Stay-at-home parents contribute significant effort, and it’s high time to acknowledge that. Regardless of whether your decision to stay at home was a choice or a necessity—thanks to the high costs of childcare in America—re-entering the job market can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve taken a break for a few months, years, or even decades, that gap in your employment history is one of the first things potential employers will notice on your resume. So, how can you address this?
According to a blog from Novoresume, embracing your experience as a stay-at-home parent is key. It’s crucial to highlight the various skills you’ve developed during this time—especially those that are relevant to the positions you’re applying for. For instance, if you’ve served as the treasurer for your child’s PTA, you have basic bookkeeping skills! Have you organized a venue for your community group’s event? You’re essentially an event coordinator. Or if you’ve been sharing insights about parenting through a blog, you possess strong writing skills.
While you might worry that you’re stretching the truth, the reality is that these experiences are indeed pertinent to your job search. The blog emphasizes, “it’s always better to explain your employment gaps than to hide them.”
The blog also highlights the “soft skills” that hiring managers value, which you can feature on your resume. These include:
- Approachability and friendliness
- Stamina (long hours)
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Team collaboration
Doesn’t that sound like a typical day in the life of a stay-at-home parent? If your kids are early risers, you’ve surely developed stamina. And if you’ve managed to keep your cool while watching the same cartoon episode for the hundredth time, you definitely have a friendly demeanor.
However, when it comes to detailing specific child-rearing tasks, it’s best to omit them from your resume unless you’re applying for a role directly involving children. “You can’t really say ‘capable of putting three kids to bed every night’ on your resume,” the blog notes. But honestly, why not? That task can be more challenging than many jobs I’ve held.
Transitioning back into the workforce after focusing on parenting can be intimidating, but the first step is to recognize and value the accomplishments you’ve achieved at home. This acknowledgment may just give you the edge you need to secure your next paid position.
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Summary:
Acknowledging your experience as a stay-at-home parent on your resume can significantly enhance your job prospects. Focus on transferable skills and soft skills that hiring managers seek. Don’t shy away from addressing gaps in your employment history; instead, use them to highlight your valuable experiences. Recognizing your accomplishments at home is crucial as you prepare to enter the workforce once again.