Re-entering Work Force

[AnonAlumna]

I've been a stay-at-home mom, and I've started looking for a job outside the house. It's really time for my kids and I to have time away from each other! My big problem: how do I account for my absence? I've heard that you never mention personal life (CHILDREN!) in a resume or interview. I've volunteered and worked part-time/temp positions, but it's been really hard to have anyone look at me twice. I have a BS and MA.
Any advice?

[Denise_DPhiE]

Don't put years on your resume for starters. If you have been out 5 or more years and technology has changed, brush up. If you are in an industry with message boards and association websites, brush up. If you had some good contacts in your previous career who you could touch base with on hot industry trnds and maybe a review of your resume, call them. Those contacts will likely also know of potential job leads or job boards which can help.

Denise

[blueangel]

Fortunately, the prejudice against stay-at-home moms is disappearing. Life happens. People have children. People leave work to raise children. Be proud of the fact that you were able to be there for your children.

Personally, I applaud anybody who can stay home to raise their children. And, as one who is in a hiring position, I do not hold that against the person... but rather, I look at it as a plus. I admire people who can do so.

Maybe the problem is that you're trying to hide it, and feel ashamed of being out of the workforce for a period of time. Don't be! Potential employees can sniff out when someone is feeling "weak" or "ashamed" about their background. Tell them up front what that gap was and say it with positively!

As the previous poster said... just be sure you are current in your job field. If that means taking a computer course, or whatever.. do it!

I agree with the other poster about this point too-- I would just list your previous work experience without dates. You can explain the employment gap in an interview when the prospective employer you asks when you worked at each position.

And remember... NEVER fudge your resume, and never lie in an interview. You WILL be found out. Most employers do extensive background checks before hiring.

[sageofages]

Originally posted by blueangel
Fortunately, the prejudice against stay-at-home moms is disappearing. Life happens. People have children. People leave work to raise children. Be proud of the fact that you were able to be there for your children.

Personally, I applaud anybody who can stay home to raise their children. And, as one who is in a hiring position, I do not hold that against the person... but rather, I look at it as a plus. I admire people who can do so.

Maybe the problem is that you're trying to hide it, and feel ashamed of being out of the workforce for a period of time. Don't be! Potential employees can sniff out when someone is feeling "weak" or "ashamed" about their background. Tell them up front what that gap was and say it with positively!

As the previous poster said... just be sure you are current in your job field. If that means taking a computer course, or whatever.. do it!

I agree with the other poster about this point too-- I would just list your previous work experience without dates. You can explain the employment gap in an interview when the prospective employer you asks when you worked at each position.

And remember... NEVER fudge your resume, and never lie in an interview. You WILL be found out. Most employers do extensive background checks before hiring.

I find many government jobs require dates. I did freelance and virtual work while primarily being stay at home.

Here is what I put on my resume:

Home Economist /Residential Management
Bäckström Family Household, Location varied.
Special Interest in Child Development and Education. Domicile Management, sanitation requirements. Budget Analysis and materials procurement. Schedule coordination. Transportation. Conflict Resolution. Mar 1988-present. FT-168/wk.


You would be amazed at how many people have asked about it. Only a few actually got it and applauded what it represented. I found it to be a great conversation boost to highlight how integral my skills are to everything I do.

[aephi alum]

Originally posted by sageofages
Here is what I put on my resume:

Home Economist /Residential Management
B�ckstr�m Family Household, Location varied.
Special Interest in Child Development and Education. Domicile Management, sanitation requirements. Budget Analysis and materials procurement. Schedule coordination. Transportation. Conflict Resolution. Mar 1988-present. FT-168/wk.

I love it! Did it get you a job?

[darling1]

thanks for all who have responded so far. i am in a similar situation so i am reading and taking it all in.

@aephi alum, i *heart* how you described your 'duties'

Originally posted by blueangel
Fortunately, the prejudice against stay-at-home moms is disappearing. Life happens. People have children. People leave work to raise children. Be proud of the fact that you were able to be there for your children.

Personally, I applaud anybody who can stay home to raise their children. And, as one who is in a hiring position, I do not hold that against the person... but rather, I look at it as a plus. I admire people who can do so.

Maybe the problem is that you're trying to hide it, and feel ashamed of being out of the workforce for a period of time. Don't be! Potential employees can sniff out when someone is feeling "weak" or "ashamed" about their background. Tell them up front what that gap was and say it with positively!

As the previous poster said... just be sure you are current in your job field. If that means taking a computer course, or whatever.. do it!

I agree with the other poster about this point too-- I would just list your previous work experience without dates. You can explain the employment gap in an interview when the prospective employer you asks when you worked at each position.

And remember... NEVER fudge your resume, and never lie in an interview. You WILL be found out. Most employers do extensive background checks before hiring.

[aephi alum]

Originally posted by darling1
@aephi alum, i *heart* how you described your 'duties'

That wasn't me, I quoted Pam's post. I don't even have children. But if I ever do decide to become a SAHM (unlikely) and later reenter the work force, I fully intend to steal her idea

[sageofages]

Originally posted by aephi alum
I love it! Did it get you a job?

It gets me noticed and Yes, it has helped me land the job I wanted

[darling1]

u ROCK pam!!!!!!

indeed u are a sage

Originally posted by sageofages
It gets me noticed and Yes, it has helped me land the job I wanted

[NUBlue&Blue]

I love it! I haven't "worked for money" for 18 years, but in the interim I've been president of UMW units, PTSA units, worked on the steering committee of one of our historical society's big events, run "the store" for the ballet guild, chaired the committee for a big children's clothing resale, etc. etc., along with driving in circles, breaking up fights and moving piles of crap from one place to another in my house.....so, it's not like I've been sitting around watching the soaps and eating bon bons, but how does that translate into a real live job for more than $8/hr? I've struggled with "what do I want to be when I/they grow up?" a lot lately. That and the oldest going to college and sucking every available penny out of our lives has put it on the front burner.

Luckily, my husband owns his own business, his assistant is leaving soon....so looks like I get to do that for awhile and see how it goes (or until one of us kills the other! LOL!) My biggest problem with finding any job is that with 4 kids, I need flexibility.

Congratulations on finding the job you wanted!

[texas*princess]

Originally posted by blueangel
And remember... NEVER fudge your resume, and never lie in an interview. You WILL be found out. Most employers do extensive background checks before hiring.

I agree.

Look what happened to the CEO of RadioShack

[AnonAlumna]

Thanks, Pam! That is great advice. I'll make sure to put that down!

Oh! And thank you blueangel, from someone in HR that is very reassuring!