Has anyone had experience with returning to work after caregiving? I am beginning to look for a position and not sure how to add this gap on my resume. (By the way, I returned to school after my loved one passed so that added another two years to unemployment)
EMPLOYMENT
Year/Date: Job Title
Job description
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Year/Date: School or Institution
Degree or certification, if any
Brief description of skills acquired from the education/training
OTHER
Year/Date: Caregiver
Duties:
Brief description, such as:
- Scheduling medical appointments
- Consulting with medical personnel,
- Monitoring medications
- Coordinating activities
- Housekeeping
Thanks for your great question. A few approaches can present your concrete skills to your new employer effectively and increase your chances of getting a new position.
Order your resume based upon experience (not chronologically). This way your hiring manager will see your skills and how you can help him / her reach the goals of the business.
I like the suggestion of the first commenter. In your cover letter spend two sentence explaining the situation. Say something like, "I believe my experience in X (list previous work experience) makes me a strong candidate for the Y (list the position. Following caring for my ill Z (fill in family member) and attending school at M (fill in school name) to increase my skills I am eager to speak with you about your group and how I can add value to your organization."
Notice the order. Start with their needs, follow with how your work experience helps them reach their goals, and end with the context on your recent history.
I hope this helps!
Also, include or I always get a reference letter typed,
Life is a journey, not a Race
Caregivers may be essential but in my other areas of expertise, the employers are flat out saying they only want people who are just rolling of other similar jobs. The LAST thing I want to do more of is caregiving. I'd gladly be the one on the phone helping families coordinate solutions -- or be the office manager or marketer -- but the last thing I'll ever do again is be the hands on carer.