Returning to work after a hiatus for parenting can be both exciting and daunting for moms. Crafting a resume for mom returning to work should showcase your skills and experiences, including the valuable ones gained during your break. This article is a comprehensive guide to help you create a powerful resume that highlights your strengths and aligns with your career aspirations.
Understanding the Gap
- Embrace Your Parenting Experience: Don’t shy away from your parenting gap. Instead, frame it positively. Talk about skills like time management, multitasking, and conflict resolution that you honed while managing a household. (If you need tips on this, check out our financial planning tips for parents and how to divvy up household tasks.)
- Stay Connected: Show that you’ve stayed relevant in your field. Mention any freelance work, part-time jobs, volunteer activities, or online courses you’ve taken during your break.
Writing Tips to Craft a Resume for Mom Returning to Work
- Start with a Strong Summary: Begin with a professional summary that encapsulates your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table. This should be a concise elevator pitch that grabs attention.
- Focus on Achievements: Highlight your career achievements rather than just listing duties. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
- Include Relevant Keywords: Ensure your resume is SEO-friendly by including keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This will make it easier for your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Use a Functional or Combination Resume Format: These formats focus more on skills and less on chronological work history, which can be beneficial if you have a career gap. Example below:
Addressing the Career Gap
- Be Honest and Brief: Address the gap in your resume or cover letter, but keep it brief. Focus on your readiness and enthusiasm to return to work.
- Highlight Any Relevant Activities: Include any relevant activities you did during your break that can translate to job skills. This could be organizing a fundraiser, managing a budget for a community project, or even blogging.
Skills to Highlight on a Resume for Mom Returning to Work
- Soft Skills: Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These are highly valued in the workplace.
- Technical Skills: If your field requires specific technical skills, highlight them. If they need updating, consider taking a course or getting a certification.
Final Touches
- Proofread: Make sure your resume is free from typos and grammatical errors. This speaks volumes about your attention to detail.
- Get Feedback: Have someone in your industry review your resume. They can provide valuable feedback and suggestions.
Your journey as a mom returning to work is unique and filled with valuable experiences. Your resume is a tool to tell your story compellingly and confidently. Remember, it’s not just about the time you’ve been away, but about the wealth of skills and perspectives you bring as you re-enter the workforce.