CV help.

[Dreaming]

Hi, Been out of the workplace for a few years, bringing up my children as a lone parent.

Now re-writing my cv. Employers will obviously want to know why I have not worked. How do I fill that gap, and do I mention that I am a lone parent. Thought it would make me look a more efficient person. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[Garforthdave]

Hey why not. Describe your job as Domestic wonderwoman and multi tasker! It's true, do mention that you're a lone parent, also say that becuase of the time you've spent with your kids they are better for it. You don't get phone calls every five minutes and enjoy yourself. My advice would be to go for a couple of jobs you know would be too easy for you and get some interview practice before you go for the ones you really want.

Best wishes

Dave

[Dreaming]

Thank you for replying Dave. I have had a few interviews. But, ummm, obviously not successful!

Thanks again.

[Sparkles3]

If I were in your situation, I would certainly mention that you have been raising your children as clearly this is more worthy then sitting at home watching daytime telly! It's something to be proud of and clearly something that will have tested and developed a number of skills (from my own time doing it I would say tolerance, patience, time management and organisation skills as just a few!). So I think in your CV you should focus on the skills that this home work has developed for you - making big of the fact that these skills are transferable to the work place.

Whilst I agree that being a lone parent will have made you incredibly efficient (another skill to add to your list), personally I would be concerned about emphasising it on my CV, for fear that employers would think about holidays and childrens' sickness etc with the thought you will be off all the time with no-one else to share the burden. I believe it is something that you would be better to discuss at an interview, where you can put your points (incl Garforthdave's suggestions) and reassure them if their reaction is not as expected.

Good luck - it is not an easy thing getting back into work and I hope you find the right thing for you when you want to! Best wishes x

[parkesquay]

Not easy getting back to work is it and I sympathise but if I can give you any advise it is to get any job i.e. supermarket, DIY Store etc. even though it may not be your ideal job. Why do I say this!! Well having once been out of work for a year and hardly even being able to get an interview (despite professional help with CVs etc) I came to the conclusion that if one was out of a job one was deemed a lazy b....r who couldn't get out of bed in the morning. Unfair or what!

What I am leading to is that it is a profound truth that it is easier to get a job if one is already employed. In short I am telling you to get any employment(but don't tell them that it is only temporary - tell them that it is really what you want) and then when your ideal job comes along apply for it.

[Dreaming]

Thank you Sparkles and Parkesquay. Yes it is very difficult getting back into work. For one, the confidence factor. Is like a block there, and trying to get past it is a huge obtstacle.

But thank you very much for your input, and your good advice I have taken onboard.