Interview Question

[disneyquestions]

I have an interview this morning, and I don't want to tell them that I have children (after the comments from my last employer, I'd rather keep it to myself for now). I didn't work for 5-6 years after having my kids, so theres a huge gap in my resume - How do I explain that without saying it was due to having kids? I did have 2 small part time jobs durring that time that I didn't bother putting on my resume because they do not have anything to do with the position I'm going for now - Should I just say that?



TIA

 

[NaLisa]

I don't know about the comments from your last employer, but I don't think I would try to hide the fact that I took time away from working to be a SAHP. The gap in unemployment would leave them wondering if you don't explain it, and I can't think of any better reason than being a SAHP.

 

[Allison]

I don't know how you explain the gap otherwise.

While a potential employer can't ask about your family situation, I have always been very upfront about my family situation. I bring it up to them because I don't want to accept a position and not have it work out because they don't appreciate the fact that I have family commitments.

Do you want to be put in the position to accept a job and then have them make the same kind of comments as your previous employer?

 

[anniemae]

I would focus on the two part time jobs. I think you should have included them on the resume. It does not matter that they have nothing to do with your current job. Beneficial skills can be applied from any part time job, and it would not leave such a gap which will most likely be questioned.

By law, they can not discriminate because you have kids, but I agree that some employers don't like hiring people with young kids because you will undoubtedly have to leave early to pick them up from school, stay home when they are sick, leave on time to get supper ready for them etc.