my interview coach said I should say that I've been looking since then but I don't want to lie and it would also appear that I haven't found a job in 5 months if I did this. I appreciate your response. I could use some wording that sound precise and professional without saying (" I was playing Mom for 5 months") Thanks to all!
2007-01-23 09:19:26 · 6 answers · asked by newman n 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Corsetry- I agree w/you completely and unfortunately they do and have asked "So what have you been doing since July"?
2007-01-23 09:28:01 · update #1
Celery-You're right, thank you for your thoughtful response.
2007-01-23 10:16:36 · update #2
I'm not an interview coach, so maybe I don't know what you're supposed to say or not say, but I'd say, "After I left my last position I decided to take a few months off and spend some time with my children before beginning working again. I've worked for x years, and I thought this would be a good chance to do that" or else you could say, "I decided to take a few months off because of some family responsibilities". You could say something like, "I decided to take some time off whle my mother was here from France" or "......until my son finished his First Communion classes" or ".....until my husband could care for the children".
As I said, I may not know what I'm talking about, but I've seen that professional placement people often as is if taking off time to be with one's children is a shameful thing. I know they may form their ideas based on what they hear from human resources people and others in the position of interviewing, but I think you ought to just tell it like it is. Its honest, and it isn't something to be embarrassed about.
There are people who would choose their children over work for five years or until all three kids have graduated highschool, so your five months is nothing in the scheme of who wants time with their children. These days there is actually a trend, and many professionals (lawyers, doctors, etc.) are choosing to stay home with the children while they're little; so wanting to spend time with one's children is not reserved for the "lacking in ambition" or the "unskilled".
Your choice of the phrase, "playing Mom" would indicate that you're either insecure about wanting time with you children or else insecure about what other people would think of that. Anyone with children (man or woman) who is well adjusted and confident would not see being with one's children as "playing" anything, and I think there's a chance if your insecurities show up in an interview THAT could be the thing that makes someone think twice about hiring you.
2007-01-23 09:55:29 · answer #1 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One way to word it, and to be honest, is to say, "I was seeking balance in my professional and personal life, and after 5 months with my children, I better understand how to do both." Then, be sure to back up what you say with examples. Having a charity you work for, on your resume, will help to that end. If you don't have one, get on board now. The job search will take longer, if you're looking for a good fit, and not just any ol' job, but being able to tackle 20+ hours a week as a volunteer, on top of being a mom (ok, let's say superhero at that point), will help sell your case, esp. if the folks at the charity will give you a good recommendation.
2007-01-23 09:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by rhetorica 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
taking 5 months off to be with your children is nothing to be ashamed of. Is there a reason you did this? Was your partner ill? Even if you did it, just to spend time with your children, this is NOT a reason to be looked on unfavourably.
I wouldn't mention it at all, if the interviewer happens to ask, be honest and tell them you felt you needed to spend some quality time with your children. They can't NOT hire you for that reason. This isn't something that needs to be disclosed unless the inerviewer actually asks you. Just keep your answer simple and short, don't try and defend yourself because it's likely you wont have too.
Good Luck
2007-01-23 09:25:38 · answer #3 · answered by Corsetry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just explain that you had the opportunity to stay home with your kids, so you took it. Or maybe that it was more financially sound for you to leave the work force, but that you prefer to work and are seeking a position that is both satisfying AND meets your needs financially.
2007-01-23 09:26:40 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say that you took a leave of absence to be with your children. I think most employers will be ok with that, just tell the truth.
2007-01-23 09:24:54 · answer #5 · answered by 2littleiggies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be honest I have always told my employer that my family was and is my first priority in life just tell them that you and your family felt that the time off was needed to care for your children
2007-01-23 09:25:01 · answer #6 · answered by youhoo it's me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋