Capitalism as Context for Resume Gaps

A resume gap void of "professional" experience is worthless in capitalist society.

That's why gaps are traditionally red flags for recruiters and hiring decision-makers.

That's why unemployment bias is rampant.

That's why caregiver bias is rampant.

Capitalism is designed in such a way that

work is valuable only when

labour is exchanged for wages...

Parents: What does this mean for your resume?

Join the conversation about capitalism and resume gaps on LinkedIn here.

Image Description:

Why resume-gap jobseekers should understand capitalism.
Capitalism determines worth through wages. And this is the default lens through which businesses/ employers / hiring managers / recruiters measure value.

Are you ready for the clincher? Let's dive in together...

Most work, productivity, and value in a resume gap — especially one for parenting — is wageless.

Does that mean your resume gap (full of unpaid labour) is worthless ...?

NOPE.

Learn to validate unpaid work.

Do the legwork for decision-makers with a resume that challenges the status quo, default lens that believes
Wageless = Valueless
Unpaid experience - Unworthy

Experience Section:

• Axe "Professional" from the Experience section title -- not all experience is professional (nor does it need to be).

• Make entries for relevant unpaid work & provide quantified, measurable achievement bullets.

• "First Name Last Name Consulting" is the secret sauce for relevant freelance or volunteer work.

• Always list upskilling with experiences / course(s) relevant to skills listed in target role job descriptions.

• Transferable skills from parenting are endless. Make a case for 1-3 powerful ones that align with your target role.

• Don't underestimate soft skills like communication, active listening, patience, and collaboration.

Make it easy for hiring teams to see your value.

Everything on your resume should clearly show decision-makers how you will help their particular company:

• Save money

• Save time

• Make money

• Boost efficiency

• Make bigger impact

(this is all that matters to business success in a capitalist economy).

Facts... Most employers don't connect the following dots (but you should)...

Capitalist society relies on NextGen labour power.

In fact, NextGen talent is the most valuable commodity on the capitalist market (~ Silvia Federici).

The caregiving "gap" on your resume is actually one of the most productive, worthy things out there.

Know your worth.

You have value.