Would you put your children on your CV?

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!'