CV tips when returning to work after parental leave

Of course! Here are some tips for your CV when looking for work after parental leave:

1. Be honest about the gap: It's important to be transparent about the gap in your employment history. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and potential employers will appreciate your honesty.

2. Highlight your parental skills: Raising children involves numerous skills that are highly transferable to the workplace, such as time management, multitasking, communication, and problem-solving. Be sure to highlight these skills in your CV and explain how they can be applied in a professional setting.

3. Emphasise any volunteer work or professional development: If you volunteered during your parental leave or took any courses or training programs, make sure to include them in your CV. This will demonstrate your commitment to learning and development, as well as your willingness to take initiative.

4. Use a functional format: A functional format emphasises your skills and achievements rather than your work history. This can be helpful if you have a gap in your employment history, as it allows you to highlight your transferable skills and experiences.

5. Tailor your CV to the job: Make sure to tailor your CV to the job you're applying for. Look closely at the job description and requirements, and highlight the skills and experiences you have that are most relevant to the position.

6. Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant keywords. Make sure to include keywords from the job description in your CV to increase your chances of getting noticed.

7. Be concise: Keep your CV concise and focused on your most relevant skills and experiences. Avoid lengthy descriptions of your parental leave, and instead focus on your achievements and accomplishments both before and during your leave.

By following these tips, you can create a strong CV that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements and increases your chances of landing your desired job after parental leave.

Youtuber Helen Avery provides some more great advice on what to include on your CV when applying to jobs after your parental leave.

The process of returning to work can be a daunting experience for any parent so we hope this resources will help!