Updating my resume

[no_hypocrisy]

I lost my position five years ago because there was no money to keep me. (One partner stole from another and then died.)

The first 3 years, I volunteered by working pro bono on two major cases as an attorney with another attorney. I couldn't find a paying position.

I did 1-2 cases for a pittance.

I haven't "worked" at all since the beginning of 2014. I moved in with my father January to take care of him. He died in April and I couldn't get a job until now because I "inherited" his house and it took more than a year to get rid of the clutter, clean 14 rooms, and make repairs for its sale.

How do I translate that to a resume? I've been really busy; I just don't have any references or salary to prove it.

[TexasTowelie]

1. For the three years that you worked pro bono

I would consider listing that as either pro bono or consultant.

For the time that you spent taking care of your father I would indicate "health care provider" and "family estate disposition". Both of those involve some aspects of knowing about the legal intricacies, particularly with Social Security, real estate and title insurance. I would not be concerned about listing any salary on a resume. Most employers do understand that life events may cause a disruption in continuity of employment.

BTW, my condolences for your loss. I'm in similar circumstances losing my job around the same time you did and then dealing with the death of my father and being the primary contact point when his house was sold. Unfortunately, I never recovered from the job loss since I worked in IT and the unemployment rate is still high in that field plus I fell a generation behind and the newest software products.

Good luck finding a good job and keep your salary expectations realistic. You might have to take a pay cut from what you previously earned.

[EllaJones]

4. helpful advice

Good suggestions to work on.

[elleng]

2. Good luck,

follow TexasT's suggestions, and check out Temp agencies; I've recently heard from one or 2 I used to work for.

[TexasBushwhacker]

3. I would include the pro bono work

You don't even have to say it was pro bono. Unless they specifically ask how much you made there, no worries. If they do ask you can tell them you had the opportunity to work on a couple of complex cases and you looked at it as continuing education.

Just leave a gap for the time you we're caring for your dad. They will ask about it and you will tell them you were your dad's caregiver until his death and then you took time to prepare his house for sale.

In the meantime, I suggest you do some more pro bono or volunteer work so you'll have current references.

[groundloop]

5. It's probably been figured out in the year since the original post