Addressing gaps in a resume...

[sparkles_95130]

I've read different takes on how to address gaps in a resume and wanted to get everyone's opinion since I  need to update my resume.

I created a functional resume because of this, but I do list titles/company names/years at the bottom. I've left any reference to it off in the past and saved it for the interview, if they bring it up, but it is a 10 year gap (ending in 2005) so was wondering do you think I should address it? If so, how does this sound?

Patient Advocate; updated education      xyz year - xyz year

Should I add Patient Advocate for terminal family member? Because it wasn't like I was a professional Patient Advocate. I also could say Event Planner (if you are counting planning 2 family weddings and various events of that type) because it relates to what we do...so Event Planner; Patient Advocate; updated education.

Also, since my best employment history is prior to the gap I end up with dates going back to the late 1980's (ouch old!) so leaving this line out just visually looks like less.

What are your thoughts? Put a line in or leave it off completely?

[msmarieh]

If it were me, I would NOT put down titles on personal tasks. A gap of ten years is too long to "hide". I would just put the resume in a regular format, then in that chronological time slot, write a note to the effect of 1995-2005 Took time off to act as primary caregiver for ill family member who passed away in 2005.

But ultimately, this is a very personal decision and you may not wish to include something like that, which is also understandable.  Just note that if you do choose to include it, be sure to indicate that it is resolved.

[sparkles_95130]

Yes, I'm a bit torn on this but I'd read some articles that state to fill in the gap by providing information that might include skills useful in the workplace but remain unsure on this given if so, it would be one short title line. Seems saying someone was terminal or passed away is good in that it is now resolved, but the opposite of upbeat - so I was thinking if I included anything at all maybe I should stay away from words like that. I want to stay upbeat somehow - which is why I just left it off in the past.

The reality of the missing dates was that I myself was recovering from an injury (don't want to say that!), sole caregiver/interfaced often with medical teams at hospital on terminal family member, used job skills to be sole planner for 2 large weddings, took job related classes for certificate program at university.

As far as resume type, a functional resume works much better for me because I can state skills and name drop some uber VIPs on the first page; selling them before they see the gap in dates at the end of the 2nd pg. I've been lucky in that I've gotten an interview just because someone wanted to know more about a VIP --then was able to sell myself and get the job. However, jobs are harder to get now, hence being unsure if I should try to fill in the dates on the resume or hopefully get an interview and address it then.

[Cathy S]

I would probably go with something along the lines of Marie's suggestion but add an additional sentence that you also studied during this period and give brief details if you don't already give them with your education information.

I include all my jobs going back to the mid 1980's but after the most recent three I just list the job, dates and company without giving additional details.  It is clear there are no gaps that way and contributes to the breadth of experience I offer.

Cathy

[msmarieh]

ahhh ok, that's a little different then. Did you actually complete the certificate program? If so, you could list those years as student pursuing certifcate program, which might reduce your gap by a year or two?

Are you in the US? The medical issues are a protected subject, so employers aren't allowed to ask questions about it (unless you volunteer something to start it). The biggest concern an employer is likely to have with a medical that kept you out of the workforce for ten years is "is the situation fully resolved? will it possibly happen again? what kind of special accommodations am I going to have to provide?" etc. Now some of these questions could easily lead to illegal discrimation, but the truth of the matter is darn few companies would be stupid enough to give that as the real reason they didn't hire you.  It's definitely a tricky issue, potentially. But you HAVE to be prepared with a reasonable answer if someone says, "you were out of work for ten years??? Why?"

Here is a really nice site with ideas for explaining gaps - be sure to read through all the comments - lots of interaction between the author and people writing in with questions to which the author responds:
http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/125/-so-about-this-gap-in-your-resume-.cfm

[gee4]

My CV includes all employment, detailing my current and last 2 positions in detail.  All previous employment is listed as job title, duration and employer.

If you can justify gaps that should support any job application.

Employers will make up their minds usually

[gee4]

within reading the first few lines of your CV or resume, so it's important to include vital information in your profile.