How to Write a Stay at Home Mom Resume and Get Back into the Workforce

 Get Back into the Workforce

They say that women easily adapt to any situation and it’s not difficult for them to switch from work to home mode. But when this period ends, we face fear: so much time as a SAHM Mom, and then it’s time to work again? What do they demand from candidates now? Can I even compete with young girls after such a long period at home? And in general, how to write a resume? Answers to these questions can be found in our article.

1. HR Tips

In order to understand what will help you better compile your resume, we turned to HR specialists for their advice. And here are some key tips from professionals:

– “There is no magic line in the resume that will help you return to the office after freelance or maternity leave. The main thing that all returnees should remember: write about yourself honestly and accurately.”

– “The first thing I recommend starting with creating any resume and finding a job is to determine exactly where you want to work as accurately as possible. Having drawn up a portrait of your dream employer, think about what you could offer him.”

– “The big break in the work is alarming for the HR specialist, he has a thousand questions in his head: what was the candidate busy with at that time? Was she sick? On maternity leave? Or was she just enjoying herself while doing nothing? And do we need such a candidate? Help the recruiter answer these questions at least partially. Most likely, you will be asked about the reasons for the interruption in work during the interview, but now it’s your job to GET to the interview. I recommend indicating in the resume the period when you did not work, and the reason: let’s say, “2001–2004 is maternity leave.” The recruiter will understand that you had a good reason not to work, and you can get some idea of ​​your current opportunities.”

2. What to write and what not to write in the resume?

a) Focus on what you can do. This means that it’s categorically not advised to lie in the resume because the truth will still come out and you will simply be perceived as a liar. And nobody needs such a reputation. But no one writes about their weaknesses in the resume as well. So just focus on what you REALLY can do, your strength.

b) Education. The summary should indicate education in reverse chronological order: first a second higher education (if any), then the first; master degree, then undergraduate. The most important information is the university you graduated from and your specialty. Do not forget to indicate the years of study at the university.

c) Additional courses. If you took cooking classes, and aim at the position of an accountant, then it’s better not to include this information. Write about those courses that will be useful to your potential employer.

d) Previous work experience. If you often changed jobs, then this will alert HR as well as long-term unemployment raises a lot of questions. But this is not a reason to give up! If, for example, you went on maternity leave right after graduation, and you have absolutely no work experience, try to remember at least something. Your experience of assisting in departments, as a laboratory assistant, and university practice will be useful here.

3. Knowledge of foreign languages

Candidates who know foreign languages are very important. Therefore, if you know any languages, be sure to include this in your resume! But remember that your knowledge will be tested. If your French is only at a conversational level, indicate this. But if you studied German at school and haven’t used it for 10 years, then it’s better not to write about knowledge of German in your resume.

4. Temporary unemployment

The employer has the right to know why you did not work for a certain period of time. If you were on maternity leave, were sick or just became a housewife – write about it in the resume, but don’t focus on this. Attach this information in the form of a line, because you write it for a potential employer, as a fact, and not as your minus or plus.

5. Proper design

Most of the candidates are rejected by HR’s only because their resumes are incorrectly executed. Therefore, pay attention to the structure of the resume and stick to it:

a) Basic information:

– Photo (optional)

– Name, date of birth

– Contact information (phone number, email)

b) Education

c) Courses

d) Work experience

e) Achievements

f) Language skills

g) Professional skills

h) Hobbies (optional item).

About the Author:

Laura Garbers is a writer with 8 years of working experience. Most of all in her work, she likes to be useful to readers and communicate with people. If you want to find more about her work, surf to this trusted site. Laura creates works that will be useful to everyone, regardless of age.