Hi moms

Did anyone go back to work, to a new job/ different role in the company? How should your maternity leave be presented in your resume?

Should I leave a year's gap in the job timeline, or put for my old job's end date as the end of my maternity leave?
i.e.
Role A (January 2006 - February 2009)
Role B (March 2010 - present)

OR
Role A (January 2006 - February 2010)
Role B (March 2010 - present)

I feel that leaving the gap elicits questions and/or indicates personal information that is not relevant to job applications (i.e. if I mention maternity leave, I may be overlooked for a position because I have a young child). Yet extending the time of my old role could be seen as misrepresentation.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on this?

I chose to explain the gap in my cover letter by saying that I took time off to raise my child but I am now ready to resume my career.  Yes, it does tell them that you have a young child, but I do think it is a bit of misrepresentation to make it seem like you were at your old job for the length of your maternity leave.   As well, if they check the employment dates (a lot of employers do) it will be apparent that you were not being truthful, which would hurt your chances much more than the fact that you are a mother.

You could also explain it as "personal leave" or "personal growth" or something along those lines if you don't want to mention your child.  You could ask a career counsellor or HR specialist for more advice as well.

Good luck on your job search!