blasted cv :( how do you say 'i didnt work for three years cos the baby was more intersting'

[mindalina]

without it compromising your chances at getting the job? I'm actually applying to work for someone I already know - so he knows I had a child and gave up work but I still feel I should put something on my CV to account for the almost three year gap.

Sorry I know this question has probably been asked a gazillion times before but I'm stumped.

I would just say that you took a career break to look after your child.

I thought about that. Does that count even when you don't actually have a career as such, more just a series of jobs?

I think it does, it sounds like you took a conscious decision to devote yourself to looking after dc. FWIW I put that on a job application - have been SAHM for eight years - although I didn't get the job. I also put it on my PGCE application and it didn't cause any problems.

Smashing, shall stick it in then. Thanks Saadia

I would agree with saadia - I would have no problem seeing that on a CV (and it's preferable to having a blank few years, whihc immediately makes me think the applicant is hiding something [suspicious cow emoticon]).

I wouldn;t put it on your cv - your cv doesn;t need to be an account of your life - it's more meant to be highlights of your life that are relevant to the job. possibly mention it in a covering letter if you feel happier doing that. You could put it in a para on why you want the job: "After a break of three years, during which I cared for my daughter, I want to return blah blah.

but if he knows anyway then I'd be tempted not to put anything at all.

hmm. maybe the others are right...probably goes to show it doesn't matter much either way

Hmm, I see where you're coming from Hatwoman. It actually only works out to two years on paper time you account for maternity leave - but it is glaringly obvious on first glance at my CV that I haven't worked for some time.

I just always thought you had to account for all time spent out of work or something.

Don't leave a gap. I agree with saadia. It's perfectly acceptable to take a break to care for your child, less acceptable to have unexplained gaps in your employment history imo. Leads suspicious types like me to wonder whether there was a job you were sacked from and have decided not to include, for example, or whether you were spending some time At Her Majesty's Pleasure!

Career break for children is no problem.

fbb's the expert. I bow to her

Thanks FBB

Definitely explain teh gap - otherwise they will think you are just starting parole

lol @ parole. i'll explain it.

lol at some of the reasons for unexplained gaps - I would just add that you shouldn't feel that you have to apologise for taking a break. When you hopefully get called for interviews I would suggest that you say that it was something you wanted to do and that now you and dc are both ready for you to return to work.

I had something like "Mumof 2 is resuming her career after a break for family reasons." at the top of the CV. Clearly CV was a bit thin for about 3 years, but I did put in stuff about voluntary work I had done (not much, but felt important to me) during the gap.