Leaving your job for years to raise a family is one of the most complex decisions to make. Pew Research reveals only 7 percent of dads stay at home compared to 27 percent of moms. For most of these moms dealing with a rapidly evolving professional landscape can complicate the process of returning to work. However, it is essential to remember that being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t mean your career is over.

If you are a stay at home mom looking to get back to work and need help getting started, this guide is for you:

How to Get Back Into the Workforce the Easy Way

With all the changes in human resource management, the process of getting back to work may have shifted from what it was in the past. Online networking and virtual recruitment platforms have replaced the physical job postings and mail-in applications of yesteryears.

To successfully navigate your re-entry into the workforce, do the following:

Determine your career goals

When considering re-entry into the workforce after a long absence, it is best to state your career goals clearly to find a perfect job that fits your situation. Some of the things to consider when creating career goals include:

  • The type of company you want to work for
  • The type of job position
  • Type of work schedule, e.g., flexible work schedule
  • The amount of time available, e.g., part-time or full-time work

Do some networking

Before you get back to work, get prepared to deal with feelings of isolation triggered by the realization your former workmates have moved up the career ladder. For you to overcome this feeling, determine to reconnect with your professional network as early as possible. Notably, about 85 percent of jobs are filled via networking, and you may want to start your job search with your old colleagues. Connecting with other working moms can also be a great resource to help you renter the workforce.

Rebrand your self

A unique personal brand helps you set yourself apart from the competition. Consider tweaking your social media profiles to achieve a professional look and feel. You should also up your skills, experience, and passions to meet your target employer’s expectations.

Go for training

No matter the industry you’re in, consider taking classes, going to conferences, and getting certified. Online classes can be a great way to gain extra skills and specialization in a given area. You can also boost your skillsets by attending virtual conferences.

How to Address Employment Gaps

To ensure the mommy gap doesn’t get in the way of your dream job, do the following:

Own the gap

Many moms choose not to acknowledge the gap in their resumes. However, rather than leaving it for a potential employer to guess the reason for the long absence, be open about it. There is nothing for you to be ashamed about it when it comes to family matters. When filling your resume’s work section, cover the employment gap by stating that you were raising the kids. Mention that staying at home with your young one was your decision and the big reason why you left your last job

Highlight how you build your career during your absence

Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean you will spend all the time changing diapers. Mention that you used part of the time to do an online course, join a professional organization, start a blog, freelance, volunteer, or consulted part-time. These tasks probably equipped you with valuable skills and experiences that boost your resumes.

Write a summary statement

You can also use summary statements to highlight your accomplishments during your absence. Briefly touch on the gap in your employment and explain how you spend this time to up your competencies and qualifications. You can also explain your absence by:

  • Listing your SAHM (stay-at-home mom) experience as a job entry.
  • Describing your situation in a cover letter.

A Perfect Resume Example for a Return to Work Mom

STAY-AT-HOME MOM

Ann Marie Stacy

755 Smith Avenue

White Plains, NY 667799

Tel: (914) 66778822

Email: annmarie@email.com

Executive Assistant with Graphic Design Skills

Career objective: A competent and highly organized professional assistant with seven years of experience in various administrative positions. Aiming to use my proven skills and expertise to meet the demands of the position

Skills

  • Problems solving skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Time management skills
  • Multi-tasking skills
  • Office technology skills
  • Scheduling skills
  • Book keeping skills

Languages

  • English
  • Italian
  • French
  • Spanish

Work experience

Chief-home officer- 2018 to present

  • Taking care of a family of one kid (5 years), a husband, and two dogs.
  • Undertook various online courses on Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe In-Design
  • Girl Scout Leader, Church Volunteer, and kids’ Teacher

Personal Assistant Peter and Paula Company/ Tampa- 2014 To 2017

  • Manage CEO’S schedule leading to a 10 percent in reduction of 10 percent non-productive time
  • Organized transportation, delivering a 20 percent decrease in travel expensed through negotiations of discounts
  • Developed new filing and organizational protective that saved the firm $4000 per year

Personal Assistant James Thompson Communications Ltd/Tampa- 2011 to 2014

  • Typed collated and field reports and correspondents
  • Controlled access to CTO leading to a 20 percent increase in departmental efficiency
  • Supervised staff of 4 other junior assistant
  • Conducted regular research using Microsoft excel
  • Organized transportation and accommodations to an average of 76 conferences, seminars, and workshops across various locations in the world

Education

  • Pierce College, Los Angeles
  • Diploma in Communication and Literature
  • August 2006 to May 2010