Navigating Career Gaps: Should I List My Family Business Experience on My CV?

Hi, I completed my engineering in 2011 and then worked in an IT firm for 1.5 years. For the last 1.5 years, I have been involved in the family business. I will be pursuing an MBA for the 2014-2016 session.

Should I mention my family business experience on my CV for internships or future jobs? I don't have any salary slips for my time in the family business, only an experience certificate. I am concerned because:

• Corporates sometimes view family business experience negatively.
• I was not officially listed as an employee in the company's records. Therefore, I am hesitant to include it on my CV due to potential verification issues.

I am apprehensive after hearing about challenges with verification. However, if I omit this experience, I will have a career gap that I am unsure how to explain. I left my IT job to assist with the family business.

Can someone please advise whether I should include my family business experience on my CV?

It is advisable to include your family business experience on your CV, as it demonstrates valuable skills and responsibilities. To address concerns about verification, you can mention the role you undertook and the skills acquired without specifying employment status. Highlight the relevant experiences and skills gained during your time in the family business that are transferable to the roles you are applying for. Emphasize your contributions and achievements to showcase your capabilities effectively. Additionally, during interviews, be prepared to discuss your family business experience in detail, focusing on the skills and knowledge acquired that are relevant to the position you are seeking.