepish about the break in your CV. I have seen women with amazing skills act as though they need to acknowledge that they will take ages to get back up to speed or something. Not in my experience they don't!

Original poster
hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 13:53

Thank you all.

Those who look at CVs, are you put off by women returning to work after being home with children? I'm really nervous that this is going to be a disadvantage for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 13:54

@Webex thank you. I want all the tips. Keep them coming 😆

OP posts:
Miragelifeguard · 06/09/2023 13:55

Not at all, we’re looking for what you have to offer, on your own merit. Good luck OP!

mynameiscalypso · 06/09/2023 13:56

Gaps don't bother me particularly if there's a reason for them. I've interviewed loads of people with gaps in their CVs in recent months and if they're open about it, that's totally fine.

Mariposa26 · 06/09/2023 14:03

hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 13:53

Thank you all.

Those who look at CVs, are you put off by women returning to work after being home with children? I'm really nervous that this is going to be a disadvantage for me.

I’m an HR Director and we are always actively looking to reintegrate mothers into the workforce. I don’t think it will disadvantage you other than at short sighted companies. Good luck!

picturethispatsy · 06/09/2023 14:04

Be proud of the gap! The unpaid work of motherhood is as valid as paid employment.

LovelyAutumndays · 06/09/2023 14:10

Cleaner, Nanny, Cook, Home Organiser, PA, emotional support worker

mynameiscalypso · 06/09/2023 14:27

LovelyAutumndays · 06/09/2023 14:10

Cleaner, Nanny, Cook, Home Organiser, PA, emotional support worker

Do not say this. I do all of this (apart from the full time nanny bit obviously) and work.

mumonthehill · 06/09/2023 14:30

I always spot a gap! Would rather see stay at home parent than 5 years of nothing.

Spacecowboys · 06/09/2023 14:52

I agree with this. People who have always worked also cook, clean, organise, pa etc etc when at home. I’d just put on the cv if you’ve been a stay at home parent. Better than having a gap.

Gothambutnotahamster · 06/09/2023 14:54

Webex · 06/09/2023 13:52

I know it wasn't your question but a general tip is don't be even slightly apologetic or sheepish about the break in your CV. I have seen women with amazing skills act as though they need to acknowledge that they will take ages to get back up to speed or something. Not in my experience they don't!

Completely agree with this.

I recruit a lot and would always welcome / encourage applications from women returning to the workplace.

donkra · 06/09/2023 14:55

hamsterballs · 06/09/2023 13:53

Thank you all.

Those who look at CVs, are you put off by women returning to work after being home with children? I'm really nervous that this is going to be a disadvantage for me.

It depends on the role. If it's tech, tech-driven, or any other field that has changed massively in the years you were out, then yeah, that is a problem unless you've found a way to show that your skills are up to date. Slower changing fields, if you're generally competitive with the rest of the pool, it's fine.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 06/09/2023 20:38

I'm not a recruiting manager currently but have been in the past, I always still regularly shortlist.

I would take the application more seriously if you put you were a stay at home parent. If transferable skills from this was listed then I'd roll my eyes. Everyone does these sorts of things, it's life skills not transferable skills.

Original poster
hamsterballs · 07/09/2023 09:41

Follow up question, do I need to list my GCSEs other than English and maths. It was 2005 so it seems redundant.

OP posts:
sparkedsparkle · 07/09/2023 09:46

You literally state you were a SAHP where you learnt and overcome new challenges. Any employer will ask what you did as a SAHP and then you say you gained time management skills, compromising, budgeting and took up a new skill of learning to draw or something and don't forget to mention you took them to various outings/activities

HangingOver · 07/09/2023 09:49

Any employer will ask what you did as a SAHP and then you say you gained time management skills, compromising, budgeting and took up a new skill of learning to draw or something and don't forget to mention you took them to various outings/activities

Im sorry if I was hiring again I would have literally no interest in hearing about your kids outings.