ooop I didn't realize I'd be posting, thought I was sending a private message.  Can you please remove my post, so my name and phone number is not shown?

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for reaching out! I removed your personal information from the post and sent your question over to one of our career coaches who will get back to you soon.

Best,

Sarah, Cancer and Career Program Coordinator

Amanda-

It’s great to hear that you have utilized some downtime and taken the initiative
to explore new career paths.  Here’s how
I suggest you approach your resume.

First, know that you do not have to list the months of employment, only the
year.  That allows more flexibility.  So your previous positions would probably
list as ending in 2011.

To fill the gap, indicate on your resume where you would put your most
recent position:

Returned to school for further training -2012

Under Education  add:

Health and Wellness Coaching Program
– 2012

Esthetics Training Program – 2012

Depending on where the courses were
held, you might add the name of the School but only if it brings value and
credibility to the training.  If you have
a certification or a license, add that information also.

 I also suggest that while you are
looking for a new position, volunteer to use these new skills you have
learned.  You could volunteer at a Parks
and Recreation program, a Rehab center, a Cancer Center.  You could also seek an internship with an
organization or in the case of Esthetics at a SPA center or with an experienced
Esthetician.  Also check whether you
could work as a Trainer’s assistant teaching these skills at the school where you got your training.   All of these experiences can then be listed
on your resume and it adds to your candidacy and marketability.

 Also, be sure to indicate in your
cover letter that while you were unemployed, you took the opportunity to expand
your skills and knowledge with further training to improve your career options.

 I hope this information is helpful to you.

 Margot