Avoid Employment Gaps

It's not uncommon for people in the workforce to take leaves of absence to care for children or aging parents. This is a worthwhile reason to be out of the workforce. However, pointing this out on a resume creates a glaring gap in employment. Even though you can genuinely account for your time, you need to keep your activities during that time relevant to the job you are seeking. It might seem like you spent every waking minute of the day caring for others, you most likely tended to other needs as well. For example, you might have maintained a family budget, did the taxes, participated in volunteer work. On your resume, instead of saying stay-at-home parent, say something like full-time caregiver. Then in your job description, list the tasks you performed outside of the direct care of family members.