A: Resumes are overgrown business cards.

Where a business card provides sufficient information to give people a way to contact you, a resume should provide enough information to let people know more about you, leaving room for them to want to find out more about you at an interview.

In your case, your resume doesn't necessarily need to focus on specific dates. Simply state the length of time you have worked in jobs.

Two to four pages is long enough. Include your contact details, educational background and qualifications, work history, experience and, if you want to, some details about yourself (e.g.interests), plus any referees.

A covering letter is always handy and here you might like to explain your time out of work, including something like: "It has been some time since I last worked in this industry but my interest in returning to this work is very strong. I very much look forward to the opportunities that will come through completing a refresher program."

Use your own words and remember that positive words will help to combat perceived time gaps in your resume.

If you have a question for Dr Work, email doctorwork@mycareer.com.au. Please note that due to the high volume of questions received, not all emails can be answered personally.