Explaining a career break when applying for a new job can be tricky. We explore how working women decide whether or not to include having children on their CV

Putting together a solid CV is an essential part of finding a great job or launching a new career. As many mums know, stepping back into employment after a career break can throw up all sorts of issues. How do you account for the gap in employment? How do you show that you have kept your skills up to date? How do you show you are dedicated, while asking for flexibility for your family commitments?

And there is a new discussion brewing: should you mention your kids on your CV?

Although there is no legal reason why any mum (or dad) should list their children on their CV, does that mean we shouldn't count our parental peacekeeping, maternal multi-tasking and greatest personal achievements under wraps from potential employers?

The topic has divided opinion on our Babies versus Career message board.

Why shouldn't mums sing their family achievements from the roof tops, argues Clara. 'I can't believe anyone would feel they could not add the fact that they had children to their CV,' she says.

'Unless you literally took no time off and/or hired a full-time nanny, why on earth would you not think that caring for your child (whatever age) was not an accomplishment on par with any job?'

But it's not that simple, says Roxane. 'I wouldn't put it on my CV as I think it would hurt my chances of getting a job pretty severely,' she explains.

'Now that I am 41, I am probably getting beyond the age where people reading my CV would expect me to have children and go on maternity leave but even your age can work against you if you are female.'

Sam, a stay-at-home-mum, is surprised that anyone would consider this, adding: 'I have two kids and would never have thought to include them on my CV.'

'I'm not really sure why anyone would,' agrees Angelina. 'I want to be judged for my education, my skills, my experience and my suitability for the job, not my family commitments.'

Principal Consultant with www.aperfectcareer.co.uk, Helga Ann Edge MBA, says it's a personal choice but sadly, displaying your dependents on your CV won't always help career prospects.

'She says: 'Some careers have less flexibility than others and absolute continuity of service is expected; an example that comes to mind is a barrister-at-law in the middle of a trial.

'Contrastingly, there is an argument for promoting parental experience when a job requires a knowledge and understanding of children, as is the case with a teaching or childcare role, and this information could add value to the CV, cover letter or application form.

'Dealing with career gaps on a CV due to raising kids can be tricky! On the one hand, making it clear you have taken time out to raise a family can transmit the positive message from the employer's perspective that the 'maternity' years could be over, and on the other the highlighting of family commitments may result in lost opportunities.

'How to play this very much depends on a person's individual circumstances, family support network, their perception of the role and whether they believe they can meet their family's needs and the company?s expectations.'

Paula's experience reflects this shift in focus.

'In the interview for my current job I was asked how I managed to organise my time. I thought it was only natural I mentioned the fact that I worked, had a home, brought up three children alone and also studied for an Open University degree.

'It must have gone down okay as I got the job!'