Resume Building: Addressing maternity gaps on a resume

Here are a few resume building  pointers to help you improve your resume and cover letter so you may successfully re-enter the workforce after a professional break:

Don’t Overlook Experience / Skills That Fall Outside The “Professional” Category

Leadership, project management, and communication skills can take many forms, but they're often overlooked outside of a professional context. Volunteer work, as well as community or school-based organisations such as the PTA, a sports team, or a service-based organisation, are excellent examples of how you maintained your abilities. 

Of course, any freelance or consulting work, side projects, or other similar roles in which you used your abilities, even if it was on an as-needed basis, are included. Don't be hesitant to emphasise the value and skill sets that experience provides, even if it isn't immediately relevant to your professional path.

Highlight Any Learning Opportunities

If you weren't working for a period of time, consider the transferrable experience you may have gained through your studies. Did you take any classes (online or offline), attend any seminars, or simply work on your own to enhance your talents in a specific area? Don't dismiss learning opportunities as unimportant; keeping your skill sets current is a crucial element of re-entering the workforce. 

Focus Less On Dates, & More On Value

When resume building, it can be difficult to explain a gap in your CV at times. You can, however, be careful about how you express your experience in a chronological order. List your experience in years rather than months. 

With your previous employer, did you undertake any remote or consulting work? If that's the case, you might be able to extend the dates as well. 

Finally, build your cover letter and CV around talents and traits that demonstrate your ability to negotiate change - perhaps you've previously taken on new tasks, surmounted obstacles, or been put into an uncertain scenario and succeeded. You're addressing the primary issue a hiring manager has when considering someone who has been out of the job by pointing to your ability to handle transition and the relevancy of your skill sets.

Build Your Recommendations & References

Asking former colleagues, supervisors, clients, or workers for LinkedIn testimonials or to act as a reference is a wonderful place to start. A recent reference, which you might mention in your resume or cover letter, can be an amazing selling feature for your profile. Having someone vouch for your work, knowledge, and worth may go a long way, and most LinkedIn job postings require at least two references before submitting.

Utilize Your Network

After you've updated your resume and materials, use your personal and professional network to assist you find opportunities that meet your objectives. Concentrate on those who know your strengths and can attest to the quality of your job. Utilize such contacts to offer yourself a leg up in the job search process, whether they can recommend a recruiter, pass along non-advertised employment openings, or forward your resume to their HR department.

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