Reentering the workforce after time away as a stay-at-home mom can come with unique challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the financial penalty — moms who leave their jobs for just a few years often face a 30% pay cut when they return. Despite this setback, stay-at-home moms bring incredible skills to the workplace. If you’re ready to return to work, your first step is updating your resume in a way that highlights your strengths and minimizes employment gaps. The right strategy can position you as a competitive candidate! Here’s how to craft a stay-at-home mom resume that gets results.
Identify Your Target Position
Before you start rewriting your resume, first things first. Do your research and decide what job you’re aiming for. If you try to keep your options too broad, you might miss key skills or industry-specific terminology that recruiters expect to see. Then, research job postings to identify the most common qualifications and skills employers are looking for in your field. As you analyze these listings, create a list of job titles that align with your experience and career goals, helping you focus your job search on the most relevant opportunities. By defining your ideal role, you can tailor your resume to showcase the most relevant experience and skills.
Stay Current on Industry Trends
Workplace expectations evolve, and the role you once held may have changed. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a few years, take time to research your industry.
- Check job descriptions to see if responsibilities or required skills have shifted.
- Explore professional associations and LinkedIn job postings to stay updated.
- Review industry reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to see projected job growth.
If your previous field has become harder to break into, consider related industries where your skills could transfer. Expanding your search might open up more opportunities.
Craft a Strong Headline & Professional Summary
Instead of using a resume objective on your stay at home mom resume, which is outdated, start with a headline that clearly defines your expertise. Follow it with a concise professional summary that highlights your strengths.
Example Headline:
“Project Coordinator”
Example Professional Summary:
“Detail-oriented professional with experience in project coordination, scheduling, and communication. Adept at balancing multiple priorities, problem-solving, and streamlining workflows. Excited to bring expertise in [industry or role] to a fast-paced, dynamic team.”
This introduction immediately tells recruiters what you bring to the table and, more importantly, what you can do for them.
Highlight Key Skills Upfront on Your Stay at Home Mom Resume
Include a bullet-point section near the top of your stay at home mom resume that lists in-demand, transferable skills. This makes it easy for recruiters to quickly see your qualifications. These key skills should mostly remain consistent if you’re highlighting your experience, but you can reprioritize them if you notice that an employer is focused on them in their job description.
Example Key Skills:
- Project & time management
- Budgeting & financial planning
- Communication & negotiation
- Scheduling & logistics coordination
- Event planning & leadership
- Proficiency in remote work tools (Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace)
Address Employment Gaps Strategically
If you took a break from traditional employment, be honest but strategic in how you present it. You can keep it simple by adding a line in your experience section, such as “Career Break | 2018-2023,” or, if relevant, highlight any certifications, courses, or volunteer leadership roles to demonstrate continuous learning. There’s no need to over-explain — focus on directing attention to the valuable skills you’ve gained during this time.
List Professional Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
Resist the urge to use a functional resume format to hide employment gaps — recruiters prefer a traditional reverse chronological format. Instead of listing “Stay-at-Home Mom” as a job title, highlight any freelance, part-time, or volunteer work you did on your stay at home mom resume.
Example Work Experience Section:
Freelance Marketing Consultant | 2021-Present
- Managed social media accounts for small businesses, increasing engagement by 40%.
- Created and scheduled content using Hootsuite and Canva.
- Conducted market research to identify audience trends.
Online Course Developer (Self-Initiated Project) | 2023
- Created a beginner-friendly Canva design course with over 500 downloads.
- Developed instructional materials and video tutorials.
PTA Fundraising Coordinator | 2020-2022
- Managed donor outreach and coordinated volunteer efforts.
- Organized school-wide fundraising events, raising over $15,000.
By focusing on these experiences, you showcase valuable skills on your stay-at-home mom resume without emphasizing the employment gap, making it easier for employers to see your qualifications and potential impact.
Optimize Your Stay at Home Mom Resume for ATS & Recruiters
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach a human recruiter, so optimizing your resume is essential. Incorporate keywords from job descriptions to align with the qualifications employers are looking for, and use a clean, standard format with bold section headings and bullet points while avoiding tables or graphics. Additionally, tailor each resume submission to match the language used in the job listing for better ATS compatibility.
Don’t Forget to Leverage Your Cover Letter
A strong cover letter gives you the opportunity to address employment gaps while reinforcing why you’re the right candidate for the job. Rather than focusing too much on the break itself, use the letter to highlight your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. In the opening, express genuine excitement for the position and the company. In the middle section, briefly acknowledge your career break, but quickly pivot to bullets showcasing the skills and experience that make you a strong fit. The closing should reaffirm your qualifications and express your interest in contributing to the organization.
Example statement about your career break:
“After taking a planned career break to focus on family, I have continued developing my skills through freelance work and online training. I am excited to apply my expertise in [industry] to a role that values adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving.”
Customize Your Stay at Home Mom Resume for Every Application
One of the most important things you can do in your job search is customize your stay at home mom resume for every application rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. And adjust your bullet points to emphasize the experience most relevant to the specific role. You can even research the company’s values to ensure your resume reflects what they prioritize. Using a master resume template can streamline the process for you, too — simply tweak it for each application to align with the job description and company culture.
Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create one now — it’s an essential tool for jobseekers and a powerful way to showcase your experience, skills, and career achievements. Recruiters and hiring managers often use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates, so keeping your profile updated can increase your visibility and job prospects. Update it with:
- A headline that matches your resume.
- A summary that mirrors your professional summary.
- Detailed work experience, including volunteer roles and self-initiated projects.
- Endorsements from colleagues and mentors.
Refresh & Expand Your Skills
Expanding your skills can significantly improve your job prospects, demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Consider earning a certificate in areas related to your career, or explore LinkedIn Learning for courses tailored to your industry. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera also offer affordable professional training to help you stay competitive. Investing in skill development not only enhances your qualifications but also makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Network & Tap Into Hidden Job Markets
Many job openings are never posted online, making networking a crucial part of your job search. Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry groups to explore opportunities that might not be publicly advertised. You can also engage in professional communities, attend virtual or in-person networking events, and participate in industry discussions on LinkedIn to expand your reach. Building and maintaining relationships can open doors to referrals, insider job leads, and valuable career advice.
- Join LinkedIn groups related to your field.
- Attend virtual job fairs and networking events.
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your target industry.
Step Back In with Confidence
Reentering the workforce after a career break can be daunting, but you are bringing valuable skills and experiences with you. Stay confident, tailor your resume strategically, and keep learning to stay competitive. Be patient with the process, leverage your network, and don’t hesitate to highlight the unique strengths you’ve gained during your time away. The right job is out there — you just need to show employers what you bring to the table and trust that your skills and expertise are exactly what someone is looking for!
Need Help Perfecting Your Resume?
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to present your experience, our certified resume writers are here to help. We specialize in crafting resumes that highlight your skills and position you as a strong candidate in today’s job market. Reach out today to get expert guidance and take the next step toward your career goals!
Do you have any stay at home resume tips? Or tips for stay at home mom cover letters? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
Original May 2021 article written by Skye Rodgers.
Join Virtual Vocations
Joining Virtual Vocations grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database. Learn how our service works, browse job leads by location and career category, or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background. Register for free or contact us for more information on our service guarantee.
Check out our menu of Career Services provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications. Discounts on all services available to subscription members, become one now.
