Year gap in resume?

chloebeth930

I am updating my resume to apply for a position out of the state. I love my curent job, but my husband is getting out of the military and we want to move back home.  I am not quite sure how to address an over a year long gap I have in my resume. I left my first post college position in Indiana in November 2011 because my husband is in the military and got orders out of the state.  I was also 4 months pregnant at the time so I decided to not look for work right away.  Also, my husband was deploying and I knew I would be moving back out of the state again for 6 months.  I essentialy took year off to take care of daughter.  I did begin working at an inpatient psych hospital from March 2013-September 2013.  The work was hostile and abusive, I had spoken to HR, but nothing could be done.  I left with no notice so I am not all that comfortable putting this position on my resume. 

I began my current position in October 2013.  I love it here, but this job is in NC and I need a job in IN.

So it all boils down to

September 2008-November 2011: Working

December 2011-September 2013:  Huge gap of not working (that is if I don't include the job that won't provide a good reference)

October 2013 - current: Working

So how would you address a gap between positions in your resume.  Would you leave out the inpatient facility knowing they wouldn't give you a good reference (which in turn makes the gap even larger)?  Should I discuss what caused me to have a year 1/2 of not working in my cover letter or wait for the interview?  I really don't want to be the person who talks about taking over a year off to have a baby.  I feel like that makes me feel like some sort of "flight-risk." 

Sorry for the bad grammar/spelling. Doing a quick PNR before I go into a meeting.

 

 

SoMoNY

Given the job market during that period many people have gaps.

I don't think I would mention it on resume or cover letter but if asked in an interview I would make it about your husband's service because with him leaving the military an employer will know that issue is in the past.

mb314

I think in this day and age, with so many good people going through bouts of unemployment, a gap on a resume is not that big of a deal.  Does the job provide the opportunity for a cover letter?  The cover letter is a great place to explain A) that you took time off to relocate with your husband and have a child and that while you really like your job now, you are looking to relocate to Indiana. 

I dont think either are a big deal, but if you think it might be, address it briefly in the cover letter.  But make sure the cover letter is really focused on why you want the job and why you would be the best candidate. 

jf198400

Personally I would include the job that you left without notice.  Most companies will only confirm dates of employment- they will not give a recommendation for or against you.  You generally are asked for several references, so I just wouldn't list anyone from that particular job.

As far as the actual gap in employment, I would briefly mention it in the cover letter and just state that your husband is military and you were relocating.  I think that is a perfectly acceptable reason, and is no reflection on you personally.

chloebeth930

Thanks everyone.  I think I'll briefly mention it in my cover letter and tie it into why I am wanting to move back in the area.