If you are a stay at home mom going back to work, then it must be exciting and overwhelming. Whether you took time off to pursue further education, take care of your children, or deal with personal circumstances, the prospect of re-entering the workforce can be daunting.
However, with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can successfully make the transition back to work and excel in your career. In this article, we’ll share proven tips and insights to help stay at home moms go back to work and make a successful comeback to the workforce.
Table of Contents:
- Top 8 Tips for Stay at Home Mom Returning to Work
- Bonus Tip: Improve Your Listening Skills
- How to address the ‘mommy gap” on your resume?
- What to do After You Get the Job?
Top 8 Tips for Stay at Home Mom Returning to Work
- Assess Your Skills & Strengths
- Update Your Resume & Social Profiles
- Practice Interviewing
- Network and Connect With Other Professionals
- Seek Out Support & Get Some Advice
- Be Open to New Opportunities
- Consider Part-time or Flexible Work Options
- Be Patient and Persistent
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1) Assess Your Skills & Strengths
The first thing the stay at home moms going back to work should do is assess their skills. You should take some time to evaluate your skills and strengths.
Think about what you enjoyed doing before you became a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). Consider any hobbies or personal interests that may translate into a job opportunity.
Also, think about the skills you developed while raising your children or managing your household like time management, organization, and multitasking.
Furthermore, you can take online assessments or personality tests to help identify your strengths and potential career paths.
2) Update Your Resume & Social Profiles
Once you are done assessing your skills and strengths, start updating your resume. Begin by listing your past work experience, volunteer/ freelance work, and any new skills you’ve acquired while you are away from the workforce. Also, include education courses you have completed.
Keep your resume up-to-date and be sure to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Along with your resume, it is crucial for SAHM going back to work to update their social profile(s) as well. In case, you don’t have a social account, create one like a professional Twitter account or a LinkedIn profile. Because 57% of recruiters are less likely to invite a candidate who is an online ghost.
3) Practice Interviewing
When you are a mom going back to work after 10 years/ 5 years/ 1 year, interviews can be nerve-wracking (especially if you haven’t done it in a while). That’s why practice interviewing with a friend or family member and prepare answers to common interview questions.
Note that some of the questions can be tough and may be personal. Here are some tips on how to answer such questions.
Answering Tough Questions
One of the most common and challenging questions that stay-at-home moms may face during an interview is about how they will manage work and family responsibilities. For instance, the interviewer may ask, how will you take care of your children? Who will cook for them? or How will you manage your household responsibilities?
Mostly, employers are concerned about your availability and reliability. So, it’s important to address these questions with confidence and honesty. Be prepared to discuss your childcare plans and how you will manage your schedule to accommodate both work and family obligations.
Another essential tip is to be transparent about your employment gap. So, don’t try to cover up. Instead, explain the reasons for your time away from the workforce and emphasize any relevant skills or experience you gained during that time.
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4) Network and Connect With Other Professionals
Networking is key to finding job opportunities and making connections in your industry as you never know who is able to connect you with your next job opportunity.
Thus, if you are going back to work after being a stay at home mom, reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and other professionals in your field. Attend networking events, join professional groups, and connect with others on LinkedIn. This will help you build relationships, learn about current industry trends, and gain valuable insights into the job market.
5) Seek Out Support & Get Some Advice
Going back to work after stay at home mom can be stressful. So, it’s important to seek out support from family, friends, or a support group. In case your friends or relatives are SAHMs, then ask their advice and see how they balance their work and family life.
If you personally don’t know any working parents, look for online groups and connect with them virtually. Joining a support group, such as a working moms group, can provide you with valuable advice, resources, and guidance. You will have the opportunity to share your experiences, ask questions, and receive support from others who understand what you’re going through.
Additionally, consider working with a career coach or mentor who can help you navigate the job search, create a career plan, and provide feedback on your resume and interviewing skills.
6) Be Open to New Opportunities
Be open to new job opportunities and don’t limit yourself to the same type of job you had before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
We understand that you may have a specific career path in mind, but it’s important to consider other options as well. Embrace learning new skills and trying out new things.
Look for job openings that align with your interests and values, even if they are not in your desired field. Consider internships, temporary positions, or contract work.
All these can help you gain experience, build your skills, and make new connections. Remember, the job market is constantly changing, and new opportunities may arise that you hadn’t previously considered. By being open to new opportunities, you can expand your horizons and find a career that works for you and your family.
7) Consider Part-time or Flexible Work Options
As a stay-at-home mom, you may have other responsibilities that require your attention, such as caring for your children or managing your household. Consider part-time or flexible work options that can accommodate your schedule. Look for jobs that offer flexible hours, telecommuting options, or job-sharing arrangements.
When searching for a job, use keywords like “stay at home moms go back to work” or “stay at home mom back to work” to find an employer who values the unique skills and experiences that you will bring to the table. These keywords can help you find job postings and employers who specifically cater to moms returning to work after a career break.
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8) Be Patient and Persistent
Returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom can be challenging, but it’s important to be confident in your abilities and persistent in your job search. Do not let any rejections or setbacks discourage you from applying to more jobs.
Many employers offer work-from-home options and flexible schedules that can be beneficial for stay-at-home moms. Though, finding a job can take time, especially in today’s job market.
In fact, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average length of unemployment was 20.4 weeks in January 2023. This is equivalent to 4.6 months of unemployment.
So, be patient and keep applying for jobs, attending networking events, and building your skills. Eventually, you will come across the opportunity that is right for you.
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Bonus Tip: Improve Your Listening Skills
It is important to remember that communication plays a crucial role in any workplace.
Did you know that we spend about 45% of our communication time listening and 30% talking? However, research shows that we only have an efficiency rate of 25% when listening. Furthermore, the average listener has only heard, understood, and retained only 50% of what was said.
Therefore, to make sure you are communicating effectively when you’re back at work, be sure to focus on your listening skills as well as your speaking skills. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking and asking clarifying questions. By doing so, you will not only improve your communication skills but also build better relationships with your colleagues and managers.
How to address the “mommy gap” on your resume?
Transitioning from a career to full-time motherhood is a challenging and commendable choice, but it does create a noticeable gap in your professional history.
Employers may not always view resume gaps favorably, preferring candidates who appear continuously engaged and updated in their field. Rather than dwelling on the hiatus, emphasize the value gained during this period.
By dedicating your time to raising a child, you’ve undertaken a meaningful and transformative role, fostering personal growth. Presenting this experience positively can help prospective employers recognize the unique skills and perspectives you bring to the table.
1. Be straightforward
Avoid sugarcoating or concealing the truth. Clearly state that you took a break from the workforce to prioritize motherhood—an admirable choice.
In the work experience section of your resume, openly acknowledge your employment gap by specifying the period dedicated to raising your children.
2. Showcase how you utilized your available time
Did you engage in a side hustle during your full-time motherhood period? Were you involved in volunteer work? Detail all pertinent activities in your work history.
For example, if you’re seeking a position as an SEO expert or social media manager, highlight that you managed a TikTok channel focusing on parenting. Demonstrate to potential employers that you are prepared to re-enter the professional arena.
3. Emphasize your expertise and knowledge when presenting your profile
When advocating for your profile, especially if you are re-entering a previous professional career, concentrate on your prior experience. Even if the industry has evolved since your departure, the fundamental principles remain consistent.
Consider a scenario where you were previously a web developer specializing in PHP. Although you may not have developed web applications using JavaScript in your earlier professional role, you’ve dedicated time to enhancing your skills before rejoining the workforce.
Communicate this to your prospective employers. While the specifics may have evolved, your understanding of the foundational framework remains pertinent and valuable.
4. Get ready for pertinent interview inquiries
Ensure you are well-prepared to underscore your adaptable skills and articulate how parenting has positively influenced your professional growth during the job interview. If interviewers inquire about your career hiatus, emphasize how you honed skills in conflict resolution among your children, managed family schedules efficiently, or undertook short-term projects.
Elaborate on how your background as a parent uniquely positions you as an adept working mom.
What to do After You Get the Job?
First of all, congratulations! You have successfully made a comeback to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom. Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new work routine.
1) Establish a Schedule
Create a routine that works well for you and your family. Plan out your work hours, childcare arrangements, meal times, and other household tasks. All this will aid you in staying organized and reducing your stress.
2) Test Run With Your Children
If your children will be at home while you’re working, have a test run with them before your start date. This will help you see how they handle the new routine so you can make any necessary adjustments.
3) Communicate With Your Employer
Be upfront with your employer about your family responsibilities and any potential scheduling conflicts. It helps you establish a positive working relationship and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4) Take Care of Yourself
Once you get the job, it is easy to get immersed in your work and neglect self-care. Thus, remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Be sure to prioritize self-care and remember to take breaks and exercise. It’s always important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.
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Are You Ready to Get Back to Work?
Finally, remember to stay positive throughout the process of becoming a stay-at-home mom back to work.
In conclusion, returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom requires some preparation and strategy. But, it’s definitely possible to make a successful transition. By following the tips provided in this article, you can definitely get back into the workforce.
In case you get the job, we also provided tips to assist you in adapting to your new work routine.
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