1. Ignoring the gap:

The first mistake that women often make is ignoring the gap. In the few seconds that recruiters spend scanning your resume, they look for the key words that match the job description, and they scan your resume for gaps. Not explaining a gap, will leave the recruiter wondering why you didn’t work at the time. Their minds will go wondering off to thoughts like: “What’s wrong with them that they couldn’t find work for so long?” to “Were they in jail?” Yes, I am not kidding.
Unless you are an otherwise stellar candidate, if there is no explanation for the gap, your resume just moved to the bottom of the pile.

2. Putting too much emphasis on the gap.

You don’t want this to be the focus of your resume or interview. If there is relevant volunteer work, or skills that you gained during that time, mention them. Otherwise you should provide a very brief explanation to what you did at the time. Basically the briefer the better. I took time off to take care of my kids, a sick parent etc. No need for more details.

3. Not emphasizing your readiness and eagerness to return to work.

Women who have taken time off are often eager to return back to work. Mothers who have been caring for young children, yearn to talk to adults, and use their brains in other ways. Their counterparts who have been working all this time may be burnt out.

You could say:
I took time off to take care of my kids and now I am looking forward to returning to work and resuming my career. That’s it about the gap. Now move on to enthusiastically explain how your experience matches the job requirements.

Miki Feldman Simon, Founder & CEO IamBackatWork