This is a great blog with very good information. I have followed your advise and and have put your opinons to good use. It assisted with updating both my cover letter and resume. I feel confident that I will hear back from potiential employers.

@ LG

Thanks so much for the kind words. It's very gratifying to hear that our information is helping people. (That's the whole point, after all.)

Much luck in your job search!

~ Julie

Thank you Julie for answering my post. You've given me many ideas and suggestions to work with in preparing my resume after 18-years.

Should I also explain the dilemma about my references? All the Companies that I did clerical work for (excluding the Army) are now out-of-business or should I wait until they inquire. I'm afraid of looking like I fabricated my work experience.

Also, I failed to mention that the past two years I have been self-employed part-time as an independent contractor for Professional Mystery Shopping Companies. It includes much scheduling, time management, narrative writings, data input, deadlines, and communication skills along with actually performing the mystery shop. I kept track of my payables, receivables, expenses, and SE taxes.

Would I lead off my work experience with the self-employment, since it is the most recent.

My biggest hurdle, I feel, is self-confidence and believing a potential employer would find my skills useful.

I would love to hear from others that have been successful at finding employment after such a long absence from the regular work force.

Thanks again for your help.

DMay

@DMay

You're welcome! As for the references, I wouldn't even worry about that. If possible, ask your current contact from the mystery shopping if s/he will serve as a reference. It would be surprising if any of your former employers were still around after 18 years.

Yes, you should put the Mystery Shopping first in the experience section, and you can also put any volunteer work in if it was relevant to the kind of job you're going for.

If you click on my name in the author listing (left margin), you'll see a list of all my blog posts. There's one about references, one about volunteer work, and one about "the one thing you need to return to work" -- which as you already know, is self-confidence!

You seem like a very motivated and eager job candidate, and that's so very appealing to employers. Chin up! :)

-Julie

thanks... it help me a lot!

Hey Julie,

I've gleaned through yours and other blogs on this site and have found them very useful. I am a writer looking to expand upon my expertise. Without ever having realized it, I have been editing and writing all of my family's and friends' (and their friends') resumes (among other things). I do not have any formal training in editing and proofreading or resume writing. I have a Bachelor's in anthropology and just a love of writing. My explorations have found the CPRW test, at a hefty cost, along with the guide book you get with it. What else would you recommend to help study for and benefit a career in resume writing? As well, what about editing? I have tried getting in at my local newspaper, who is not hiring right now, but what could I give them as experience if I have no 'official' experience other than the work I have done for students and the like?

I know it is a lot to ask for such advice, but I need it. I have looked online for degrees and such and have found nothing. Going to school locally is not feasible as my husband is military and we are constantly moving. Any advice you can give would be tremendous.

Thank you, Jessi-Lyn

Very great article and helpful for the person who has not worked for long years.

What if the reason for a gap is not so "nice". My mom had a surgery, was in too much pain to work and quit. She then suffered and dealt with pain and depression and has not had a job for a number of years. Now she is back on her feet and doing well, but we are struggling with how to do her resume.

Any help is appreciated.

@lilfordwmn

First, keep in mind that your medical history is private, and there is no need to disclose details about past medical conditions to a future employer. In fact, it would be unwise to do so. In your cover letter, allude to the break, but don't explain its nature (yet).

For instance, you could replace the 2nd paragraph in the example above with something like:

"After an X-year break from the workforce, I am pleased to be returning to the professional arena, and I am confident that my X and Y skills can contribute to your business success." Emphasize your past work experience, and don't forget volunteer work (unpaid work is just as valid as paid, if it is relevant to your desired position).

In an interview, they will probably ask about the gap. Practice a brief, factual statement such as:

"I had surgery in 2002 that required considerable rehabilitation time, so that was my focus for awhile, and then I took the opportunity to [travel? spend time with family? volunteer? pursue my passion for ___? ]. Now I'm very excited to get back to ____, and my skills seem to fit your needs nicely. What do you think is the most important quality to be successful in this position?"

The key here is to be brief and factual -- not emotional, not detailed -- and then to change the subject by asking a question at the end.

Don't give the exact nature of the surgery, or mention the subsequent depression, etc. That's none of their business! Maintaining your privacy is not the same as lying.

Good luck!

- Julie

I find myself in the same situation; having not worked in at least 10 years and looking to find a way back in. Thank you for offering your tips and advice.

Volunteer work or continuing education will always be a good idea to fill in years of employment gaps.

But if you didn't have either, just be honest with your experience instead of what other job seekers extending employment dates just to cover the gaps.

These words of wisdom are excellent. I have been out of the workforce for over 10 years and graduated from college in 2006. I am ready to return to the workforce and attend law school. Keep up the good work.

I am also returning to work after 7 years off with my children. I am having trouble updating my resume.

I have volunteer information to enter, such as booster club officer. I held fundraising office for 1 year and treasurer for 2 years. Obviously this is my most recent "work" experience, other than running a 5 person household. My question is where do I put this information...before my actual work history or before? I am scared if it is put after that an employer won't get past - you haven't worked in 7 years - not interested!

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

@Leah

You can put the volunteer jobs in your Experience section, just as if they were paid jobs. The presence or absence of a paycheck doesn't change the skills you acquired.

You can get some more ideas by looking in our blog archives for a post called: "You Can (and Should) Put Volunteer Work on a Resume."

Also? Don't sabotage yourself with confidence-crushing thoughts like "...you haven't worked in 7 years - not interested! " I've been there, and I know how easy it is to think that way, but you have to fight those thoughts. Most employers want someone who is enthusiastic and capable of learning. They can teach the right person how to do things, but they can't teach a positive, confident attitude.

Go get 'em! ~Julie

I worked as a legal secretary at three law firms 18 years ago. Since then I have worked in the restaurant industry. My restaurant experience is impressive, but I desire to return as a legal secretary. How do I word a resume that gets me an interview?

HOw would i word a cover letter that...

I havent worked in 12 yrs and have worked in facortys as assembly total 7 yrs and voluntereed in a nursing home 1 yr and also worked at a in home day care froe elderly 2 yrs and returning to work but wanting to do data entry as a receptionist thank you.

@Margaret and @Sherrie

Since you're both looking to change fields, you should include an Objective on your resume. (Changing careers is one of the few times I recommend an Objective statement.) The idea is to confidently explain how you are qualified for the desired roles by explaining your transferable skills.

Here are a couple of samples, based on the little I know about you. Use these as guides, but edit them to make them your own. In addition, use a similar method to further explain your transferable skills in the cover letter:

Margaret: OBJECTIVE: To provide administrative support in a law firm that can benefit from my X years of direct experience as a legal secretary, as well as the ____ skills developed during a long career the restaurant industry. [Fill in the blank with skills that are beneficial to a law firm, such as organization, discretion, attention to detail, recordkeeping, scheduling, or whatever matches the jobs you're applying for.]

Sherrie: OBJECTIVE: To secure a challenging position as a receptionist and data entry clerk, applying the computer proficiency, customer service skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal talents acquired through 7 years of professional and volunteer roles in factory assembly work and caregiving roles with the elderly.

Hope that helps!

~Julie

julie i am a type of person who loves to work and eager to lean. but the problems i have is to intake anythink thats give to me. its like i know what iam supose to do but it dosnt help when youre going on a interview. its makes upset when i know i have a interview and i know i am going to mess up.can you help connie

@Consuelo Corgan

Thanks for commenting, Connie. First of all, try to relax a bit and remember that we're all human. Hiring managers don't expect you to be perfect.

My advice would be to write things down so you don't forget them, and to be very open and honest. It's OK to tell your interviewer you're nervous, and might need to glance at your notes to refresh your memory on questions you want to ask, etc.

I also recommend that you read this Learning Center article titled "Step-by-Step Job Interview Preparation."

http://www.pongoresume.com/articles/49/job-interview-preparation.cfm

It will help build your confidence if you know you've taken all the necessary steps before, during, and after your interview.

Best of luck,

Julie

I graduated college with an accounting degree about 10 years ago. I never got my foot fully in the door. I had one job, and several for legitimate but small companies owned by my family. I have recently been a nanny but also for my sister. So to sum it up almost all of my limited experience has been with family and the most recent has nothing to do with accounting. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Julie,

I have over 20yrs exp in cust serv, 10yrs in training/development and 12yrs exp as a project program analyst with a major telecommunications company. I also have 3 years experience as a copywriter in a variety of genres. I have chosen to switch careers altogether and want to go in the legal field, as a writer and/or use my cust serv and training/development exp. However, I have no legal experience, nor have taken legal courses. How can I use the experience I currently have and obtain a legal position? Should I put on the resume the objective and my summary of qualifications. What positions would I even qualify for in the legal field with the background I currently have?

I am sixty five years of age. I haven't been employed for over eight years. I know the law and most companies say they don't discriminate against age, but, that is crap. They do discriminate, they just get around this by other means. This law isn't worth the paper it is printed on.

What about a man? I just have to lie and hope it flies. That's not easy with background checks nowadays. I can't help that there's been NO jobs in a LONG time. Still, no employer wants to hear that. I've been around a long time. Skilled trades and a clean driver's license mean nothing now. I'd be better off being a non-English speaking illegal. There's plenty of them working in my little town. That's what's killing the homeboys in my opiniion.

Hello, I came across your post after an internet search, and was hoping that perhaps you may help me in finding the best solution for handling a 2 year employment gap in my resume. After taking care of my father for 2 years he passed away from cancer. Should I include this in my resume or cover letter and if so how would I include this in a cover letter?

My question involves returning to the workforce after 3 yrs. I am a RN with 18 yrs of experience. From 2000-05,I was off work due to a work injury that developed into a more serious problem that left me with physical restrictions for jobs, like lifting wt limits, stooping etc....I used to do floor nursing but can no longer return to that. After the five yrs off, i returned to the same employer to a job in a research department. I was employed for two yrs there, then developed a medical condition that made it impossible to work for two and half yrs. After 12 months of being off, my job was eliminated. I am now healthy and ready to renenter the workforce and would love to return to my old company but in a different area (human resources _RN Recruiter) If the two illnesses hadn't happenen, I would still be working for the company. How do I write my cover letter and resume so it doesn't come across as I am always off for medical reasons? I have many yrs of experience with nursing, precepting new nurses, being charge nurse and dependable and comitted to the job.

I just want to say thanks for the blog. I found it very helpful in how to word the gap years in a cover letter...or at least how to spin it off in a positive way. I am no longer feel ashamed to have stayed home to be a full time mother for the past 6 years... I can now look forward to seeing the results of my efforts in seeking employment. Please keep up the great job your doing in helping others. cheers

Hey folks, sorry for the lack of responses on the earlier comments! Not sure how I managed to miss these, but I hope a response now falls under the “better late than never” category! -- Julie O’Malley

@Dana

The fact that your jobs were with family doesn’t make them any less legitimate, and small businesses often give you broader experience than larger ones. When you find a job posting you want to apply to, take note of the key skills and qualifications they list in the ad, and tailor your resume to match those. You have the education and the skills and experience – it doesn’t matter if it was a relative or a stranger signing your paychecks.

@Vanessa

I think you need to do some research to find out what credentials are essential for a legal job, and then take steps to acquire them. One way to learn what you need to know is to contact a company that has openings for the kinds jobs you’re seeking, and ask for an “informational interview” to learn more about the field. Theres’ an article in our Learning Center about Informational Interviews: http://www.pongoresume.com/articleTopics/29/interviews.cfm

@Edward

You’re right that age discrimination is alive and well, but it is by no means universal. In fact , several job boards cater to older workers – Google the term “jobs for seniors” and you’ll find some options.

@Jim F.

Often, your best bet for finding work after a long absence is through friends. All it takes is one job to break the long string of unemployment. Even if it’s not your ideal long-term job, it could be a stepping stone.

@Sophia

I wrote a blog post about this very topic that I think will help you. It’s called Has Caring for a Loved One Left a Gap in Your Resume? Here’s the URL: http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/291/has-caring-for-a-loved-one-left-a-gap-in-your-resume-.cfm

@Alicia

I think you can probably earn interviews based on your resume, which should simply list your skills and experience in a traditional format, The key is to have solid answers prepared for your interviews, when employers will surely ask you about the gaps. Since you are in the health care field, you can be very matter of fact about your past illnesses, and your interviewers should be able to understand from the nature of your illnesses that they are no longer an issue. Here’s a blog post that should help: How to Explain Work History Gaps in the Interview -- http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/372/how-to-explain-work-history-gaps-in-the-interview.cfm

@Denice Thank you!!! What a nice comment to receive on a Monday morning. You made my day!