How to explain breaks in resume/law school apps?

fambam24

Hey all!

I've been taking a break after my fellowship for family reasons and to work on my applications. Do I have to include anything in my resume? I'll be working again in January so I was planning to send a updated resume when I start a new position.

Do I have to do anything else...I was told by some people that since it's normal for people to take time off after a fellowship, I don't have to do anything. I can just update the schools when I start something.

Leah M B

Yes, to my knowledge, you should explain any gap in which you weren't either working or in school for a significant period of time (more than a couple weeks or so).

studyingandrestudying

Yes, give an explanation and make it short and sweet.

Alex

@fambam24 said:
Hey all!

I've been taking a break after my fellowship for family reasons and to work on my applications. Do I have to include anything in my resume? I'll be working again in January so I was planning to send a updated resume when I start a new position.

Do I have to do anything else...I was told by some people that since it's normal for people to take time off after a fellowship, I don't have to do anything. I can just update the schools when I start something.

How long has this break been? If it's not too long, I wouldn't write anything drawing attention to it. 6 months, yeah write something. 6 weeks ... Ehh, debatable. It's normal to take time off after a fellowship and more generally normal to have small breaks between different positions. I took a ~10 week leave from my job earlier this year and I don't plan on writing anything.

Tom_Tango

@"Alex Divine" said:

@fambam24 said:
Hey all!

I've been taking a break after my fellowship for family reasons and to work on my applications. Do I have to include anything in my resume? I'll be working again in January so I was planning to send a updated resume when I start a new position.

Do I have to do anything else...I was told by some people that since it's normal for people to take time off after a fellowship, I don't have to do anything. I can just update the schools when I start something.

How long has this break been? If it's not too long, I wouldn't write anything drawing attention to it. 6 months, yeah write something. 6 weeks ... Ehh, debatable. It's normal to take time off after a fellowship and more generally normal to have small breaks between different positions. I took a ~10 week leave from my job earlier this year and I don't plan on writing anything.

This. Common sense is probably the best approach

fambam24

Thanks guys! This is really helpful. The break has been longer than I expected. So I'll write a short note with my application. I just don't want them to question anything.