Stay at Home Mom Looking to Return to Work
"Stay at Home" Mom Looking to Return to Work
After years of being a "stay at home" mom, I am looking to return to work. What can I put on my resume since I left work back in 1993? I have a Bachelor's degree, strong computer skills, I took various courses at my local junior college, did volunteer at my local school and museum, and took some temporary jobs.Welcome back! And come on in, the water's fine. A lot has been written about this population of workers, check on line for articles that can give you a little insight. Here is mine.
First, create a list accomplishment-directed of all that you have done, whether at work or more importantly, more recently during your "career" as a mom. What were those volunteer positions, what skills were used, what accomplishments can be emphasized? What were those jobs and what were the skills you developed, used, etc.?
All of it is "experience" and can be designated so on a resume. There are many different formats that can be used. Some people will include it under "experience" and designate whether it was volunteer or paid, others will "mix" them together. I'd have to get more information and work with you individually to pull out what would be most important.
BUT - the thing to remember is that resumes should be written toward, not from. So the next step would be to determine a goal or two. What kind of position do you feel you are qualified for (reading job ads or position descriptions help here), then tailor your experiences to meet the needs of the employers. It can be a fun process if you approach it that way. You might also want to consider a "path." Where do you want to end up and what baby steps can you take to get there. Your first job may be a lower level that will allow you to learn, grow and move up within a company. Develop a list of companies, industries, jobs that seem interesting. Start by reading the excellent article on informational interviewing listed on this site and get out there and learn, make contacts and focus on the future. Then create a clear plan to work through each step to success. Your children were lucky to have you around, now the work world will be lucky too!
Certainly contact our agency (JVS Skokie) or others for additional assistance. Check out the Returning to the Workforce section and the Job Search Strategy section of our Career Coaching web page.
