Should You Explain a Child Care Gap in Your Resume?

Women or men who choose to stay home and take care of their children often find themselves at a disadvantage or at risk of discrimination when revealing this information during a job interview. While anyone in this position could take a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" approach, that wouldn't change the inevitable gap that would appears on a resume. However, it seems a child care gap may no longer hurt your chances in the job market.

According to a study by professors at the Vanderbilt Law School, parents are likely to benefit by explaining gaps on their resume due to child care when asked about it during a job interview. Joni Hersch, a law and economics professor and co-author of the study, told the New York Times that parents who conceal personal information can raise suspicions and lower their hiring opportunities.

Avoid making common interview mistakes by dodging questions about employment gaps in your job interview to earn the respect of hiring managers. Be open and honest about why you were unemployed. Put a positive spin on the gap as well by detailing how you focused on family obligations for several years and are now eager to get back to work. Enthusiasm while discussing your knowledge of the industry, the company, and your skills becomes more prominent than a gap to many hiring managers.

Some potential employers may also avoid asking about the gap during a job interview, but according to Hersch and her university's study data, it is best to address the gap regardless. Resist the temptation to apologize for putting your family first. Instead, briefly state that you took time away from the workforce when your family needed you the most. Emphasize that your mind is fresh, your availability is open, and you are eager to make an impact in a new position. Don't dwell on the issue, either. Interview mistakes are common when candidates feel the need to overexplain. As a result, you could potentially provide too much personal information that discredits your professionalism.

Your resume is telling when a large gap of unemployment exists, but job seekers can minimize the glaring gap by including any freelance work or self-employment during this time, too. Discuss any educational classes or workshops you participated in while unemployed to show that hiring managers that you were focused on improving your skills. Volunteer opportunities are also important to discuss during a job interview. Show that you are a prominent philanthropist in the community or interested in contributing to worthy causes related to the industry.

Many parents struggle with the challenge of explaining the child care gap during an interview. However, an honest and upfront approach leaves hiring managers free from speculating reasons for the gap, which ultimately puts you at an advantage when being interviewed.

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