Figuring out how to get a job can be tricky, and a lot of questions come up. One question some people have is whether mentioning something like using food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, would hurt their chances of getting hired. You want your resume to show you in the best light, but what if you need to explain some gaps in your work history or talk about how you managed during a tough time? Let’s explore whether or not using food stamps would look bad on a resume and some things to keep in mind.
Does Including Food Stamps Directly Hurt My Chances?
No, putting “received food stamps” on your resume will not directly hurt your chances of getting a job. Employers are generally not allowed to ask about your financial situation or whether you’ve received public assistance. The information is private.
Focusing on Skills and Experiences
Your resume’s main goal is to highlight your skills and experiences that make you a good fit for a job. Think about what the employer is looking for and show that you’ve got those things. Instead of focusing on food stamps, focus on what you *did* during that time or what you learned.
For example, if you took classes while receiving assistance, mention those. Did you volunteer somewhere? Include that! If you had to carefully budget your money and cook meals, you can even frame those as skills:
- Time management (scheduling classes, volunteer work, job searching).
- Budgeting (making your money stretch).
- Resourcefulness (finding free activities and help).
Remember that your resume should focus on the skills you’ve gained and how those skills will benefit the employer. Your time receiving food stamps is not relevant to your skills.
Handling Gaps in Employment
Sometimes, there might be a gap in your work history. Maybe you were receiving food stamps because you lost a job, or were caring for a family member. Employers understand that life happens. You don’t have to specifically state “I was on food stamps” to explain a gap.
Instead, you could simply say something like “2020-2021: Focused on family responsibilities and personal development.” Or, you might mention: “2022: Volunteered at local community center” and the skills gained while doing so. You can still highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your willingness to work.
Here’s how to think about what to include:
- What were you *doing* during the gap?
- What skills did you use?
- Can you tie those skills to the job you’re applying for?
- If there is nothing relevant, then simply state the years with no additional explanation.
The goal is to be honest, but to focus on the positive and relevant.
Alternatives to Direct Mention
Instead of directly mentioning food stamps, you can use different strategies to address any concerns or explain a break in your work history. You could consider these different formats:
One option is to use a skills-based resume instead of a chronological one. A skills-based resume highlights your abilities rather than listing your jobs in order. This can be helpful if you have employment gaps or if you want to emphasize skills gained outside of paid work.
| Type of Resume | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Work history in order | Consistent work history |
| Skills-Based | Your skills | Gaps in employment |
| Combination | Skills and work history | The best of both worlds |
Also, consider a cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to explain any gaps in your work history in a more conversational way. If you feel it’s necessary, you can briefly mention how you managed during a difficult time without going into too much detail.
Emphasizing Resilience and Adaptability
Think about how you’ve overcome challenges. Receiving food stamps, while not something you need to advertise, might have taught you valuable life lessons. For example, it shows that you can make tough decisions and can handle any problems that come up. Use this to your advantage.
If you took courses to learn new skills during a period of unemployment, or volunteered, show those achievements. Any experience during a challenging time can demonstrate to an employer that you are a resilient person.
- Problem-solving abilities
- Resourcefulness
- Adaptability
- Hard work and grit
These are all good qualities that employers look for.
Remember, your resume is about selling yourself. Frame your experiences to demonstrate that you are an adaptable person.
Conclusion
So, to wrap it up, putting food stamps on your resume isn’t something you need to do. It won’t help you get a job, and in most cases, it’s not relevant to your skills and experience. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Address any gaps in your work history by focusing on what you *did* during that time and the skills you gained. Show employers that you’re a capable, resilient individual, and you’ll be well on your way to landing that job!