1. How To Format A Stay-At-Home Mom Resume
Okay, so you’re dusting off the resume after being a stay-at-home mom? Awesome! First things first: the format matters. It’s like picking the right outfit for an interview—you want to make a good first impression. There are three main types: chronological, functional, and combination. Let’s break it down.
- Chronological: This is your standard, lists-everything-in-order type. Good if you’ve got a solid work history with no major gaps. Might not be the best if you’ve been out of the game for a while.
- Functional: This one focuses on your skills. Great if you’re trying to switch careers or downplay employment gaps. It puts your abilities front and center.
- Combination: The best of both worlds! It highlights both your skills and work history. This can be a solid choice if you want to show off what you’ve got without hiding the SAHM years.
Choosing the right format is key. Think about what you want to emphasize. Are you trying to show off your project management skills from organizing school events? Or your budgeting skills from managing the household finances? Tailor the format to fit your story.
Ultimately, the best format is the one that showcases your strengths and minimizes any perceived weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what looks best. You can also find resume examples online to get a better idea of what works.
2. Use A Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Template
Starting with a template can seriously cut down the time it takes to get your resume done. I remember staring at a blank page, totally overwhelmed. Using a template gave me a structure to follow, so I could just fill in the blanks. Plus, it helps make sure everything looks professional, even if you’re not a design whiz.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? A resume template is your blueprint for landing that job. It guides you on what to include and where to put it, so hiring managers can easily see your skills and experience. There are tons of free templates online, so find one that fits the kind of job you’re after. For example, if you’re going for a creative role, a visually appealing template might be the way to go. If it’s something more corporate, stick with a classic, clean design. Using a template can help you create a strong resume that highlights your strengths.
Using a template ensures your resume is well-organized and visually appealing, which can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by employers.
3. What To Include In A Stay-At-Home Mom Resume
Being a stay-at-home parent comes with a surprising number of marketable skills. From managing schedules and budgets to providing emotional support and academic assistance, you’ve likely gained experience that employers will value. The key is knowing what to highlight on your resume to bridge that career gap and showcase your abilities.
Add it to your Experience section
It might seem odd, but treat your time as a stay-at-home mom like a regular job and put it in the experience section. This helps explain any employment gaps and shows you weren’t just idle. Recruiters will see it immediately. Add start and end dates, just like any other job.
List it like a full-time job
Don’t just gloss over it. Describe your parenting experience as if it were a paid position. Use titles like "Stay-At-Home Mom" or "Household Manager." Include your location. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and accomplishments. Think about things like managing a household budget, child development activities, scheduling, and planning. These are all valuable skills. For example, if you are applying for waitress resume examples, you can highlight your multitasking and customer service skills.
Be concise
The goal here isn’t to write a novel. You want to explain the employment gap and show off your transferable skills. Keep the job description concise – 3-4 bullet points should be enough.
Adding your parenting experience to your resume helps explain any employment gaps and shows you’ve gained valuable skills. Keep the description concise, focusing on transferable abilities.
Example of stay-at-home mom resume experience
Stay-At-Home Mom May 2022 – July 2024
Austin, TX
- Fostered a positive learning environment for 2 pre-schoolers, contributing to their cognitive and social development
- Implemented a structured daily routine, and organized household activities including cleaning and cooking meals
- Successfully negotiated and managed household finances, maintaining a balanced budget
- Operated a parenting video blog receiving 3,500+ visitors per month.
Key Skills to Highlight
Think about the skills you used as a stay-at-home mom that are also valuable in the workplace. These might include:
- Multitasking
- Interpersonal skills
- Planning and organization
- Financial management
- Time management
Choose the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re aiming for store manager resume examples, emphasize your organizational and leadership skills.
4. How To Correctly Display Your Contact Information
Okay, so you’re ready to put your resume together. Let’s talk about something super basic, but also super important: your contact information. You want to make it easy for employers to reach you, right? So, let’s get this part right.
First off, make sure everything is up-to-date. Double-check your phone number and email address. Nothing’s worse than missing a call because you typed your number wrong! And please, use a professional-sounding email. "Partygirl85" might have been fun in college, but it’s not the best look for a job application. A simple Gmail or Outlook address with your name is perfect.
Here’s what you should include:
- Full Name: Make it clear and easy to read.
- Phone Number: The one you actually answer!
- Professional Email Address: Keep it simple and professional.
- Location: City and state are fine; no need for your full street address.
- LinkedIn Profile (Optional): If you have one, include it. Make sure it’s updated!
Think of your contact information as your digital handshake. It’s the first impression you make, so make it count!
It’s also a good idea to make sure your resume header is clean and easy to read. Don’t clutter it with unnecessary information. Keep it simple and to the point. You want the hiring manager to be able to find your information quickly and easily. This is especially important for work-from-home positions, where clear professional contact information is key.
Here’s an example of how your contact information might look:
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567
jane.doe@email.com
Columbus, Ohio
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s move on to the next section.
5. How To Write A Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Summary Or Objective
The job market is tough, and recruiters often spend very little time reviewing each resume. That’s why you need to grab their attention right away! A resume summary or objective can do just that. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and highlight why you’re the perfect fit, even with employment gaps.
What’s the Difference?
A resume summary is best if you have related work experience. It highlights your skills and accomplishments. An objective focuses on what you want to achieve and why you’re a good fit, even without recent experience. Think of it as a brief introduction that sells your potential.
Resume Summary Example
Let’s say you were a marketing manager before taking time off to raise your kids. A summary might look like this:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. Proven ability to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth. Seeking to re-enter the workforce and apply my skills to a challenging marketing role."
Resume Objective Example
If you’re looking to switch careers or haven’t worked in a while, an objective is the way to go. Here’s an example for someone seeking an administrative assistant position:
"Highly organized and detail-oriented individual with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Eager to leverage my experience managing household operations and coordinating family schedules to excel as an administrative assistant. Seeking a challenging role where I can contribute to a team’s success and grow professionally."
Tips for Writing a Great Summary or Objective
- Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 2-4 sentences.
- Focus on your strengths: Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a great candidate.
- Tailor it to the job: Make sure your summary or objective aligns with the specific requirements of the position.
- Use action verbs: Start your sentences with strong verbs to make a bigger impact.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
6. How To Make Your Work Experience Stand Out
The work experience section is super important on your resume. It’s where you really show what you’ve got. The goal? To make it pop and highlight your best stuff. This builds confidence and makes employers feel good about hiring you. Don’t sweat the employment gap too much; it’s better to explain it than hide it.
Here’s how to structure it right:
- Position name
- Company Name
- Dates
- Responsibilities & Achievements
It’s important to connect your past successes to the job you’re applying for. This shows the employer the direct benefit you can bring to their company.
To really make your experience shine, think about these points:
- Highlight transferable skills: Show how skills from being a stay-at-home mom, like project management and multitasking, can be professional assets. For example, managing a household budget can translate to financial management skills.
- Showcase freelance experience: If you’ve done any freelance work, even small projects, put them on your resume. Outline your successes, like boosting client satisfaction. This proves your drive and success, even during a career pause. You can find resume examples to help you with this.
- Promote continuous professional development: Include any community projects, brief courses, or consulting gigs you did while on a break. Focus on abilities you’ve nurtured and updated, even without a formal job. This shows you’re committed to growth and staying current in your field. For example, if you took an online course in project management, mention it and how you plan to apply those skills.
7. What If You Don’t Have Any Relevant Work Experience?
So, you’re staring at that resume, and it feels…empty. Maybe you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for years, and the thought of re-entering the workforce is daunting. What if you’re applying for a job that seems totally unrelated to anything you’ve done before? Don’t panic! It’s more common than you think, and there are ways to make your experience shine.
First, remember this: skills are transferable. The abilities you’ve honed while managing a household, raising children, or volunteering are valuable in the professional world. It’s all about how you frame them.
Consider these points:
- Identify Crossover Skills: Think about the skills you’ve used as a stay-at-home mom that are relevant to the job you want. Did you manage a budget? That’s financial management. Did you coordinate schedules and activities for multiple people? That’s project management. Did you resolve conflicts between siblings? That’s conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Highlight Volunteer Work: Don’t underestimate the value of volunteer experience. Whether you were a treasurer for the PTA, organized a fundraising event, or coached a sports team, these experiences demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
- Showcase Personal Projects: Did you start a blog, learn a new language, or complete an online course? These activities show initiative, a willingness to learn, and a passion for personal growth.
The key is to focus on what you have done and how those experiences have equipped you with the skills and qualities that employers are looking for. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, emphasize your adaptability and willingness to learn. Share examples of times when you’ve successfully tackled new challenges or acquired new skills. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive, resourceful, and eager to grow. You can use stay-at-home mom resume samples to get ideas.
Remember, your time as a stay-at-home mom has been a valuable experience. It’s time to show the world what you’ve got! Think about how to craft a resume for stay-at-home mothers and make it work for you. Re-entering the workforce can be a smooth transition.
8. How To Explain Gaps In Employment On A Stay-At-Home Mom Resume
It’s pretty common to have gaps in your employment history, especially when you’ve been focusing on raising a family. Don’t try to hide it! Instead, address it head-on and turn it into a strength. Employers understand that family comes first, and they’ll appreciate your honesty. The key is to frame your time away in a way that highlights the skills you gained and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.
Think about it: being a stay-at-home parent is a job in itself! You’ve developed skills in time management, organization, problem-solving, and communication. These are all transferable skills that employers value. The goal is to show how your experience as a stay-at-home mom has prepared you for the workforce.
Remember, you’re not just explaining a gap; you’re showcasing your growth and adaptability. Frame your experience positively and focus on the skills you’ve gained that are relevant to the job.
Here’s how you can approach explaining those gaps:
- Be Honest and Direct: Don’t try to hide the gap or make excuses. Simply state that you took time off to raise your children. For example, "Took a career break from [start date] to [end date] to focus on raising my children."
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Identify the skills you developed as a stay-at-home mom that are relevant to the job. Provide specific examples of how you used these skills. For instance, "Managed household budget of $X per month, demonstrating strong financial planning and resource management skills."
- Showcase Volunteer Work or Other Activities: If you volunteered, took courses, or engaged in other activities during your time off, include them on your resume. This shows that you remained active and continued to develop your skills. For example, "Volunteered at local school, organizing fundraising events and managing parent volunteers."
- Use a Functional or Combination Resume Format: If you have a significant employment gap, consider using a functional or combination resume format. These formats emphasize your skills and abilities rather than your work history. This can help to minimize the focus on the gap and highlight your strengths. You can also use RoboApply to help you create a resume that highlights your skills.
- Be Prepared to Discuss It in the Interview: Be ready to talk about your employment gap in the interview. Explain why you took time off and what you did during that time. Focus on the positive aspects of your experience and how it has prepared you for the job. For example, "My time as a stay-at-home mom taught me valuable skills in time management, organization, and problem-solving. I am now eager to return to the workforce and apply these skills to a new challenge."
9. Use Action Words To Make Your SAHM Resume POP!
Let’s be real, hiring managers probably see the same old words on every resume. That’s why using strong action words can really make your resume stand out. It’s a simple way to show you’re not just another applicant.
Think about it: instead of saying "Helped with," you could say "Spearheaded" or "Initiated." It sounds way more impressive, right? It shows you took charge and made things happen. Here are some examples of powerful action verbs to consider:
- Conceptualized
- Formulated
- Initiated
- Determined
- Spearheaded
Using action words isn’t just about sounding fancy. It’s about accurately reflecting your skills and experience. It’s about showing potential employers what you’re truly capable of.
So, ditch the boring language and use action words to make your resume pop! It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
To make your stay-at-home mom resume really stand out, use strong action words. These words show what you did and how well you did it. Want to see how to make your resume shine? Check out our website for more tips!
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Going back to work after being a stay-at-home mom can feel like a big step, but it’s totally doable. The main thing is to see all those skills you picked up at home as real work experience. Things like managing schedules, handling budgets, or even just keeping everyone organized? Those are valuable skills for any job. Don’t be shy about putting them on your resume. With a bit of thought and the right approach, you can show employers exactly how ready you are to jump back into the workforce. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put being a stay-at-home mom on my resume?
Yes, you absolutely should! Being a stay-at-home mom gives you many useful skills that employers value. You can show how you managed a household, taught your kids, or handled money. These experiences prove you’re organized, good at solving problems, and can handle many tasks at once. Just make sure to connect these skills to the job you want.
What skills do stay-at-home moms have that are good for a resume?
When you’re a stay-at-home mom, you gain lots of skills. Think about things like planning schedules, managing budgets, teaching and guiding children, and even dealing with unexpected problems. These are all valuable skills that can be used in many different jobs. Make sure to list these skills clearly on your resume.
How do I explain a gap in my work history from being a stay-at-home mom?
You can explain the time you spent as a stay-at-home mom by listing it in your work history section. Treat it like a job, giving it a title like “Homemaker” or “Family Manager.” Then, describe the responsibilities and skills you used, just like you would for any other job. This helps employers understand what you were doing during that time.
What’s the best way to make my stay-at-home mom resume stand out?
To make your resume strong, focus on the skills you gained as a stay-at-home mom that match the job you’re applying for. Use action words to describe your experiences, like “managed,” “organized,” or “developed.” Also, consider including a resume summary or objective that highlights your best qualities and what you want to achieve.
Should I use a resume summary or objective?
It’s a good idea to include a short summary or objective at the top of your resume. A summary is for those with more experience, showing off your best skills and achievements. An objective is better if you’re new to the workforce or changing careers, explaining your career goals and what you hope to bring to the company.
How can I make my work experience look impressive?
You can make your work experience shine by focusing on what you achieved, not just what you did. Use numbers or examples whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying “managed household finances,” say “managed a household budget of $X, saving Y% annually.” This shows your impact.
What if I don’t have relevant work experience?
If you don’t have much traditional work experience, don’t worry! You can include volunteer work, community involvement, or any projects you’ve done. These experiences can show off your skills and dedication. Think about any courses you’ve taken or certifications you’ve earned too.
How should I list my contact information on my resume?
It’s important to make your contact information easy to find and correct. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and a link to your professional online profile (like LinkedIn) if you have one. Double-check everything to make sure there are no typos.
