Tracy
I'm to the point I've pretty much on finding a job in rawlins WY. I'm more than qualified for all the jobs I've applied for. I had a gap in work history. I was taking care of a very sick family member.
You may want to develop a skills-based resume to better highlight your experience and minimize the gap in your work history. Keep in mind though that taking time from work to care for an ill family member is very understandable in the eyes of many potential employers. In your cover letter, briefly explain the circumstances and assure the employer that you are now ready to return to work and you should be fine. Heres more on skills based resumes: https://www.themuse.com/advice/is-a-skillsbased-resume-right-for-you
Hi Tracy Kolln ! 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!
Apparently Rawlins WY. Could really give a damn.