You cared for a sick relative
If YOU took some time off from work to care for a sick relative, you are not alone!
About 1 in 4 Americans (23%) say there has been a time when they took leave from work to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Here are some ways to tackle how to get back to the workplace after your time away:
1- Update your resume Acknowledge the [gap in your resume] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/46cb1229-eedd-5a42-831d-5d5d3429387c), but don’t dwell on it too much. Most recruiters and hiring managers will be able to relate in some way. You don’t have to hide the gap, but at the same time, you don’t want to broadcast them either. You can put this on your resume for example:
Leave of absence 8/2010-9/2011 Full-time caregiving during family member’s illness.
2- Interview in the NOW Even though it may be difficult during the interview, address the time away briefly and without too much emotion. You could say something like, “The reason for my leave of absence was that my [family member] became gravely ill, and needed a full-time caregiver. It made the most sense for me to be the one to take time away from work to face that challenge. However, I am now ready to return to work. I believe my qualifications and past work history make me a good fit for this position.” Avoid discussing it beyond that unless you are asked follow-up questions. Make this time about you and the job you are applying for and not about the past.
3-Share what you’ve learned Perhaps you developed some skills during this time away that you didn't even realize. For example communication or even negotiation skills that were needed as you worked with health care and insurance companies might now be second nature to you. If you also spent some time taking online courses or further developing your skills by reading books pertaining to your field, make sure to mention it. The key is to focus on what you have learned during the absence, not on the absence itself.
4- Focus on your strengths Instead of dwelling on your length of absence mention your specific strengths. Highlight the achievements and successes you have experienced in your past work history. You want to make a case for your ability to do the job for which you are applying. Make sure that those successes and achievements align with the role you are applying for and are included in your resume as well!
5- Upgrade your skills If you are in a field that changes rapidly like IT or in the medical field, for example, it may be time to seek out new certifications or upgrade your skills set in some way before attempting to go back to work. Employers like to see that you are in the now and know what is going on. Staying current in your chosen field is critical to your being able to make the case for your qualifications for the job. Don’t be afraid to take an online course or two or go back to school to get a new certification or degree if necessary. Linda.com has some great affordable online courses. Just remember that staying current is important and worth your time.
Wishing you the best at this time as well as for your family member.
Let me know if you have any questions by commenting on this post.
If you didn't care for a loved one, but know someone who did please be kind and pass this on to them : )
I too took care of my gravely ill spouse for 13 yrs. He required constant care and I did my best to keep my skills updated however it is difficult when you are 64. He passed and now he did not leave me enough to live on so I have to work. I have been working from home but that job has now expired so I need to start a permanent search
That is the strong.determined woman knows what she wants and goes after it that what motivation gets you where you need or want to be
Thank you for the helpful information, I had the same situation but realized that, I was just intimidated by "simply lack of" or "less capable" mind set because the gap between jobs. In an interview it is like an imaginary brick wall constructed between the interviewer and myself.I was struggling to keep the interest on me as a skillful employee and not focus on proving the gap.... It's all perception...I learned to keep it short and sweet.. Why did you leave your former employer? ....I took care of my family. Everything is well and I am more than prepared to come back to the employment or corporate scene, I have many years experience and am currently going to school. I want utilize my gain skills and explore my potential with the company (name) which has persevered challenges in the past years. (economic, technology, social impacts; look up the company history too) But I know that for everyone that has had to take off and take care of a family member or friend it is a difficult decision. It takes strenght and all the patients in the world. Great advice, thank you again.
I've been taking care of my husband for 7 years, no compensation according to state of Florida because I am not a licensed cna or nurse..
I will also add that if you have to take off from your job to care for a loved one you may want to get in contact with your loved ones insurance providers. They have programs that will compensate you for caring for a family member or friend. Also, believe it or not, you are acquiring new skills under your belt. Even if this is not a field that you were previously in!!
That is such a difficult thing to go through when someone is sick never mind trying to get back out there. I like your advice, so needed here.
Bless you for this Ashley! I have been out of work for the last few years, for this very reason! There were some others, but this was the primary one. I have done exactly what you stated in my interviews and on my resume, but I SERIOUSLY APPRECIATE you writing this article and giving these statistics! It makes me feel better. Thank you so much! Sandra
Thank you for your post. You have no idea how much of a struggle this have been addressing the caregiver role on my resume as well as interviews.
Thank you Ashley ! I grateful for the Post because a few weeks ago I post something about getting some Info on a Job at this sect. And looked in to my Emails today and find a few leads about get a Job. So yes your help has really encouraged me to stay on task. Thanks once again
Ashley I'am speechless over this article. It made me teary eyed and is providing me some tools to move forward after losing my mom, my hero. Thank you again!