Resumes for Those Re-entering the Workforce

Anyone who has temporarily left the workforce to raise children, care for parents, or deal with a family illness knows that these activities can be a full-time job in and of themselves. Despite the responsibilities inherent in these roles, however, those who undertake them often typecast themselves as having little to offer new employers.

Employers as a rule frown upon gaps in employment history. Therefore, individuals re-entering the workforce should take extra time to review their activities for anything that might bridge the gap from their last paid employment to the present. In fact, many new parents or caretakers get involved in activities or organizations that develop marketable skills. It is not uncommon for new careers to be made out of these activities.

Once you have thoroughly inventoried your paid and volunteer work history, you need to make (or seek) an honest assessment of your prospects. If you do make a career change - and many re-entering workers take this opportunity to do so - you may find you need additional training in order to be competitive.

Keep in mind that the culture of the field that you are targeting will be a factor in your re-entry plans. Some fields are more accommodating to family responsibilities (and taking time off to discharge them) than others. In this day and age, however, re-entering the job market is a common transition that many workers manage successfully.