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Career Counseling: How should I approach starting a coaching business when I am still job hunting?
EA
EA
Elaine Adamson, Founder Dots Leadership Solutions Inc answered:

Speaking from purely an HR lens, much depends on the jobs you're applying to and the relevancy of your side business(es).

Many people have gaps in their resume. If it is relevant to the job you apply to, no one bats an eye. For instance, taking time for your MBA for some jobs is a win, yet for others not so much. Taking time to raise a family is a reasonable gap, I would just call it out. The only fear they will have is whether you're 'current' with skills so if you have been volunteering in your chosen field, all good, put both - you can explain in the interview focusing on your awesome skills in time management, juggling competing demands and dealing with ambiguity :)

I took 9 years to raise my family! I know....9!! In that time I also started my own HR consulting business and then when I was ready I applied to do the very work I did on my own in HR. So I showed the business AND home maker in my resume. That is some years back now but I've seen many do the same quite successfully.

Your side business COULD be seen as detrimental if the employer perceives you still will continue to work on the side while gainfully employed - you're likely to get passed over then. Unless the job you're applying to is in the same field and the work has been keeping you current, it is all in how you write it up.

Last thing I would say is if you're promoting your side business online, expect a future employer will find it. Find a way to incorporate it...don't try to hide it. We really don't like fabrications and I have terminated people for misrepresentation.

At the end of the day, your resume is the data they have to figure out whether you "can do the job" they are at search for. Ask yourself how relevant is your information for the job? Stick with being honest or it will bite you down the line.
Hope that helps, happy to chat further.

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