We’re answering your toughest job-search questions. This week, Ann R. asks us a great question about what to put on her resume.
Q: How should a stay-at-home parent (mother) with both professional experience (5 yrs.) and a college degree (bachelor’s degree) handle her resume when it comes to describing the last five years that she has voluntarily been out of work to raise her family? – Ann R.
It can be tough to reenter the workforce after taking an extending period of time off. One of the easiest ways to address the gap in your employment history is by mentioning it in your cover letter or in the “Tell us about yourself” section of your SnagAJob.com profile. Say something like, “After taking time off to raise a family, I am both ready and excited to start working again.” You could also create an objective statement to put on your resume that says the same thing.
Some people put down their parenting experience as job experience. If you’d prefer to do that, try to focus on the transferable skills, like budgeting and organization. Also include any volunteer work you’ve done. Organizing events for the mothers’ group you belong to might not feel like volunteering, but it is.
While transitioning back to work can be difficult, it’s not impossible. Just be sure to acknowledge your employment gaps, and then focus on what a great asset you’d be to the company.
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