What's the best way to explain job gap in resume and where to include volunteer work?

Question

I've been on medical disability for the past 3 1/2 years after working for 6 years and will be looking for a job soon. How do I explain this job gap on a resume? Also, in preparation for getting back to work, I've been volunteering this past year. Do I include this and if so, where?

Answer 1

There are various approaches. I would list the volunteer work first, since it is the most recent. Show it as if it were employment but describe it correctly.

Next should come the period of no work, and that should also be described properly. Do not dwell on the disability. For example "Medical disability leave and recuperation." The dates do not have to overlap with your volunteer work.

Finally list the previous job, followed by earlier jobs.

Answer 2

If you happen to be a parent, a stay at home mom or dad is also a job in itself. If you helped take care of someone like a grandparent, caregiver would help fill in the gap. As the previous poster noted, you'd be better off not saying much about the disability except that you are completely better or rehabilitated. Good luck!