Returning to work after a long break due to childcare is often a real challenge for parents. Despite the fact that raising children is an extremely valuable job, many employers are still biased against gaps in work history. Of course, this makes parents doubt their confidence. Often, it also reduces motivation and makes it harder to find a new job. Yet, fortunately, there are tools to help parents return to the workforce with confidence. One of them is professional help in creating or updating a resume. With a well-designed CV, you can showcase your experience in a favorable way. Even if you spent part of your time at home raising children. So, be sure to familiarize yourself with the key challenges you may face reentering the workforce. Discover more about how professional resume help can provide invaluable support.
The Challenge of Return. Why Is It Not Easy?
For many parents, returning to work after a break to raise children is not just a matter of changing their daily schedule. It is often a real psychological and professional challenge. On the one hand, they feel pressure from the labor market. This is because the latter is changing rapidly. On the other hand, they are overcome by internal uncertainty. It often manifests itself in thoughts similar to Can I ever be a competitive specialist again? The situation is further complicated by the next fact. HR professionals often automatically pay attention to gaps in a resume. They may treat these periods as passive ones. That is, they may not consider how responsible and demanding the role of a stay at home parent is. However, despite all the difficulties, moms going back to work have unique strengths. These benefits can be properly presented with a professional approach to resume writing.
Investment in professionalism. Is the game worth the candle?
Many parents, especially those who plan to reenter the workforce after a long period at home, question whether it is worth spending money on professional resume help. The family budget is often limited. At the same time, self-confidence is often unstable. But it is at this point when it is important to objectively assess the cost of getting a resume professionally done. By investing in Resumeble services, you will not only get a professional document. It will give you a sense of confidence and understanding of the labor market. Along with this, it will give you a sense of individualized approach to your career history. By familiarizing yourself with the prices and services in detail and with due consideration, you can make an informed decision about your future career path.
Parents Returning to Work. Their Unique Challenges
- Gaps
- Loss of confidence
- Updating skills. Adapting to the new
Gaps in experience are not a verdict
For many hiring managers, the lack of active experience for several years looks like a loss of skills. But it is crucial for you to emphasize the following. Parenting is not just a break. It is a period of developing new skills. These include:
- time management skills,
- knowledge of crisis management,
- development of communication skills,
- establishing leadership.
You can transform your above experience in the following ways.
Include an Extra Experience section in your stay at home parent resume. In it, list the skills you have acquired while raising children.
Mention any interesting involvement you have had. Whether it’s volunteer projects or distance learning. Maybe you took a certification program during your break.
Result
The labor market is changing. Many professions now value real competencies rather than formal gaps in employment. Thus, use your resume to emphasize your results, achievements, and how you grew during your break. This way, you shift the focus from the gap to your value as a specialist.
Loss of self-confidence
Moms who have been at home for a long time may feel that their knowledge is outdated. They may also feel they cannot compete with those who have not interrupted their careers. But in fact, soft skills acquired during parenthood are highly valued in the modern labor market.
It is vital to understand that reentering the workforce is a process. Start by updating your strengths through a professional resume.
Rebuilding your confidence is not only about your resume, but also about being actively involved in:
- community,
- networking,
- gradual acquisition of practical experience (volunteering or short-term projects or freelancing).
These steps help you feel like a modern and competitive candidate.
Updating professional skills. Adapting to new technologies
After a break, many parents are faced with the fact that technology or working methods have changed. This can cause additional fear and doubt. Especially in fast-paced industries.
Emphasize if you had the opportunity to access online training or courses for quick adaptation.
Clarify that your willingness to learn and openness to change is an asset.
Returning to Professional Life. Practical Advice
- Rethinking your experience
- Resume writing strategy
- Return with updated luggage
Rethinking experience as a hidden resource
Candidates often think that they have nothing to put on their resume. In fact, parenting experience can contain significant transferable skills. In particular, they are as follows.
- Budget planning. Experience gained through managing family finances.
- Logistics. Experience gained through planning family events, children’s schedules, shopping, etc.
- Multitasking. It was during parenthood that you constantly performed different tasks at the same time.
- Interpersonal communication. You acquired it by communicating with doctors, teachers, other parents, etc.
When writing a resume for a stay-at-home parent, emphasize the above areas. They are valued in every job, regardless of the field.
Resume writing strategy
Updating your resume will be the first step in how to get a job after being a stay at home mom. You can use the following recommendations.
- Choose a functional resume format.
Unlike chronological resumes, this format focuses on skills instead of dates.
- Add a short summary.
This is the first thing a recruiter reads. It is a summary of your experience and goals.
Do not avoid the topic of “break”. Write it openly. However, emphasize the development and acquisition of valuable skills.
- Professional resume.
If you doubt your ability to write an effective resume, contact a professional. Experts will offer an individualized approach.
Return with updated knowledge
Update your knowledge. Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy are recognized for their professional approach. They offer courses in various specialties. Even a few certificates on your resume can significantly increase your marketability.
Also consider participating in projects or internships if you have the opportunity. This will add “freshness” to your resume
Support. Psychological Readiness
- Self-respect
- Balance between family and work
- Invisible job market
Confidence. Self-respect
Remember that you have already successfully coped with an extremely difficult life mission. We are talking about raising a child. This is worth respecting. Your experience is valuable.
Join communities. For example, social media groups for moms going back to work.
If you are not sure where to start, write down your small daily achievements. It could be organizing an important event at home. Or maybe you successfully resolved a conflict? You’ll be surprised how many management and communication skills are manifested in the daily life of a stay-at-home parent
Balance between family and work
Returning to work does not have to be dramatic. Look for companies that support flexible scheduling, part-time or remote employment. Choose the best career after stay-at-home mom that fits your lifestyle. After all, work-life balance is no longer a luxury. Nowadays, it is a necessity.
Do not forget about tools that help you manage your time. In particular, task trackers or apps for organizing family life.
The best career after stay-at-home mom period is not only about salary, but also about stability and satisfaction. Choose not just a job, but a rhythm of life.
Networking. The invisible job market
- Reconnect with former colleagues via LinkedIn or email.
- Be open to informal career conversations. Even in a parent group chat, you may get a chance.
- Join professional online communities or webinars. These can also be groups for moms going back to work.
Summary
Returning to work after a long break to care for your child is a specific path. It may seem difficult. However, it definitely opens up new opportunities. Always remember that you have a unique life experience. One that can and should be presented as a strength. And a well-written resume will help you make the first step. It should be adapted to modern requirements. Applying to experts should also be viewed not as an additional burden, but as an investment in your competitiveness and confidence. And therefore, in the future. Don’t hesitate to take support. Finally, don’t be afraid of change. Be open to new ones. And then returning to the workforce will be the beginning of a new, exciting stage in your life.
