Question
I would love to have your opinions on this. I took a career break sometime in 2014 for my MBA, upon finishing I tried to find a job but nothing was coming up so I decided to start a growing online retailing business while at it in 2015. I was at the same time volunteering for a non profit organisation to help coach SME's which I am still doing on the side for free. I now have a 17 month old baby with no support so I'm having to look after my child alone and cannot afford full-time day care for her nor afford to hire a nanny as hubby has taken time off work for study abroad so financially things are down. I'm looking to get back into work, but numerous applications have failed, my side business is not generating profit yet enough to take care of needs, part of it is because I'm not promoting it as I should due to fear of potential employers finding out as I still want to go back to paid employment. I'm considering starting a coaching service to sme's & startups to earn some money.
My question is how will recruiters and employers view this? Should I continue to wait to get a job which I don't know when? Hopefully by the end of next year when hubby is done we can get a nanny or have baby go to full time nursery. The coaching service will still require me to go online since most businesses success now depends on the internet to grow.
Recruiters ask me about the gap in my CV and I explain but some are not willing to go forward due to this - I never mention my side business, I talk about my voluntary service to the non-profit organisation.
Please I need advice from anyone who has run a business and went back to work or from HR managers, hiring managers and recruiters. Will my side business and coaching service hinder me from getting the job I want? Should I promote my business online that will require my personal brand to be active to support the business as well.
Answer
On your resume, you can always put self-employed to discuss your "gap" in employment. Here's an example from mine:
Writing/editing coach currently Lexington, KY
Self-employed 1997-present
Guide people through the process of becoming successful freelance writers and editors.
Led one client through the entire process of writing and self-publishing his book, “The Blessings of My Storms,” which has become successful in Kentucky and beyond.
I have been successful in both self-employment and the traditional workplace as well as explaining gaps in traditional employment on my resume, in my cover letter, and during interviews.
We can chat on a brief call to discuss your situation further.
Good luck!
Stephanie
