Explain Employment Gaps

I know that the term "Employment Gap" causes immediate red flags for both the hiring manager and job seeker.  Therefore, using the methodology that "less is more", explain the gap in one or two lines in the resume.  The more you elaborate in the resume, the more you can hurt your changes.  Save the detailed explanation for the interview.

Example:

2010-2012, Primary Home Care Provider for terminally ill relative

2010-2011, Travel: Central and South America

2010-2012, Parent and Classroom Volunteer, Name of School, City, ST

Don't refer to illness, unemployment (even if it is clearly due to a recession), and rehabilitation because they suggest that you might be a high-risk job seeker.

Abridged - susanireland.com