Resume/tips for SAHM's returning to work

**Michelle** · 07-16-2005, 10:40 AM

http://resume.monster.com/articles/return_to_work/

**ShoppingA1** · 04-22-2009, 09:30 PM

Homemaker is a really good one for a resume, especially if you had a decent job before you made the switch. If you're using one of those Microsoft Word templates, under job title, put "homemaker" with no employer name, but use the correct dates. If you're using the format where you use a paragraph to describe duties or skills, put it into a narrative format. "I chose to take a break from outside employment while my children were small to ensure the best home life possible for my family," and go on to mention volunteer work or community service you may have gotten involved with during that time.

**Momto2Boyz** · 04-23-2009, 08:39 AM

Don't stop at volunteer opportunities either. Feel free to list what skills you utilized as a "homemaker" that would give you an edge in that particular job.

I worked in HR for years, before I stayed home. And I never rejected anyone simply for having a gap in employment. However, there were many that caught my eye. And those were the ones that went on to explain their job duties duriing their homemaker time in detail. Things like coordinating car pools, multi-tasking, being the primary scheduler for the family, etc. Things that you would do that would make you better at the job you are applying for are always welcome.

The more creative you get, the more your resume is looked at. I got one at one point, in which the woman had put "domestic engineer" on her resume. I don't remember if I hired her or not...but I do remember that it was creative and bold enough, that I did call her in for an interview!

**mommy4ever** · 04-23-2009, 09:34 AM

Thanks for the link! I'm not headed back to work yet, it will be a couple years, but having resources set up is a good thing

I'll likely only do part time retail, to get out of the house at this point, as the little one is still little. But by the time the 3rd is in Jr High, I figure I'll have been home close to 18 years..lol. And a change would be nice, the little one would be grade 3. The only day not available would be Thursdays as she's off at noon, but dh is home in time to meet the bus everyday otherwise.

**ShoppingA1** · 05-01-2009, 05:44 AM

Homemaker is a really good one for a resume, especially if you had a decent job before you made the switch. If you're using one of those Microsoft Word templates, under job title, put "homemaker" with no employer name, but use the correct dates. If you're using the format where you use a paragraph to describe duties or skills, put it into a narrative format. "I chose to take a break from outside employment while my children were small to ensure the best home life possible for my family," and go on to mention volunteer work or community service you may have gotten involved with during that time.

**ml2620** · 05-01-2009, 10:22 AM

I recommend a skills based resume, where the focus is on the skill sets. So you list the skills and then you list your job history (not linking the two, i.e. it's not a resume that lists job - here is what I did, next job - here is what I did).

http://www.jobseekersworkshop.com/resumes/sample4.html

**MaryCarney** · 05-17-2009, 03:39 PM

Be really specific, for example
'fed a family of five nutritionally balanced meals on a budget of $400 per month for three years'.
'Reduced total household indebtedness by 75% in a six year period by careful budgeting and hard work.'
'Homeschooled two children through grades K-6 successfully as evidenced by above average standardized test scores'
'Mentored women through online forums devoted to homemaking, frugality and motherhood'
'Co-ordinated extra-curricular activities for a family of six through eighteen years of living in a one-bathroom house' (my personal crowning achievement!!
Your years at home are absolutely the best training for any job the outside world throws at you.