Urgent Resume Help
My father had dementia, I couldn't put him in a home so I quit my job to take care of him. How do I explain that as my reason for leaving my last job without coming across as though I am looking for sympathy. I just want to be honest.
When my mother passed away back in 08, I had to take the better part of a year off from work to take care of the estate, pack up the house, distribute her assets to family members, sell her house, go through all her belongings (she was the family archivist), etc. So I leave that period blank on my resume. However, in my cover letter, I explain the gap as having been necessitated by a "family-obligation". Most employers get it. Also, I think most employers mentally tick off "death of a Mom/Dad" as one excuse for leave that I can't possibly use if they hire me.
Jon, It is admirable what you are doing for your father and any employer would be lucky to have you with your compassion. Not many people would be so forth coming. You are honest and if they don't like it go on to the next job and so on and so on. Only an Oger would be so heartless to think what you ae doing for your father. is trying to gain sympathy. Not to worry and go out there and find yourself a great job. The best of luck. Lisa Renwick
Try this.. 1 - List it on your resume like any other job experience. Example : Caregiver Jan/2000 - Mar/2005
- Performed personal care task such as hygiene, ambulation, eating, dressing, toileting and shaving.
- Provided transfers assistance by moving clients in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs or cars.
- Performed general household tasks including laundry, shopping, errands and transportation. 2 - Use the cover letter to identify any outstanding or discrepant circumstances. You might want to mention why this experience is unrelated to previous work experience or education. This type of gap is very common in the workforce today and will continue to be in the future due to the rising healthcare cost and poor or insufficient retirement savings.
Jon I suggest being honest as it is a felone to lie on a resume. I would just say because of family medical reasons I had to leave my past job. If they are interested in you and ask for further info then you can explain the situation.
What you had to do is not all that unusual so I would think an employer would be understanding. Chances are they may be going through something similar so just be honest.
I usually state that I took a leave to care for an ailing parent. In my case the parent was terminally ill.
I had to do that before..just be honest