Job gap as a result of having a baby on resume?

Anonymous

June 20,2023 at 3:20PM UTC

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Job gap as a result of having a baby on resume?

I was laid off in October of ‘22. I was 3.5 months pregnant at the time which added stress to an already stressful situation. I looked for a new job until about a month prior to my due date but was unfortunately unsuccessful (such a tough competitive market right now!)

My baby is almost 3 months and although I don’t want to, I know I need to get back on my feet soon and continue my search. I wanted to get advice on if/how I should communicate this gap on my resume knowing a lot of applications these days only require submission of a resume. I fear being looked over due to what’s becoming a long gap.

Thanks!

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AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 5:09PM UTC
I would suggest stating that you got laid off then took care of your child for a time.
Willa CampbellJune 20,2023 at 5:37PM UTC
Just put in there that you were freelancing during this time. Can someone to be a reference for you? I'll do it if you need me to l o l
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 20,2023 at 6:04PM UTC
Just put the dates and "Family leave".
November, 2022 to Present - Family leave
June, 2018 to October, 2022 - XYZ Company - RIF
Please let me know if you have any questions.
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 6:09PM UTC
I wouldn't even mention it, they'll see it and if they have questions they'll ask. Just tell them it was personal leave. Sadly it's still detrimental, in most companies, to be a parent.
Anne KrookJune 20,2023 at 6:16PM UTC
Unfortunately they do to many organizations, no matter how little they may mean to an individual employee. So do make sure you have an explanation that is factually true and framed in a way you are comfortable with
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 12:26PM UTC
No need to mention, and I'd be surprised if they ask, not a common relevant question. It may take a bit to accept and secure a position so get yourself to start that. That is also NOT a long gap.
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
The less said, the better. It may be wrong and illegal but no one wants to hire a pregnant woman or one with a 3 month old child. Just being honest.
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 1:12PM UTC
Honestly with the pandemic and layoffs I doubt anyone is going to think too much about it
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 1:16PM UTC
That length of gap is nothing out of the ordinary in today's job market, don't worry about it.
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 1:21PM UTC
I don't think this is a gap to stress over. You birthed a human, which is much more important and difficult than any job posted out there. Congrats to you and your baby.
Kim PfeifferJune 21,2023 at 3:58PM UTC
All things considered, that's not considered a long gap
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 4:53PM UTC
In the current market the long gap is not unexpected. I would let them know you were a part of a RIF and that you have been taking classes to keep your skills up while you look for the right next role. Don't mention your child, that is irrelevant and frankly none of the employers business. Disclosing could hurt you as well because there will no doubt be some ninny that thinks you will work less because you have to take care of a baby. Good luck in your search. Aim for what you want!
AnonymousJune 22,2023 at 1:20PM UTC
I second this, never disclose a personal//family reason why you had to take time off. Additionally what I did during my maternity gap is I set up a LLC and put that as my “work” experience for the time being, and definitely take some LinkedIn or other classes too. Some schools like Harvard offer free classes too. Good luck!
AnonymousJune 22,2023 at 11:49PM UTC
What a great idea! I’m a long-term caregiver of an elderly parent and looking for a way to smooth over the gap.
Kim RaperJune 22,2023 at 1:56PM UTC
To be honest - gaps are not viewed the same as they once were - many layoffs, corporate restructures, Covid, you name it have contributed to larger gaps and I am not all the certain its not a common thing to see nowadays. I would only mention that you were laid off if asked and the market was tight, etc. You do not need to share personal details for sure.
AnonymousJune 22,2023 at 2:50PM UTC
Having a gap in the current covid situation is not that bad as it used to be earlier. There are employers who are looking for mom's who have a break and want to reenter the work force again. Having a skilled worker coming back is much better than taking someone new or less experienced and go through training process. It's unfortunate you did not get hired during your pregnancy and still some people think talking about baby would hinder opportunity. It might be true scenario however I would suggest you to mention about baby, you don't want to enter into new team with out your manager not knowing the situation and face issues later. You might be pleasantly surprised how some good managers are accommodating.
AnonymousJune 22,2023 at 3:37PM UTC
If you are struggling for longer than expected to find employment - there are return to work programs for those that have been out for 1 year+ They may even have resources that can help you now: 1) https://pathforward.org/ 2) https://www.irelaunch.com/ 3) https://themomproject.com/
EMILY KIKUE FRANKJune 22,2023 at 8:25PM UTC
This is what I came here to say! I'll also add
https://womenbacktowork.org/job-seeker/current-returnships/ and
https://getreturnship.com/
Joann S. LublinJune 23,2023 at 6:14PM UTC
If you want to learn a bit more about returnships, I recommend a piece I did for The Wall Street Journal (where I remain a regular contributor after a lengthy full-time career): https://www.wsj.com/articles/mothers-delay-workplace-return-11632331364
And the practice has spread considerably since my story appeared. Good luck!
AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 12:26AM UTC
Did I write this post? No advice but I was laid off back in Nov '22 and twins are now 3.5 months.. financially this is killing us but because I've been unemployed so long we can't hire help or afford daycare for two so I am stuck trying desperately to find something flexible and remote / or staying home to be default parent.
I've never been unemployed this long. I was not built to be a SAHM. This is rough. Best of luck in your search.