FGB community, what is the best way handle the dreaded relocating / out of the area issue on my resume and LinkedIn after moving to take care of an elderly family member?
Backstory: Due to an older parent's health issues, I needed to quit my job and move to their area for the past six months while he recovered. Now that he's OK, I it's time to relaunch my life. I'm contemplating the next steps and the best way to return to my former city. Before taking that action, I looked into remote roles and jobs in this area but I'm finding they are few and far between and without any in my field.
Since my field is more aligned with working in person, I'm told I should relocate in order to return to that industry. I've went through my savings taking care of my family member so while I can borrow against 401Ks if I had a confirmed job , the cost of living requires a solid foundation in order to return.
What is the best way to position why I left and am returning on my resume? I'm currently in one area on LinkedIn but want to work in another? When I fill out applications / forms am I being dismissed since I'm not local? I'm willing to relocate but what is the best way to address this situation? Thank you and I appreciate your advice!
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Anonymous
Change your location to where the work is or simply leave it off and when asked directly tell them you just moved back. Unless someone is making you and offer your home address is none of their business. You can simply say yes, I can commute daily to the offices there. Get a PO Box if needed for the short term.
As for why you left be honest. I was the sole caretaker for my parent while they recovered from major surgery and my last role did not allow me to work remotely so I had to leave my job. Now that they are fully recovered and back to normal, I have moved back home again and am looking for a role close to home. End of story.
Find a room to rent or a friend who might loan a room while you look. Good luck.
Anonymous
Since it was more than 4-6 months, put it on your resume as a "family caregiver" or something similar and indicate in the bullet points "relocated to care for a family member." This takes care of the six-month gap. You shouldn't typically put why you left a position on your resume, only if they ask it in the application or interview, and then only state that you "relocated for family leave to care for a sick family member out of town." Hopefully, you can find something that will pay relocation expenses, but those are also difficult to find.
Anonymous
If it has only been 6 months, you have 2 options:
Option 1: Limit your resume to your previous professional positions, eliminate location references on your CV (just name, phone, email, LinkedIn url), and if you don’t have one, acquire a cellphone in the city where you hope to work.
Option 2: Include in your resume summary your desire to find a position in your preferred city.
Example: Experienced (insert your profession) seeks (pick experience level: mid-level/senior) position in (insert preferred city).
The first entry on your resume can be Family Caregiver with dates. Your cover letter can explain that you look to return to employment in your preferred city, having completing your temporary responsibilities as a family caregiver. You can then emphasize your employment history in your preferred city.
Anonymous
Thank you, Anonymous. I've been struggling for the best way to position as while gaps are more accepted now, it's still difficult to explain why I left a good career and then I wasn't working. I appreciate your advice and best wishes! Trying to move back to expensive city and if I could ensure a job that would work in lieu of relocation.