Explaining periods of unemployment on CV?

Mr_Mcgregors_wife

I'm updating my CV and was wondering how people present their periods of unemployment on a CV/Job application form.

I have been employed or studying since 1989 except for the last couple of years so have no idea how to present this so if anyone could help I would be most appreciative.

The problematic period starts as:
June 2010- Made redundant (whilst 4 months pregnant)
June 2010- Aug 2010 JSA
Aug 2010- May 2011 Maternity Allowance
May 2011- July 2011 JSA
July 2011 - Current Income Support (Due to separating and then divorcing husband. Started P/T uni in Sept 2011 with an end date of June 2014)

What is the best way to explain this when looking for work?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

phill99

Put the whole time down as a career break to start a family.

Savvy_Sue

phill99 wrote: »

Put the whole time down as a career break to start a family.

It's a small point, but I wouldn't explicitly say "start a family", more something like "family responsibilities". That way you're not advertising the fact that you have an almost 2 year old - you could have been caring for elderly parents or nursing a sick dog.

Also if you did any voluntary work during that time you could include that.

Mr_Mcgregors_wife

Thanks for your help. I suppose that's a lot better than having to explain it all separately.

sniggings

I have just put the year down not the month, it looks better and the gaps don't stand out, if they were to ask about the gaps you can tell then.

Crazy that for a min wage job we now need 2 years experience a car and the interview skills of one of Alan Sugar's apprentices.