How to write a Stay-At-Home Parent Resume
First, congratulations and Thank You for taking a career break to raise your children. As a Mom, I know that there is no more important (or tougher) job in the world.
I presume you are here because you are ready to re-enter the workforce and need to update your resume to prepare for your search. Here are five tips I suggest for starting.
1. Identify the Industry, Company, or Role you desire
Or at least two out of the three. Will you seek a role similar to one you held prior to your career leave? Or will you seek a new type of position that utilizes skills or new passions that you gained while managing a home and family?
This is important because when re-entering the work force sharing your passion for an industry, company, or role responsibilities will be critical to set you apart from other competitors who have consecutive career experiences. Your passion and interest will be highlighted in your cover letter and your summary objective section on your resume. it will also be leveraged to speak to the hiring manager as a reason why you should be hired over someone else. The more articulate you can be on your desire and passion around the industry, company and role the better - so spend a lot of time here.
2. Write Your ‘Why’
Start with “Why”. Like the great Simon Sinek shares, you should know the ‘why’ behind any intentional move you want to make. This must go beyond, “I need money”.
Think about, articulate, and write the ‘why’s’ around the industry, company, or role type you selected above. For example, if you choose ‘landscaping’ as an industry you would be interested in, your ‘WHY’ might sound like:
While at home caring for my children I completely remodeled my backyard. The project and process made me appreciate the beauty and value of the design process and mostly the end result - of watching my children enjoy the outdoors. I want to get into that industry because I want other to experience that same sense of pride and allow others to enjoy the outdoors like I do.
This example was from a real client I helped who came to me frustrated, scared, and hopeless for a re-entry to the workforce. After completing the process outlined here with me, she landed a job earning 20% more than the salary she left the work force with and a higher job level and title as the “Horticulture Manager” for a Plant Production company with over 150 client sites.
3. Identify the experiences where you had the opportunity to align with the needs or skills from the Industry, Company, or Role you identified as being interested in above.
As every stay-at-home-parent knows, your days, weeks, and years are filled with activities related to caring for a human, a house, and the community that comes with it. However the title of Stay-At-Home-Parent title does little to explain the multitude of responsibilities. For resume writing, I like to niche down on a specific list of experiences that are directed transferrable to the industry, company, or role you desire.
For Example, if you are a parent, you likely:
Took a million photos of your child - this can align to the Photography Industry if have a passion for it and took your photography skills to the next level.
Made homemade meals for your family - this can align to a specific Company if you have a brand preference that you find invaluable.
Managed the household finances - this can align to an administrative responsibilities that are desperately needed for business owners.
Took a lead role with the PTA - showing leadership and managerial skills.
Fundraised for a local church or non-profit - indicating direct sales experience and the ability to reach a goal.
These examples combined with your previous experiences, and desire for where you want to go is the beginnings of a great resume.
I tend to use creative job titles for these experience that align to the niche that you desire; however I have also used job titles such as: Chief Home Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Family Officer to attempt to convey the responsibilities aligned to role of a parent in a way that the workplace can recognize.
4. Emphasize Your Skills Section
In addition to the skills you listed on your resume before your stay-at-home parent role, you should also list the skills you have developed while at taking your career leave. However, think critically about the speed in which skills become outdated in this day of age. Ideally the skills you list should directly correspond to a job description. Anything more will be irrelevant, anything less will make your resume unnoticed. I have clients make an extended list of skills they possess - then selectively have them enter specific relevant skills based on the job description.
For example, if you are a parent then you have:
Managed multiple schedules —> Organizational Skills
Creating daily routines —> Excellent Time Management
Budgeted household finances —> Financial Budgeting Expertise
Counseled an emotional child —> Relationship Building
Skills you do everyday are applicable to the workplace setting if framed in a perspective that allows a hiring manager to see the degree in which you can contribute.
5. Emphasize Your Education
Your degree and schooling are important. They serve as a proof point for your foundational knowledge and abilities as well as your drive to achieve a tough goal. If you took extra courses, attended workshops, or obtained new certificates during your career leave, those should be listed as well which indicates a dedication and willingness on stay engaged in the area(s) that you are passionate about.
With some clients this section serves as a vital stepping stone accomplishment and milestone for their re-entry to the workforce.
See my Professional Development Sample Work Portfolio for more inspiration on resume design and book a consultation with me if you are ready for re-entry into the workforce.