Stay-at-home parents undertake significant responsibilities, and it’s high time we acknowledge that. Whether you chose to stay home or felt compelled to due to the rising costs of childcare in America, the moment you decide to return to the workforce can feel overwhelming. No matter if you’ve been away for a few months, years, or even decades, that employment gap is likely to be one of the first things a prospective employer notices on your resume. So, how should you address it? According to Novoresume’s Career Blog, you should embrace your experience as a stay-at-home parent and highlight the often unseen labor you’ve performed at home.
The key is to emphasize the skills you’ve gained during your time as a stay-at-home parent, particularly those that relate to the position you’re applying for. Have you served as treasurer for the PTA at your child’s school? That shows you possess basic bookkeeping abilities! Did you coordinate the venue for your child’s dance event? Congratulations, you’ve got event planning experience. Have you been sharing insights about parenting online? You certainly have strong written communication skills.
It might feel a bit like you’re bending the truth, but in reality, these experiences are relevant to your job search. As Novoresume suggests, “it’s always better to explain your employment gaps, rather than try to hide them.” The blog also highlights the “soft skills” that hiring managers value, which you can showcase on your resume:
- Personable and friendly
- Endurance (long hours)
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Team player
Doesn’t that perfectly encapsulate a day in the life of a stay-at-home parent? If your kids wake up at the crack of dawn, you can definitely claim to have endurance. If you’ve managed not to lose your cool during endless episodes of your child’s favorite show, you are indeed personable and friendly.
However, it’s best to skip detailing any specific child-related tasks on your resume unless you’re applying for a role that directly involves working with children. “You can’t exactly write ‘able to put three kids to bed every night’ on your resume,” the blog points out. But really, why not? That’s often tougher than many paid jobs!
Returning to work after a period spent focusing on parenting can be intimidating, but the first step is recognizing the value of your accomplishments at home. This acknowledgment might just give you the boost you need to secure your next job.
If you’re interested in further insights, check out this other blog post as well. For comprehensive information about home insemination, visit Make a Mom, an authority on this subject. Additionally, for valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination, take a look at News Medical.
Summary
Incorporating your experience as a stay-at-home parent into your resume is essential when re-entering the workforce. By highlighting relevant skills and experiences, you can effectively address employment gaps and show potential employers that your time at home has equipped you with valuable competencies.
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