stay at home mother resume example

Stay-at-home Mom Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

You’re a stay-at-home mom.

You’re great at time management, organization, and able to juggle five jobs at once. 

Safe to say you’d make a great employee!

But HOW do you prove your abilities to your future employer?

What do you put on a stay-at-home mom resume, anyway?

Well, that’s exactly what we’re about to answer.

We understand that applying to jobs after years of staying at home can be a daunting experience. But please don’t worry - our guide will get you back on your feet in no time!

• An example of a finished stay-at-home parent resume that works
• How to write a stay-at-home mom resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your stay-at-home mom resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we dive into why the company should hire you, here’s a stay-at-home mom resume example, created with our very own resume builder:

Want one of these? Then follow the steps below:

How to Format a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume

Whether you’re getting your kids ready for school or running them a bath, you know the importance of preparation.

Similarly, you need to prepare your resume format before you can start writing!

But what does this actually mean?

Well, your resume needs to be structured correctly.

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is for good reason. This format puts your most recent achievements up-top, which keeps your resume clean and easy to follow.

You may also wish to explore the two following formats:

• Functional Resume – This type of resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for stay-at-home moms who have gaps in their employment history or never worked in that specific industry.
• Combination Resume – Getting back into the same job after a short break? Combining both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”, individuals with both the required skills and experience may want to use this format.

After picking the correct format for your situation, you need to sort the resume layout .

For a stay-at-home mom resume that looks the part, we recommend: 

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Use a professional resume font that stands out, but not too much
• Font Size - Stick to 11-12pt font size for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Maintain a 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates

Use a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume Template

Ever written a document? 

There’s a good chance you used Word, or similar processing software.

Now, these programs are great for creating simple documents, but are they good enough for your resume?

Not if you want a professional-looking resume! 

Why do we say this?

Well, Word isn’t the best for holding structure. 

You see, it can take hours to create the perfect structure, only for you to make one small change, and BOOM…your resume falls apart.

You’re a busy parent - Free up your time by using a stay-at-home mom resume template .

What to Include in a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume

The main sections in a stay-at-home mom resume are:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience
• Employment Gap

To really impress the recruiter, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

That’s the sections sorted, but what should you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

For a full rundown on each section, view our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, this isn’t the time to unleash your creative flair.

You just need to keep this section factually-correct .

You could submit the best resume in the world, but if your phone number is wrong, well, you won’t be getting any interviews.

As you can see, accuracy is the name of the game in your contact section.

The contact information section must include:

• Title - Align this to the exact job title you’re applying for
• Phone Number - The one you are most-easily reached on
• Email Address - Keep your email professional ([email protected])
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Emily Brown, Receptionist. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Emily Brown, Supermom Receptionist. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume Summary or Objective

The job market is getting more and more competitive.

In fact, most employers usually have a HUGE pool of applicants to choose from.

Taking this into account, we can’t be too surprised that recruiters are known to spend less than 6 seconds on each resume !

Although rather concerning, we can use this knowledge to our advantage.

You just need a way to hook the reader.

But HOW can you do this?

Use a resume summary or objective , which are both attention-grabbing paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume.

This paragraph will be the first thing the hiring manager lays their eyes on, so make it the best it can be!

Although similar, there are differences between a summary and an objective…

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence paragraph that summarizes your most notable professional achievements. 

• Fast-working and friendly receptionist with 18 years of experience working on the front desk of a local gymnasium, where I achieved a customer satisfaction score of 98%. Highly-skilled in data-entry, customer service, and negotiation. Seeking to leverage interpersonal skills and a commitment to great service to become the new receptionist at GYM XYZ.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence paragraph of what you want to achieve and why you’re perfect for the position.

• Enthusiastic and friendly gym-goer looking to work as the new receptionist at GYM XYZ. Passionate about keeping visitors happy and satisfied. Relevant experience includes serving customers during two years at CAFÉ XYZ. Skilled in POS, communication, and time management.

So, should stay-at-home moms use a summary or an objective?

Generally, because stay-at-home moms will have large employment gaps, a resume objective would be the best choice. With that said, if you’re entering back into an industry that you have plenty of experience in, a resume summary would be the best choice. 

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

The work experience section is the most important section on your resume.

As such, it’s a section that requires special care and attention.

The goal is to write a powerful work experience section that stands out and highlights your most notable achievements .

Doing so will instil confidence and reduce any perceived risk in hiring you.

Now, you may be concerned about your employment gap, but don’t be.

Anyway, it’s always better to explain your employment gaps, rather than attempt to conceal them.

Here’s how to correctly structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Receptionist 

06/2017 – 03/2020

• Based on surveying, I achieved a 99.4% visitor satisfaction score during my three years at Real Gym
• Welcome and advised 250+ customers a day
• Developed a new fitness class system that reduced complaints by 48%

Instead of simply talking about your daily tasks, you should show how valuable you were at your previous employment. You see, this will allow the recruiter to immediately see how you’ll directly benefit the company.

Instead of saying:

“Kept visitors happy”.

“Based on surveying, I achieved a 99.4% visitor satisfaction score during my three years at Real Gym”.

Apart from being much longer, how is the second statement different?

Well, it uses quantitative data to back-up your skills. It allows the recruiter to see why you’d make a great addition to the team.

On the other hand, the first statement is way too generic. The recruiter has most likely read those exact words 18 times today.

What if You Don’t Have Any Relevant Work Experience?

So, you’re going back to work after a long lay-off.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be applying for the same job.

What if you don’t have experience?

Not to worry!

You see, just because you’ve never worked as a receptionist, doesn’t mean lack the relevant skills and experiences needed to be great at that job.

You would just need to mention the crossover skills from previous jobs, like being able to operate a cash machine, having great communication skills, and being detail-orientated. 

How to Explain Gaps in Employment on a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume

Why is there a gap in your employment?

Your employer will want to know what you’ve been up to recently.

Even though you’ve talked about your previous jobs, it’s now time to address the elephant in the room.

The trick here is to focus on any skills learnt during your time as a stay-at-home mom, especially skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Stay-at-Home Parent

05/2017– Present

• Created a blog that documented my journey through parenthood – receives 10k+ views per month
• Volunteered at my local charity – served dinner to 100+ homeless every Tuesday night

Sure – an employment gap isn’t ideal, but you can use this section to highlight the skills and experiences developed during this gap. Essentially, you can spin a negative into a positive ! 

Now, we both know that being a stay-at-home mom IS a full-time job, but resist listing your parent-related duties, unless the job involves working with small children or similar.

Use Action Words to Make Your SAHM Resume POP!

Those poor hiring managers.

Having to read the same generic words in every resume they read. 

Although bad for them, this is great for you!

You see, it allows you to create a “return-to-workforce” resume that stands out by using some power words :

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, let’s discuss what to put in your education section.

Regardless of the position that you’re applying for, this section follows a simple formula:

• Qualification Type 
• Institution Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

When put together, your education section should resemble the following example:

Majoring in Culinary Arts

Ohio State University

2008 - 2012

• Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), Financial and Revenue Management, Research Project, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Experience Economy, Exploring Professional Practice in Hospitality.

Still have a few questions? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from stay-at-home moms:

• What if I haven’t come to the end of my studies yet?

Not to worry. Just include the courses and modules studies to date

• Should I include my high school education?

If it’s your highest form of education, then yes 

• What is more important, my education or experience?

Experience always wins this race, although education is still important 

For in-depth answers, check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top Skills for a Stay-at-Home Mom Resume

As a mom, you have invaluable skills that your little-one depends on.

But you can’t exactly write “able to put three kids to bed every night” on your resume.

So, what should you do instead?

Well, what did you write in your experience section?

Here’s a trick: analyze both your work experience and the job description.

If you see any skills that crossover, add them to your resume.

Do this correctly, and you’ll be showing the exact skills the recruiter is looking for! 

And if you need more inspiration, here are some of the most common soft skills:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• Be honest here. Interviewers will usually ask applicants to explain more about the skills listed.

Confused about what skills to put on your stay-at-home mom resume? Check out our comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

There we have it.

All essential sections have been added to your resume.

But don’t call it a day just yet!

Adding just one or two of the following sections could be deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the job or not!

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever been employee of the month?

Have you completed any courses that are relevant to the job?

If you have any awards or certifications, be sure to include it in your resume!

Awards & Certificates

• “Employee of the Year 2018” - Real Gym
• “Learning How to Learn” - 2019 Coursera Certificate

Applying to a Spanish restaurant?

Then being able to speak some Spanish is sure to increase your chances. 

Whether it’s a specific requirement or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and who can argue with that!?

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you’re likely wondering, “why would the hiring manager need to know about my keen interest in badminton?”

Well, because it allows them to learn more about whom you actually are.

Companies want new members of staff that fit in well with the current team.

The easiest way to do this is to discuss your hobbies, especially those hobbies which involve social interaction.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

How to really “wipe the floor” with your competition?

Attach a convincing cover letter with your resume!

You see, your resume is great for delivering the core message, but nothing speaks to the recruiter like a well-written cover letter.

But what do we mean by this?

Well, a cover letter allows you to make a personal connection, which ensures you’ll be remembered by the hiring manager.

As well as offering the chance to fill in all the blanks, a cover letter also shows that you want to work for this exact company . 

Here’s how to create a structure that works:

And here’s the winning formula:

Personal Contact Information

Use your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Use their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Make sure your opening paragraph commands attention. Briefly mention:

• The exact job position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve grabbed the reader’s attention, you can delve further into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific company
• What you know about the company’s vision and culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the company
• Whether you’ve worked in similar positions before

Closing Paragraph

Finish with a closing paragraph that:

• Concludes the key points of your cover letter
• Thanks the manager for reading and for the job opportunity
• Ends with a call to action. For example, “At your earliest convenience, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help your company with X” will work.

Formal Salutations

While remaining personal, the letter should end in a professional manner. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra cover letter advice, view our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Good luck with your new job:

Because if you followed the steps in this guide, you should now have a job-winning resume! 

Make sure to:

• Select one of the recommended formats for your specific situation and employment history, and then follow the recommended layout
• Catch the reader’s attention with a short, snappy summary or objective
• In the work experience section, make sure to highlight your most relevant and best achievements, rather than just your daily duties. Oh, and don’t be put off by your employment gap
• For a highly-specific application that starts a conversation, include a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• Guide to Green Careers - All You Need to Know
• The 2024 Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]
• Guide to Nonprofit Jobs & Careers [Complete Guide]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Resume templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover letter examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume examples
• Stay-at-Home Mom

Stay-at-Home Mom resume examples & templates

Resume header

You’re the head of the household — the cook, cleaner, manager, teacher, playmate, and coordinator. Yes, stay-at-home moms have their work cut out for them. When you decide to spend some time as a homemaker, you will quickly learn that it’s no walk in the park. But how can you re-enter the working world after this period? If you want to land yourself a professional role, weaving a compelling stay-at-home mom resume is the way to go. 

You’ve got a load of ground to cover here. Not only do you want to share the juicy details of your pre-existing work life, but you also want to showcase what parenting has taught you. Combining these two elements of your experience will be the biggest challenge of all. But that’s not to say that it’s impossible. You simply need to know where to start.  

That’s where we slide neatly into the picture. Here at Resume.io, we have everything you need to relaunch your career. We provide resume examples for 350+ professions plus expert-backed writing guides for each of them. If you’re looking for a way to concisely showcase your skill set and experience to potential employers, you’ve come to the right place. In the following stay-at-home mom resume example and guide, we cover: 

• What stay-at-home moms do (and why it matters!)
• The current job outlook for stay-at-home parents
• How to write your application with a resume sample for inspiration
• Which layout and design will suit this type of application
• Statistical insights and expert tips to support your search.

Whether you’ve taken a year or five to be a stay-at-home parent, the approach you should take is the same. Let us walk you through the steps to finding your next dream job now. 

What does a stay-at-home mom do?

As a stay-at-home mom, you are the head of the household. On a typical day, you will be switching hats from cook to cleaner to teacher. You might find yourself doing the laundry, planning and preparing meals, scheduling outings, and cleaning the home. 

It’s a tall order — and so you want to make sure that your resume reflects this. When you’re writing your application, you will dedicate a section to your most recent experience. That means highlighting the lessons you’ve learned and the challenges you’ve faced as a full-time parent. The duties of a stay-at-home mom may include the following: 

• Managing the family finances
• Scheduling outings, playdates, and vacations
• Cleaning and keeping the home tidy
• Planning nutritious meals and cooking them
• Helping the children with their homework
• Taxiing the children around from place to place
• Looking after the family pets

Of course, your day-to-day life will differ depending on your personal family setup. When you are a homemaker, the tasks that you have to undertake should not be overlooked. You might have spent recent years at home but that doesn’t mean you have had it easy. While employers may have preconceptions about this period, you can set them straight.

The emotional labor of managing a household

Being a stay-at-home parent is far from easy. It’s not merely the physical act of making meals and cleaning the home that has an impact. There’s a mental side to this job too.  Research by Dr. Luthar suggests that being responsible for managing the household and the children can put “strains on mothers’ personal well-being.” For that reason, it’s important that stay-at-home moms have a good support system and plenty of breaks.

Stay-at-home mom job outlook 

Before you start sprucing up your resume and applying for jobs, you need to know what the job outlook is like. That way, you can decide what tack to take when you’re applying.

We won’t beat around the bush —  stay-at-home moms may struggle to land a new position when they first get started. Research into this phenomenon has found that a lot of employers are biased toward parents who have stayed at home with their children. 

Now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a job at all. As unjust as it may sound, it simply means that you have to work harder to convince an employer that you are worth their time.

Remote work is the way forward!

The modern working world has changed. Due to the pandemic and countless technological advancements (thanks, Zoom!), remote work is now more popular than ever. Around 26% of all US professionals now work completely from home. 

Looking at remote roles may be the perfect way to get the work-life balance you need. This option means that you can relaunch your professional career while still being at home to look after your kids when you need to do so. Of course, you should keep in mind that trying to do it all can lead to burnout, especially if you don’t have support.

In addition, many of these positions offer flexi-time. Should you have family constraints — such as having to pick the kids up from school — this is a major benefit. When you’re initially looking for jobs, take the time to look at the full breakdown of each of the roles.   

Finding a job when you’ve taken a significant amount of time out can be difficult. However, the first step in this process is creating a resume that sells your skills to an employer. For general tips and advice, you can read our comprehensive resume writing guide here.

How to write a stay-at-home mom resume

When you’ve made the decision to re-enter the professional sector, the first thing you need to know is what to include on your resume. Luckily, there’s a simple formula that you can use. Your stay-at-home mom application should include the following elements: 

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Be upfront about the time you have spent as a stay-at-home parent. Having mysterious gaps on your resume is unlikely to do you any favors. It is likely to leave the recruiter with big question marks in their mind when considering you. That is the last thing you need. Make everything crystal clear to them from the offset. Detailing your time as a stay-at-home mom means that they will be fully in the loop when it comes to your experience. 

Revamp your writing style!

Are you out of writing practice? If it’s been a while since you had to do a formal application, you may have forgotten which tone to take. Using a casual approach — such as a resume packed with colloquial language — won’t get you very far at all. 

Instead, you need to make sure that your stay-at-home mom resume reads as a professional document. Wherever possible, use formal and polite language. You may find that you need to write a few drafts or edits before you get this just right. 

When you have written your resume, have a trusted friend, ex-coworker, or family member check it for you. You might find that they are able to share ways that you can level up your application and make sure it meets recruiters’ high standards. 

It’s always important to tailor your resume to the company at hand. When you know which role you’re applying for, you can make sure that your application ticks all of the boxes. 

To help you with this task, do some research on the business. You can quickly Google them, take a look at the company website, and read any news about them online. The deeper you understand the employer and their needs, the more you can align your resume with them. Keep your eyes peeled for any transferable skills you can showcase here. 

Finally, you need to help your resume get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). The software acts as a filter system for employers, helping them to automatically find the best candidates. Before a hiring manager even looks at your application, it has to get through this software. The system uses keywords and phrases to see whether you are a good match. Look for stand-out words on the original job advert. By using these in your stay-at-home mom resume, you give yourself a better chance of effortlessly passing the test. 

Applying for a particular type of job? We’ve got you covered with all of the inspiration that you need!  Take a look at our store manager resume sample, cashier resume example, call center agent resume sample, sales assistant resume sample, and barista resume sample.    

Choosing the best resume format for a stay-at-home mom

When you’re writing your application, the best resume format will be the reverse chronological approach. That means that you start with your most recent experience and education at the top of the page and work your way back in time. This layout means that recruiters can quickly and easily see what you have been up to lately. Since they don’t have to do any pesky guesswork, they can determine whether you are right for the role. 

Of course, before you became a stay-at-home parent, you may have had an array of jobs. If you don’t have a clear career path, don’t panic. You can always use the functional resume format instead. This approach dedicates less space to your work experience and shines the spotlight on your skills and talents. If you’re looking to start a whole new chapter of your work life but don’t have the right experience, this option may be for you. 

Take a look at our resume example to see how to lay out your resume. If you need some more advice on how to structure this document, you can also read our complete guide .

Your resume header sits at the top of this document. While this information is relatively bland, you need to make sure that it’s reader-friendly. It should include your name, phone number, and email address as standard. Use a clear font and don’t try to be fancy here.

Resume summary example

Also known as a profile, the resume summary is the most freeform part of your application. It’s a short blurb that introduces you to a potential employer and shows off what you have to offer. You don’t have loads of words to play with here. Keep things short and sweet. 

When describing yourself professionally in this section, you may want to avoid the title “Stay-at-home Mom” and instead use the role you previously had. That way, this title is not the first thing that the employer sees. Instead, they see the position you are qualified for. 

Not sure where to start? Be sure to mention your unique talents, any previous roles you have held, and the quantifiable results you have achieved. Take a look at our resume example for some inspiration on how to perfectly write this part of the application. 

Energetic professional with a wealth of highly transferable skills. Demonstrated ability to navigate a wide range of challenges while ensuring the streamlined, timely execution of critical tasks. Strong project management, problem-solving, and administrative talents with a keen talent for maintaining a positive environment while managing multiple competing priorities and needs.

Employment history sample

As we’ve already mentioned, you should use the reverse chronological order when writing your resume. That means putting your most recent employment experience at the top of the document. For each role, you should include your job title, the company, and your dates of employment. Below that, you can bullet point what you achieved in the position. 

Your stay-at-home parenting is work experience! 

When you’re writing the employment section of your resume, you can include your most recent experience, i.e. being a stay-at-home mom. Write this as you would any other employment type. You can start off with your title — “Stay-at-home Mom” or “Homemaker” — and then include the dates and your core duties below that header. 

You don’t want to leave the reader with any doubts. This approach means employers can easily see what you have been doing in recent years. It is a simple way of explaining any gaps in your employment section as a result of this lifestyle choice. 

Stay-at-Home Mom at Self-Employed, Moscow, ID Maart 2020 - Present

• Manage household expenses, creating detailed, effective budgets.
• Support multiple competing needs, schedules, and priorities, overseeing the needs and tasks of multiple individuals to maintain optimal outcomes.
• Create and coordinate a detailed calendar of activities and events, including academic deadlines, travel, and appointments/meetings.
• Build engaged relationships with health care professionals, academic administrators, and program leaders to ensure alignment with all needs.
• Navigate complex interpersonal challenges, mediating issues to build vital communication and issue resolution skills.

Project Manager at Tessa Inc., Moscow, ID October 2016 - March 2020

• Led teams of up to 12 in the planning and execution of multiple projects.
• Partnered with stakeholders and leadership to define project objectives, identify challenges, and proactively resolve potential roadblocks.
• Shaped and managed project budgets, implementing cost-control measures.
• Maintained a complex calendar of deadlines, managing project phases to ensure on-time delivery.

Administrator at Stetson Early Learning, Estes, ID April 2016 - September 2018

• Provided full administrative support for the early learning facility, ensuring streamlined operation of all business functions.
• Engaged with staff to manage enrollment, documentation, and reporting.
• Expertly managed fiscal budgets, overseeing expenditures and supply levels.

CV skills example

To successfully convince an employer you’re the right person for the role, you need the right skill set on your CV. This is where your experience as a stay-at-home mom will set you apart from the crowd. Since you’re used to managing all elements of the household, you will have gained a whole wealth of special skills you can use here. 

Your CV skills section needs to align well with the position for which you’re applying. Consider how the transferable skills you’ve learned through parenting align with the job specification. You need this section to include a good mixture of both hard and soft skills. While there’s no space to expand on the skills in your resume, you may choose to do so when you write your accompanying stay-at-home mom cover letter. 

• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Relationship Building
• Conflict & Issue Resolution
• Budget Management
• Time & Priority Management
• Communication

Stay-at-home mom resume education example

The education requirements will depend on the position for which you're applying. You may simply need to list your high school diploma or equivalent GED, for example. However, if you did go to college, you can include this information in your education section. List the name of the school, the dates you studied/graduated, and your grades. 

It’s most likely that you will need to use the reverse chronological order here. However, if you want to highlight a specific qualification — that is relevant to the role or company — you can switch things up. Figure out what works best for your application. 

Bachelor of Arts in English at University of Idaho, Moscow, ID August 2012 — May 2016

Resume layout and design

Recruiters spend an average of seven seconds looking at each resume. You need to make the right first impression. Choose a plain style that allows your experience and skills to take center stage. As a rule, you should use no more than two different font styles on your professional resume. You also want to make the most of the white space on the page.

Need some design help? We’ve got you covered with our selection of field-tested resume templates. Use one of them to take all of the hassle out of making your next application.

Key takeaways for a stay-at-home mom resume

• If you want to re-enter the working world after being a stay-at-home mom, you need to convince employers you’re worth their time. Take a look at our resume example if you need some inspiration on writing your next application.
• The right tone will get you a long way! When you’re writing your resume, make sure that you use formal language that fits the profession to which you’re applying.
• Don’t try to disguise the fact that you have had a career break. You need to be 100% honest about how you have spent this period of your life.

Make sure the layout is clear and straightforward. Employers don’t have a long time to peruse your application — keep it simple!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

3 Stay at Home Mom Returning to Work Resume Examples

Stay at Home Mom Returning to Work Resume

Modern stay at home mom returning to work resume, professional stay at home mom returning to work resume.

• Stay at Home Mom Returning to Work Resume Writing 101

Being a stay at home mom is exhausting. It takes determination, patience, focus, and is an all-around challenging (and sometimes thankless) job!

What can be even harder is getting back into the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom. If it’s been a few years since your last formal job, you might be struggling with writing a cover letter or crafting a great resume to land that dream job.

Fortunately, we’ve helped thousands of stay-at-home moms score interviews and find the perfect job for them. This guide is the culmination of everything we’ve learned over the years, starting with three stay-at-home mom resume examples!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Returning to workforce
• Front desk receptionist
• Personal assistant
• Stay at home mom

What’s Most Important: Your Skills & Work Experience

As a recruiter skims your stay at home mom resume, they want to see how your skills and mindset will make you a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

That’s why you need to hone in on any skills you’ve picked up or finessed as a homemaker (budgeting, leadership, organizing) while also including skills from any previous jobs you had.

You can also include skills from any volunteering stints you had, like social media marketing or networking. If there are skills your potential employer includes on the job description that you have, make sure to include it. You’ll be one step closer to landing that interview!

9 best stay at home mom skills

• (Digital) marketing
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Customer service
• Microsoft Office
• Project management

Sample stay at home mom work experience bullet points

The work experience section of your resume as a stay at home mom is designed to translate your skills into impact. To do that, you want to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your actions throughout your career.

If you have previous work experience before becoming a stay at home mom, mention that as well. However, you shouldn’t hide your time as a homemaker and leave an employment gap, so make sure to let that experience shine!

Here are some examples of ways to showcase your prior career experience, while demonstrating impact:

• Identified cost-saving opportunities for a household of 2 adults and 3 children, reducing monthly budget by 15%
• Created a positive shopping atmosphere for customers, leading to an average $8,000 in sales per day
• Created and grew an Instagram and TikTok community for single moms with over 30,000 followers in 18 months
• Chaired monthly community meetings to discuss security issues within the neighborhood, passing 5 HOA bylaws to 95% approval
• Received “Employee of the Year” award for regularly exceeding company goal of onboarding 5 employees each month

Top 5 Tips for Your Stay at Home Mom Resume

• Being a mom is a challenging job. Don’t skim over it and leave a gap in your employment history! Instead, own your experience and use any skills you’ve picked up to your advantage. Whether you learned Excel or Quickbooks in your spare time, or sharpened your budgeting and time management skills, put it down. Confidence is key!
• As you transition from a stay at home mom back into the corporate world, you may want to highlight how your past and current experience makes you a good fit for the role you’re applying for. However, your objective statement needs to be 100 percent tailored to each job: mention the company by name, and focus on relevant skills you have that they want. If it’s generic, you’ll lose the recruiter’s attention.
• Everyone has something that makes them unique. Maybe you learned French in high school, or you could have a knack for data analytics. If it makes you stand out, put it down!
• If you haven’t had a lot of prior work experience, you can include extracurricular or online courses you’ve taken. Plus, add any volunteer experience you’ve had. When possible, quantify your impact, like we mentioned earlier.
• While you may want to overcompensate on your stay at home mom resume if you feel it’s lacking, you don’t want to write a resume as long as a James Joyce novel! Instead, keep it to one page. Conciseness is key!

The most important thing is that it should be an easy resume template to read for both a human and applicant tracking system (ATS). That means lots of white space, no fancy graphics or bullet points, and a maximum of one page. If possible, save it as both a Word Doc and a PDF file.

It’s better to have a bit less than to overdo it. If you’ve included your relevant skills, work experience, contact info, volunteer work, and a personalized career objective, then you’ve got everything that needs to be there. Don’t ramble pointlessly!

You betcha! Don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. You just want to make sure any skills the job description asks for that you have is included on your resume as a stay at home mom, and that your work experience reflects the mindset and skills they expect of you.

The Career Counter

Reinvention for Moms

Best Stay-at-Home Mom Resume Example

Looking to create your stay-at-home mom resume ? Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom returning to work or a parent considering a career change , crafting a resume that highlights your unique and relevant skills and experiences is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with an effective stay at home mom resume example that will help you stand out from the crowd and land more interviews .

The good news for moms is that our work inside the home is starting to be recognized and more respected. Some companies are even offering what are called “ returnships, ” programs helping moms make smooth transitions back into the paid labor market.

If you prefer videos to articles, please check out my YouTube video about writing a strong stay-at-home mom resume below:

Should You List Your Stay-at-Home Mom Experience on Your Resume?

Before I show you the best stay-at-home mom resume example, I want to address the biggest question I get asked by clients: should I even list my stay at home mom (SAHM) experience on my resume?!

Including (or not including) your SAHM experience on your resume is an important and strategic decision when re-entering the workforce . Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of listing this experience:

• Highlights your transferable skills: Listing your stay-at-home mom experience allows you to showcase the transferable skills you’ve honed, such as time management, budgeting, multitasking, and problem-solving, which are valuable in any professional setting.
• Eliminates your resume gaps: It provides a clear explanation for employment gaps, showing that your time was spent productively managing complex household tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates your commitment and responsibility: It reflects your commitment, responsibility, and ability to handle challenging situations—qualities that employers value.
• Offers insights into your personal growth and learning, which can be attractive to potential employers looking for candidates with strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Allows you to find companies that value work-life balance, family, and diversity. By putting your SAHM experience out there, you will attract employers who value and support working moms and what you bring to the table.
• Can create perception Issues: some employers may hold biases or misunderstand the relevance of SAHM experience in a professional context, potentially leading to undervaluation of your skills.
• Employers might question your knowledge of current industry trends or technical skills, depending on the field.
• It can be challenging to articulate household management skills in a way that resonates with corporate job requirements, risking your resume being overlooked.
• Revealing personal information such as family status can sometimes lead to discrimination, although it is illegal.
• It might be hard to tailor SAHM experiences to specific job descriptions compared to traditional professional experiences, making it tougher to highlight the most relevant skills.

Ultimately, the decision to include or not include your stay-at-home mom experience on your resume should be carefully considered against several factors. For example, the job and industry you’re applying for, the specific company culture, and how effectively you can articulate the relevance of your skills and experiences to the position.

I often encourage my clients to create different versions of their resume, depending upon each unique job they are applying for. For example, if you know that one particular company is incredibly supportive of working moms, it might be beneficial to include your SAHM experience.

Another option is to send out both versions (one that includes your SAHM experience and one that doesn’t) of your resume and see which resume gets more traction.

Whichever route you decide to take, crafting your resume as a stay-at-home mom transitioning back into the workforce can be daunting. Despite the hard work and skills gained from managing a household, many SAHMs worry their experience won’t be seen as relevant. However, with the right approach, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experiences in a way that makes you stand out as a strong candidate.

I’ll now take you step by step through how to write a stay-at-home mom resume , followed by the best stay-at-home mom resume examples:

How to Write Your Stay-at-Home Mom Resume

Title and contact information.

Start with your name, phone number, email address, and city and state of where you currently reside (or where you plan to reside if you are relocating) at the top. Consider adding a LinkedIn profile if you’ve got one. LinkedIn is used by the majority of companies to recruit new employees. Having a detailed and keyword-rich profile will help you stand out as an applicant and will also help you get noticed by more employers.

Regarding email, I suggest creating a free Gmail account if you don’t already have one. Using email accounts like Yahoo or AOL can make you appear like you are not current with technology.

Professional Summary

Write a compelling professional summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals as they relate to your targeted job. This section is your elevator pitch. Here is a stay-at-home mom resume summary example:

“Accomplished finance professional with over 10 years of both professional and volunteer experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and project management. Adept at developing and implementing financial strategies to achieve both short and long-term objectives. Proven track record in managing complex, multi million-dollar budgets, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Eager to leverage expertise in challenging new role that allows for significant contributions to financial planning and business growth.”

The stay-at-home mom skills on your resume should highlight both your soft and hard skills. Think about the skills you’ve developed that are transferable to the workplace:

Time Management: Coordinating schedules, managing appointments, and meeting deadlines. Budget Management: Handling household finances, shopping smartly, and finding the best deals. Conflict Resolution: Navigating sibling disputes or negotiating with service providers. Creativity and Innovation: Planning activities, meals, and learning opportunities. Leadership: Guiding your children, organizing community events, or leading volunteer groups.

Professional Experience

This section can be tricky but think broadly about your experiences. Include volunteer work, freelance projects, contract work or part-time jobs you’ve held while being a SAHM. For your stay-at-home mom experience, you can frame it professionally. For example:

Household Manager / Family CEO [Dates of your tenure as a SAHM]

• Managed daily operations of a busy household, including scheduling, nutrition, education, and entertainment.
• Developed and implemented a household budget, reducing expenses by X%.
• Coordinated educational activities that enhanced children’s skills in literacy, mathematics, and science.
• Led a volunteer group at [Organization], organizing events and fundraisers, raising $X for [cause].

Looking to Reenter the Workforce?

List your highest level of education, including the institution’s name, degree, and year of graduation. If you’ve taken courses or received any certificates or degrees that are relevant to the job you’re applying for during your time as a SAHM, include those here as well.

Even if you are currently enrolled in a program or field of study and you haven’t finished, you can and should list your training and education on your resume. Especially if it’s related to your career goal. You can write “Currently enrolled” or list the date as “2023 – Present,” or “Expected Graduation: Spring 2024.”

Certifications and Professional Development

If you’ve completed any certifications or professional development courses or if you have attended any professional conferences during your career pause, list them here. This is especially important for stay-at- home moms with no work experience or no experience that is directly related to their new career goal.

This section can include anything from a project management certification to an online marketing course. Also, if you are a member of a professional association related to your targeted field you can highlight it under a section titled “Professional Affiliations.” You can also list it under “Professional Development.” Make sure to also market skills like leadership, teamwork, and any other relevant skills or achievements that are related to your targeted job.

Volunteer Experience

If you’ve volunteered, this is a great way to showcase your commitment, skills, and experience. List your roles, the organizations you’ve helped, and any significant and relevant achievements and skills.

Also, I recommend listing your volunteer experience under your “Work Experience” section vs. creating a separate volunteer section. Even if you weren’t paid, listing your volunteer experience just like regular work experience demonstrates the value and significance of your work.

Formatting and Design

Keep your resume clear, professional, and easy to read. Use bullet points for lists, bold headings to define sections, and ensure there is plenty of white space. Check out our resume templates crafted specifically for stay-at-home moms !

Tailor Your Resume

Last but definitely not least, make sure to always tailor your resume to every job you apply for. Highlight the most relevant experiences and skills based on the job description. This shows potential employers that you’ve researched the role and understand what they’re looking for. Most importantly, this allows you to market yourself as an excellent fit for the role!

Now that you’ve hopefully got a good understanding of what to put on your resume, let’s take a look at two strong stay-at-home mom resume examples.

Stay-at-home mom resume example #1:

(555) 123-4567 | San Francisco, CA [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Excited to utilize extensive experience in early childhood development to transition into preschool teaching role. Demonstrated success in creating engaging learning environments, fostering childrens’ social and educational growth, and implementing creative activities that support developmental milestones. Strong background in organizing educational playgroups and leading volunteer projects.

• Early Childhood Education: Proficient in creating educational activities that promote literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
• Creative Lesson Planning: Skilled in designing and implementing creative and interactive lesson plans tailored to children’s interests and developmental levels.
• Behavior Management: Experienced in using positive reinforcement techniques to guide behavior and support social and emotional development.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a knack for engaging children and building relationships with parents.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to organize and coordinate events, manage schedules, and create structured learning environments.

Volunteer Preschool Assistant ABC Preschool, Hometown, State September 2021 – Present

• Assist in classroom with daily activities, supporting lead teacher in creating dynamic and educational environment for preschoolers.
• Develop and implement creative arts and crafts projects, contributing to sensory development and fine motor skills.
• Facilitate outdoor play and physical activities that promote health and wellness.

Budget Chair, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) XYZ Elementary School, Hometown, State August 2019 – June 2021

• Managed PTA’s annual budget, effectively allocating funds for school events, programs, and classroom resources.
• Organized fundraising events that raised over $10,000 for school improvements and educational materials.
• Collaborated with school administration and teachers to identify needs and ensure resources were used efficiently.

Stay-at-Home Mom Hometown, State June 2015 – Present

• Designed home-based learning curriculum focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social skills, preparing for preschool education.
• Organized and led local parent-child playgroups, fostering community and peer learning among preschool-aged children.
• Engaged in continuous education on child development and early childhood education through online courses and workshops.

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (In Progress) Online University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology State University, Hometown, State Graduated May 2015

Certifications

• CPR and First Aid Certified
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (In Progress)

Professional Development

• Workshops on Positive Discipline in Early Childhood
• Seminars on Creative Curriculum for Preschool

Stay-at-home mom resume example #2:

Olivia lopez.

(987) 654-3210 | Dallas, TX [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/olivialopez

Creative and results-oriented stay-at-home mom with strong background in marketing, seeking to leverage extensive experience in brand management, content creation, and digital marketing strategies. Proven track record of developing effective marketing campaigns, enhancing brand visibility, and engaging diverse audiences. Highly skilled in leveraging social media platforms, SEO optimization, and analytics to drive growth and engagement. Eager to bring innovative marketing solutions and fresh perspective to a dynamic team.

• Digital Marketing: Proficient in social media management, email marketing, and content marketing strategies.
• Brand Management: Experienced in developing brand identities, positioning, and messaging to create cohesive brand experience.
• Content Creation: Skilled in creating compelling content, including blog posts, social media content, and marketing collateral.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze market trends, customer behavior, and campaign performance to inform data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adept at crafting persuasive messages and engaging diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Effective at managing multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with team members.

Freelance Marketing Consultant Self-Employed June 2020 – Present

• Developed and executed digital marketing strategies for local businesses, increasing their online presence and customer engagement.
• Managed social media accounts, creating content calendars and implementing campaigns that grew followers by an average of 30%.
• Conducted market research to identify trends and opportunities, resulting in targeted campaigns that boosted client sales by up to 25%.

Marketing Coordinator ABC Corporation, City, State January 2015 – May 2018

• Coordinated marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels, achieving 15% increase in overall brand awareness.
• Collaborated with design team to create marketing materials, ensuring brand consistency and messaging alignment.
• Analyzed campaign performance using Google Analytics and other tools, providing insights that led to optimized future campaigns.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing University of State, City, State Graduated May 2015

• Google Analytics Certified
• Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification
• Digital Marketing Bootcamp , Online Course, Completed 2021
• Content Marketing Strategy Workshop , Online Seminar, Completed 2020

PTA Marketing Chair XYZ Elementary School, City, State September 2018 – June 2020

• Led PTA’s marketing efforts, increasing event participation by 40% through effective social media campaigns and community engagement.
• Designed and distributed newsletters and flyers, enhancing communication between school and parent community.

In Conclusion

Crafting a resume as a stay-at-home mom re-entering the workforce requires showcasing your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with employers. Focus on transferable skills, tailor your resume for each job, and don’t underestimate the value of the work you’ve done at home. With the right approach, your SAHM resume will stand out from the crowd!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i make my stay-at-home mom resume stand out.

To make your stay-at-home mom resume stand out, consider highlighting your transferable skills gained during your time as a stay at home mom. Focus on relevant experiences such as organization, multitasking, time management, problem-solving, and communication skills. Additionally, include any volunteer work, part-time jobs, or freelancing projects you might have done during your time at home.

What should I include in my stay-at-home mom resume?

When creating your stay-at-home mom resume, be sure to include the following sections: – Contact information: Your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile. – Summary or objective statement: A brief overview of your skills and experience and how they can add value to your targeted job and field. – Skills: Highlight relevant and transferable skills such as organization, multitasking, communication, etc. Use the job posting to determine which skills to highlight. – Work experience: Include any relevant part-time work, freelancing, or volunteer experience. Unpaid experience counts as work experience! – Education: List your educational background, including any certifications or additional training, even if it’s still in progress. – Additional sections: You can also include sections such as volunteer work, professional memberships, or any relevant hobbies or interests.

Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, focusing on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.

Lee Cristina Beaser

Lee brings over two decades of expertise in guiding individuals towards career success. Having helped thousands of professionals in a wide variety of industries, she has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the job market. Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing busy people, especially moms returning to the workforce, with tools and services tailored to their unique career goals.

Leave the first comment (Cancel Reply)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Articles

How long should a resume be.

10 Non Traditional Jobs that Pay Well!

Craft Your Perfect High School Teacher Resume in 4 Steps

Top 10 Teacher Skills for the Resume

Best Sample Resume for Teenagers (First Job)

Student Teacher Resume Examples

Top Teacher Resume Templates

Top 10 Student Resume Skills (with Examples)

• Create Resume
• Resume templates
• CV templates
• Resume Writing Service
• Stay at Home Mom Resume: Example, Template & Writing Guide [2024]
• Resume writing /

You’ve been doing all sorts of work as a stay-at-home mom. You’re great at organization, time management, and making sure a dozen things get done at once. All of these skills are sure to make you an amazing employee, but first, you need to craft an exceptional stay-at-home mom resume to prove it. It offers a chance to show a hiring manager that a career gap has nothing on what you can do.

So what kind of information should you add to the document? Well, you can look at a resume for a mom returning to work sample to get an idea of what is typically included. But this guide is made to give you further insight into the process. We understand how daunting it might be to start applying for jobs after staying at home for years and we want to help.

Being able to share relevant experience and key skills ensures you don’t turn in a generic resume that gets passed over. Whether you’re looking for a part- or full-time job, the information you put on the resume has a huge impact on whether or not you get hired. We’ll share exactly what to include and you can follow along.

As you read our guide, we’ll share a gorgeous, complete stay-at-home parent resume so you know what you’re going for. We’ll also give you insight into how to word parts of your resume to make it more likely you get an interview. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be totally ready to move forward and take your place in the workforce.

Stay-at-home mom resume writing guide: Where to start?

Everything from how to list stay-at-home mom on a resume to how to wow a potential employer is covered in two phases. The first is to build a master resume and the second is to craft a job-specific resume. These are two separate documents, but both will move you toward a new position after spending years at home. Keep reading to learn more about each aspect of the process.

Master Stay-at-Home Mom resume template

The first resume you want to create is a master resume. There’s no need to worry much with this one. This is a document that nobody besides you ever needs to see. It’s a way to get your thoughts together and keep information safe in case you forget it down the line. Everything from past work experiences to completed projects, skills, and education can be placed on your master resume.

One of the great things about the master resume is that there’s no need to format it in a conventional way. Instead, you can do it however you like as long as it works for you. You’re the person who will use this document as you move forward and apply for various jobs. Keep it organized and add anything that comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be relevant only to the position you’re applying for today.

You should have tons of information you can add to a master resume. Add in information from your past jobs as well as your time caring for the home and your children. Just because some of your skills weren’t used in a working environment doesn’t mean they can’t transfer to other situations. If you know how to do something, it goes on the master resume.

Once you have all this information written or typed into a document, you can use the master resume to fill in job-specific resumes. It can also give you a good insight into what to focus on for your cover letters . The master resume is a multi-faceted document that you can use in various ways while you’re looking for the right position.

Job-specific Stay-at-Home Mom resume

Before we share a stay-at-home resume example, we want to go over what a job-specific resume is. This is a resume that uses the job description to create a customized document to turn in with an application. Many facets of this are the same for you as they are for those who do not have an employment gap.

Wondering how to add “stay-at-home mom” to the resume? There are several methods. You can choose to have an entry for it in your work experience, talk about it in your resume objective, or write about it in the cover letter. Whatever seems right for the job is fine to use. But there is a second thing to be aware of.

The three most common types of resumes use a functional resume format, a reverse-chronological resume format, or a combination resume format. These can all be used for stay-at-home mom resumes but one may be better than another depending on your situation.

A reverse-chronological resume focuses on experience, while a functional resume puts skills and education at the forefront of the document. A combination resume is somewhere in between the two. Reverse-chronological format is the most common and will make up our example below. However, feel free to choose another format if it works for you.

As you write the job-specific resume, use keywords you find in the job description. This is a great way to show you’re capable of the position and have taken time to consider the role and what is expected of you. This should be done from scratch each time you apply to a job with the help of your master resume.

Your master resume is a never-ending document. Keep a record at work of all the things you do from daily tasks, projects, and more, even if they are not part of your job description in your master resume. This will help you in vacancy-specific resume writing in the future.

Stay-at-Home resume sample

Download This Resume Example

Create your professional resume now

This stay-at-home parent resume example gives an idea of what your own document might look like when you’re finished. It has work experience, education, and skills, along with a resume objective that has been well thought out. A sample resume for a stay-at-home mom with no work experience might put the education or skills on top instead of the work experience.

What to include in a resume for a Stay-at-Home Mom? writing tips and examples

Now that you’ve seen sample resumes for stay-at-home moms, it’s time to make your own. We’ll talk you through everything from the resume header with a stay-at-home mom resume objective to skills, education, experience, and more. This section of the guide will go into depth about common resume sections so you know how to word and format your own.

How to write a resume objective on a Stay-at-Home Mom resume

The resume objective is one option for how to put “stay-at-home mom” on a resume. However, it doesn’t have to be included in this section. It really depends on your past and experience related to the position you want now. If you do choose to talk about it here, make sure it’s relevant to the job. The purpose of a resume objective is to show how good you’d be at a specific position, so keep that in mind.

If you haven’t had a job in several years, you may not be familiar with what a resume objective is. This is a small block of text that goes at the top of your resume. It’s anywhere from two to four sentences long and used to describe your top achievements and skills. Since this is customized for each job application, it should tie into the job you want to do.

Use action verbs and numbers whenever possible to quantify your experiences and accomplishments. Dig into the job description to see what they want from a candidate and then list things related to that. You want this to be an eye-catching section so a manager reads the rest of the document.

How to describe work experience on a Stay-at-Home Mom resume

When it comes to professional experience, you can use items from your past employment history if you have any. Employment gaps can be covered by an entry about being a stay-at-home mom or you can talk about it in your cover letter so hiring managers are aware of why you haven’t been working.

Previous experience isn’t only related to past jobs. If you’ve done volunteering, run a club or group, or done other things in the neighborhood, those can also be used for your work experience section. The important thing is to list the job titles, dates, and companies with a list of responsibilities and achievements underneath.

Skills to list on a Stay-at-Home Mom resume

The last section we want to go over is stay-at-home mom skills for a resume. This is composed of all sorts of things. Your own list of skills will depend on what kind of work you’re looking for now. Everything from time management skills to communication skills and organizational skills have their place.

Consider transferable skills, which could be anything you did as a stay-at-home parent that would be used on the job. As long as you list relevant skills for the position, it doesn’t matter where you gained the skills. It’s often best to choose a mixture of soft skills and hard skills related to the position you want.

This is another situation where you should use the job description to determine what skills are needed. Pick out the ones that you have and use those to create your list. This is generally about five to 10 skills that you are adept at and will use in the new position. It doesn’t matter if these are skills from other jobs or working around the home.

Now that you know what to add to your stay-at-home mom resume, it’s time to make sure it looks professional and aesthetically pleasing. At CVMaker, we offer a number of different templates for you to choose from. Browse each of them until you find the one that works best for your resume.

Key takeaways on Stay-at-Home Mom parent resumes

Taking a career break isn’t something negative and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t build the perfect resume for a return to the workforce. Use the tips and examples in our guide to craft a resume you feel good about. All you need is a great design to make your resume really pop when it gets to the desk of a manager. Good luck!

Extra tips for stay-at-home mom resumes:

·       Craft your resume in a Word document or use a resume builder to make it even easier. Convert it into a PDF file before you turn it in with your application.

·       Make sure all the most relevant sections are included, such as contact information, a resume objective, education, experience, and skills.

·       Explain your employment gap either on the resume itself or in a cover letter that you turn in at the same time.

·       Go through your resume and make sure it flows well. Don’t be afraid to make edits to ensure it gives off the right vibe.

·       Check the resume for errors like typos and misspellings. Consider a tool like Grammarly to catch the things you might not.

·       Consider reading the resume out loud before you turn it in. Make sure you include your cover letter and any other needed documents.

Next steps?

Do you still need a bit of help creating an excellent stay-at-home mom resume for a future employer? You don’t have to do it all on your own. CVMaker offers a selection of Resume Writing Services that you can take advantage of. An expert in resume creation will look over your information and help you create the best possible document for your potential new position.

Should you put Stay-at-Home Mom on a resume?

Part of crafting a flawless resume is knowing what to include and what to omit. Putting the phrase “stay-at-home mom” is fine for resumes, although you do not have to. If you prefer to focus on other things you’ve done, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just make sure to be honest and be prepared to explain a gap in employment.

If you choose to include this information in your resume, it should be part of the work experience section. You can touch on it in the resume objective if you can make it relevant to the position you’re applying for. However, make sure this isn’t the sole focus of your document.

What to put on a resume for a Stay-at-Home Mom?

Creating a job-winning resume for a stay-at-home mom is exactly what your goal should be when you want to gain employment. However, that doesn’t mean your resume needs to be much different than someone else’s. The important bits, like contact information and work experience, should be included.

Stating that you are a stay-at-home parent is fine but it’s not required. This is something you can explain in an interview or a cover letter. Following a sample resume for the industry you want to work in and incorporating important keywords from the job description is a good way to move forward.

Placing relevant keywords in your application from the start keeps the hiring manager or recruiter engaged and tells them you read the job requirements while taking extra time to make yourself stand out from other candidates.

What are the best Stay-at-Home Mom resume skills?

Every sample resume for stay-at-home moms is going to have a different list of skills. That’s because the skills you choose will vary based on the job you want, what your skills are, and what experience you have. All of these things should be considered before making a list of skills.

In most cases, your skills should be on a bullet list with five to 10 items. Going longer than that starts to get in the territory of sharing too much. You need to break down your skills to the most important ones for a specific position, using the information you find in the job description.

Do I need a Stay-at-Home Mom resume and cover letter?

If you plan to apply for a job and you have been a stay-at-home mom, you should have a resume and a cover letter. This applies to anyone who is interested in a job, not just those who might have an employment gap. You’ll find resume for stay-at-home mom returning to work examples you can use to guide the process.

While some positions may not require a resume, it’s best to have one. It shows that you’re serious about the position and can make you a better candidate than other people. It also gives the hiring manager information about you before you are brought in for an interview.

Which Stay-at-Home Mom resume points are the most important?

You might be wondering how to write stay-at-home mom on a resume so it doesn’t come off the wrong way. Use your work experience section to include this information or add it to your cover letter. The same resume points you would highlight in other situations are useful here.

The most used sections are contact information, a resume objective, skills, education, and work experience. Remember that you can use volunteering experiences to make up part of your experience if you did that while not in the workplace.

How do I handle a Stay-at-Home Mom resume gap?

It might be worrying to consider an employment gap, but a lot of employers will be understanding about it. Make sure to use the stay-at-home job description for the resume to ensure you highlight the right things. You can show the gap on your resume or go into it on your cover letter depending on your preferences.

You can treat your time as a stay-at-home parent as another position you held. Choose a title, add dates, and outline your accomplishments, skills, and abilities. There’s no reason you can’t use your time as a stay-at-home mom as something positive when you apply for a new job.

What is a Stay-at-Home Mom job description on a resume?

Stay-at-home mom job description examples are a good place to find out how to craft your own experience. You can list that you were a stay-at-home parent like you would any other position. On the other hand, you can also choose to focus only on professional work you did in the past. It’s up to you and what feels right for a position.

When you do add in experience, make sure you focus on accomplishments over tasks. Choose skills you learned on the job as well at as home. Make sure you include the relevant information but feel free to move it around so the things you want to prioritize are on the top of the resume.

How do you write a resume after not working for years?

If you’ve been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, it might seem crafting a resume will be challenging. It doesn’t have to be, though. As long as you put in the work, you can get a job despite an absence from employment. Both functional and reverse-chronological resumes are good choices depending on how you set them up.

For those with experience that is many years in the past, you can still include it. However, you want to craft a great resume objective, add in any volunteering you may have done, and list skills relevant to the position. Explaining the absence can be useful, whether you do that using a resume or in the interview process.

It might seem challenging to craft a great stay-at-home mom resume, but our tips will make it take half the time it otherwise might. After that, all you need is a beautiful resume template to take your document to the next level. CVMaker offers an assortment of templates to find the one that matches your style and get your application in.

Related articles

Scrum master resume example and writing guide 2024.

One of the most important roles to fill in the world of project management is that of Scrum Master,...

Product Manager Resume Example and Writing Guide 2024

All businesses have a product to sell. That’s true whether it’s a physical product like a...

How to Write a Resume Personal Profile with Examples and Tips

You must stand out to potential hirers in today’s ultra-competitive world. With fewer jobs and...

More than 112.872 users have already made their resume

With CV maker, you can quickly and easily create a distinctive and professional resume within 15 minutes.

Stay-at-Home Parent Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Stay-at-Home Parent Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Stay-at-Home Parent Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Christine Marvel (482) 889-2457 [email protected] 1430 Gulf Boulevard, Sand Key, FL 33767

An Environmental Science Expert with an advanced knowledge of land management policies, habitat conservation, and community outreach. A proven track record of collaborating with naturalists, planners, and conservationists to address local and state issues facing communities in the state of Florida.

Professional Experience

Land Conservancy of Florida, Orlando, FL  July 2010 to April 2013

• Coordinated with planners, naturalists, and conservations to examine opportunities for land preservation and stewardship
• Developed critical habitat conservation and management plan for threatened and endangered species, including green sea turtles and American alligators
• Completed trail designs for small community parks
• Developed stream restoration project to protect drinking water supply
• Delivered recommendations to stakeholders using various design and presentation tools to maximize accessibility for the public and government leaders

Volunteer, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Durham, NC  2016 to Present

• Served as a volunteer for a state-wide environmental campaign for a conservation non-profit, which included supporting initiatives to expand education and grow awareness of environmental issues across communities, schools, and local governments
• Supported lobbying efforts to garner support from local politicians for environmental legislation, attended public hearings, and performed grassroots campaigning
• Collaboration
• Planning and research
• Problem solving
• Report production
• Presentation and communication of complex ideas
• Design support
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

MBA 2008 – 2010 THE WHARTON SCHOOL, Philadelphia, PA 2008 – 2010

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Sciences & Policy NICHOLAS SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT, DUKE UNIVERSITY, Durham, NC 2004 – 2008

Erica Foley (423) 892-1149 [email protected] #8 The Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301

A Certified Medical Coder with seven years of progressive experience assigning ICD and CPT codes to patient medical records. A proven track record of coordinating with diverse teams and identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, production, and operational workflows.

Supervisor, Medical Coding – Boulder Emergency Care, Boulder, Colorado June 2011 – July 2014

• Managed a five-person team performing coding for medical records and documentation related to diseases, symptoms, diagnoses, and patient history for emergency services
• Created a new peer review process for medical records to reduce coding errors, which improved department accuracy from 91% to 97%
• Identified opportunities to enhance operational workflows and improve team performance, which improved production from 260 reviews to 300+ per day

Medical Coder/HCC Coding – Boulder Family Practice , Boulder, Colorado November 2008 — June 2011

• Reviewed patient medical records to verify and ensure appropriate and accurate diagnoses and procedural data in compliance with CMS and state specific guidelines
• Utilized all correct coding initiatives for each and every insurance policy as well as state law requirements
• Reviewed EOBs for patient insurance carriers and completed appropriate paperwork to appeal denials

Volunteerism Experience

Boulder Literacy Center , Volunteer , Boulder, Colorado October 2015 — Present

• Provided education services to improve literacy and reading comprehension for children, adults, and ESL students
• Taught a basic Excel course each summer to three classes of over 20 students, which included creating lesson plans and providing tutoring services

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Littleton, CO 2006-2008

• Medical Terminology
• Speed Typing
• Medical Coding
• Process Improvement

Certifications

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Stacy Richman (442) 782-3508 [email protected] 223 Beagle Court, San Diego, CA 92107

A compassionate, empathetic attorney with 10+ years of experience in family law. A proven track record of managing complex negotiations and litigations for over 500+ legal cases. Adept at identifying peaceful resolutions to preserve family relationships and secure fair compensation for clients.

Associate, Germaine and Associates, San Diego, CA 2009 to 2015

• Represented clients in all areas of family law including divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and distribution of assets and debts
• Drafted and reviewed all pleadings, briefs, and oral arguments, performed comprehensive legal research, and oversaw discovery motions for pending litigations
• Provided legal support for mediations, negotiations, and litigations in over 500+ legal cases, and communicated empathetically with clients during divorce trials

Family Law Attorney, Harris, Bogart and Smith, Encino, CA 2004 to 2009

• Drafted discovery motions, briefs, pleas, and oral arguments for complex family law cases, conducted legal research, and ensured fair treatment and compensation for clients
• Represented clients in negotiations, court hearings, and trials, and identified peaceful resolutions to mediate conflicts and preserve relationships for families

Juris Doctor PEPPERDINE CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW, Malibu, CA 2001-2004

Bachelor of Arts, English  COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY, Williamsburg, VA 1997-2001

• Legal Research
• Client Relations
• Negotiation
• California Bar

Re-entering the workforce can be daunting, and you may have questions about how to create a resume if you haven’t been employed in a few years or have significant gaps on your resume . Use the tips and templates below to craft a compelling resume highlighting your skills, such as family and management and handling projects as a volunteer.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your stay-at-home mom qualifications

Modern resumes have traded the objective for a profile summary. This section should give a hiring manager a quick overview of your skills and the type of position you’re seeking. It’s fine to write your profile summary as if you don’t have any gaps in your resume, but if you need to explain, you can add “returning” or something similar before the job title to make it clear you’re coming back into the industry.

Senior-Level Profile Example

A compassionate, empathetic attorney with over 10 years of experience in family law. A proven track record of managing complex negotiations and litigations for over 500 legal cases. Adept at identifying peaceful resolutions to preserve family relationships and secure fair compensation for clients.

Entry-Level Profile Example

An environmental science expert with an advanced knowledge of land management policies, habitat conservation, and community outreach. A proven track record of collaborating with naturalists, planners, and conservationists to address local and state issues facing communities in Florida.

2. Create a powerful list of your stay-at-home mom experience

The professional experience section is usually the largest on your resume. If you previously held several jobs, focus on those most relevant to the position. Something doesn’t have to be a paid position to count as professional experience. If you did volunteer work, including these roles can give you more recent positions to list. Generally, you don’t need to worry too much about time gaps in your resume, as these can be explained in the cover letter and interview.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Associate, Germaine and Associates, San Diego, CA | 2009 – 2015

• Represented clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and distribution of assets and debts
• Provided legal support for mediations, negotiations, and litigations in over 500 legal cases and communicated empathetically with clients during divorce trials

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Volunteer, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Durham, NC | 2016 – present

• Served as a volunteer for a state-wide environmental campaign for a conservation nonprofit, which included supporting initiatives to expand education and grow awareness of environmental issues across communities, schools, and local governments

3. List your relevant education and certifications

Your resume should always include any certificates or academic degrees relevant to the position. Still, it’s also a good idea to add your educational background, even if it’s not a direct fit for the job. Some employers require specific academic qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, regardless of the field of study. If you took classes as electives or completed any special projects relevant to the industry, you can also list these.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
• Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, CO – May 2008
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. Make a list of your relevant skills and proficiencies

When a hiring manager creates a job description, they generally list the needed skills and responsibilities. Use this to your advantage by including a key skills and proficiencies list on your resume. Add any qualities you possess in the job posting and anything else that might be relevant. Remember that being a stay-at-home parent gives you a unique set of skills that can be valuable to an employer. Here are some qualities you may use on your resume.

How To Pick the Best Stay-at-Home Parent Resume Template

Most professional resumes should be formatted in a way that is clean and easy to read. The main exceptions to this rule are creative positions, such as graphic design, or a job that requires a more personal connection, such as a nanny. When looking for a resume template, consider the industry you’re applying for and whether to use a reverse chronological or functional resume.

Frequently Asked Questions: Stay-at-Home Parent Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for stay-at-home parent resumes -.

Writing the professional experience section of your resume is as simple as breaking your job duties down into bullets and starting each one with a strong action verb. But creating a unique verb for each bullet isn’t always easy. If you need some ideas to get you started, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs that should fit most stay-at-home parent resumes below.

How do you align your stay-at-home parent resume with a job description? -

If you’re ready to re-enter the workforce, it may help to look for a job in an industry projected to experience above-average growth . Often, there are more open positions, and you may face less competition from other applicants. Ensuring your resume is targeted to each role can also give you an edge over other candidates and increase the chances that your resume makes it in front of a human reviewer.

What is the best stay-at-home parent resume format? -

Avoid the traditional reverse chronological format if your resume has a significant time gap. Instead, consider a functional or combination resume. A functional resume focuses on your skills and qualifications so the hiring manager can see what a great candidate you are before noting that you have gaps in your work history. And a combination resume is the best of both worlds, letting you organize key skills like managing a home or volunteering while still showing you have traditional work experience.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Your resume and cover letter are a team. The resume lets a hiring manager know who you are and what your skills are quickly, and the cover letter provides context for your professional achievements and gives you a chance to explain why you’re interested in the position. When writing a cover letter , decide whether to explain any gaps in your resume or why you’re re-entering the workforce, but keep it to just a sentence or two if you do. The focus of your application, including your resume and cover letter, should be on what you can do for the employer now.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Health Care Resume Examples and Templates

Human Resources Resume Examples and Templates

Marketing Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How Do You Write a Resume When You Haven’t Worked in Years? Learn More
• How To List Volunteer Experience on a Resume Learn More
• How To Turn Basic Duties Into Powerful Achievements on Your Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• Discover the Hidden Gems of LinkedIn Premium for Professional Growth
• How To Put Promotions on a Resume (With Examples)
• How To Add a Promotion on LinkedIn: Steps and Example
• The Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Offer Stability, While Nearly 300,000 Layoffs Are Blamed on AI

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Examples

Prepare to rejoin the workforce with a strategic stay-at-home mom resume

Home Staying Resume Samples

1. Stay-at-home mom seeking administrative role:

Resume summary statement:

Highly organized and responsible office administrator seeking a new role in the sector after a career gap of 3-years focused on raising a young family.

• Planned and scheduled all meetings and outside appointments
• Assisted senior management and other staff members with invoice payment for necessary expenditures
• Created, entered and organized data within the company database
• Managed company inventory on a bi-monthly basis

2. Stay-at-home mom experience seeking a bookkeeping role without prior experience:

Flexible, focused, motivated, and recently qualified bookkeeper, seeking opportunities for a new career direction in this sector.

• Strong skills in delegation and prioritization
• Responsible multitasker with a flexible approach to problem-solving
• Handled all bookkeeping tasks for a local church during a summer festival
• Experienced with budgeting and scheduling

Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Vocabulary & Writing Tips

Using targeted vocabulary is important on almost any resume these days. Most employers currently use special  applicant tracking software (ATS)  in order to make sure resumes demonstrate enough expertise and industry specific knowledge before they are read by a human recruiter.

In the case of stay-at-home moms returning to the workforce, it’s essential to correctly target your career sector of choice with  the right terms and action verbs . However, there are a number of key expressions which will be applicable to all parents in this position no matter the sector.

Words to Use

• Problem solving
• Attention-to-detail
• Adminstration
• Enthusiastic
• Preparation
• Multi-tasking
• Collaboration
• Responsible

Action Verbs

• Communicate

Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Tips and Ideas

During the formative years of your child’s life,  motherhood is itself a full time job . However, as he or she grows and a transition back into the workforce becomes a possibility, you may feel daunted by the gaps in your work experience that stay-at-home parents often have.

Nonetheless, there’s no need to panic. By creating  a smart stay-at-home mom resume that addresses this period of downtime in your career,  you can re-enter the labor market more smoothly.

If you’re not sure how to write a resume that carefully  explains your expertise in your chosen field and delicately describes your recent period of maternity leave , don’t worry. The following guide will give you a crash course on how to structure, write and present a stay-at-home mother resume that will resonate with employers. Combine these tips with our expert  resume generator  and you’ll be able to create the perfect resume to get your career back on track.

• Recommended:  Chronological
• No career experience:  Functional
• Write in a size 12 neutral font
• Use clear headers and subheaders
• Add some neutral colors to borders and dividing lines
• Choose a clear and tidy template
• Break up information heavy text into bullet points
• Contact information
• Resume summary

Work experience

Qualifications.

• Volunteering
• Certifications and courses
• Hobbies and interests

Resume Length

1-2 x letter pages (8.5” x 11”)

Unlike many other types of resume, you may need a different approach in the format structure you use. As most stay-at-home moms are  out of the workforce for months or years at a time , a  reverse chronological resume  format isn’t the most ideal one to choose. This form of resume is normally most effective as it highlights your most recent work experience. However, if your last job wasn’t very recent, then it could work as a disadvantage.

Instead, it’s better to use another sort of resume, such as a  functional  or  combination format . These both place  more emphasis on your skills and expertise  in the subject matter. They will still detail your work experience, however, their focus is much more on your abilities. This will give a hiring manager a much better incentive to consider you for the role on offer, than your career experience alone.

Whilst your stay-at-home mom resume for a return to work should read well, it also needs to look good. Whilst it doesn’t need to be a work of conceptual art you should  work to make sure that it is an attractive, tidy and easy to read the document .

First of all, write the informative text in a size 12, easy-to-read text. It’s best to stick to tried and tested fonts, such as  Arial, Calibri or Time New Roman  as these are simpler to scan-read. However, you can use a little more creative license with the headers and subheaders on the page. These can be written in a bigger text and more artistic fonts to make each section stand out and make the structure clearer to understand.

The template you choose should be able to present all the information you need to  fit on the page, cleanly and tidily . However, to make it that little bit more attractive, and therefore eye-catching to the recruiter, use some neutral color in the borders, headers and dividing lines.

In most careers across the USA,  a profile photo on your resume isn’t expected . This is due to strict employment discrimination laws, which recruiters will be eager to avoid breaking. Therefore this is rarely a requirement and adding a photo could even be disadvantageous to your application.

Sections of a Stay-At-Home Mom Resume

Employers sitting down to read your resume will want to see you best and most employable qualities first and foremostly. You, therefore, should seek to include the following  essential sections  on your resumes:

However, while you are on maternity leave, there are many activities and achievements you can also detail. These are especially important when you’re returning to work after a period of more than 4 months. Therefore, where relevant, you should seek to  include one or more of the following optional sections :

Your resume in any situation should be short and concise. In the case of a stay-at-home mom, this also rings true. It’s recommended you keep your document to just  a single letter page of 8.5” x 11” . However, if you have experience, achievements or qualifications that are essential, and push the text to over 2 pages, this is also possible. Overall though, the less dense your resume is the better, as many recruiters won’t read past one page.

Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Section Headings

There are many strategies you can use to  address the gap in your career history  during your maternity leave. One of the best places to explain these spaces in your work experience is in your  career objective  or  resume summary  section.

This couple of sentences will not only allow you to explain your situation, but it will also help you highlight your most employable skills. Additionally, you can  use this section to restate your enthusiasm  for your previous career or to reenter the workforce, with a demonstrable passion that will be irresistible for an organization.

The  work experience section  on a stay-at-home mom resume is still highly important, although is quite different from the ones on conventional resumes. As always, you should still  seek to present the information about your previous roles in reverse chronological order  and include details, such as:

• The name of the company
• Your position title
• The dates you were employed between
• A list of your duties in the position

However, unlike other application documents, you may wish to include jobs from further back in your career, to  give a more complete picture of your expertise . Furthermore, any volunteering work and part-time work experience you’ve gained in the intervening months or years should be included. This is still practical work and is a demonstration of your eagerness to keep active professionally.

In many cases, the  skills section  of your return to the workforce resume will still  focus on the most employable abilities in your chosen career . One big difference is that your time away from the workforce can be used to further embellish your talents and abilities.

Let’s not forget, being a mother is work in itself, and there are  numerous practical skills that can be attained from your time looking after your baby . It’s a good idea to mention any skills you’ve attained during the months you were raising your children full time. In terms of  hard and soft skills  these could include:

Hard skills:

• Organization and prioritization
• Food preparation
• Crisis management

Soft skills:

• Emotional intelligence
• Communication
• Time management
• Responsibility

If you already hold a degree or relevant qualifications for the role you’re targeting, you should naturally include it in the  education section . However, bear in mind that  gaining a qualification or furthering your studies during your maternity leave  can also be a very encouraging sign to future employers.

There are many online courses in  relevant subjects such as accounting, marketing and administration  that can be completed online or in your own home whilst you’re taking care of your baby. Therefore, be sure to get this onto your resume, if this is the case.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Related Professions

Stay-At-Home Dad A convincing stay-at-home dad resume is your window back to your career. Why not get it right by following our sample stay-at-home dad resume with pro tips. Updated on April 17, 2024 Stay-At-Home Dad

Housekeeper An excellent online resume builder can help you create an awesome housekeeper resume that will get you hired. Get expert resume tips and advice. Updated on January 17, 2024 Housekeeper

Caregiver How to write a caregiver resume with examples, templates, and samples. Learn what keywords and formats to use to get your caregiver resume noticed. Updated on December 21, 2023 Caregiver

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Click here to directly go to the complete resume sample.

How to make a stay at home mom resume?

Being a homemaker is not an easy job, yet women handle it with grace and ease.

Looking for a job while juggling with your responsibilities at home may not seem easy but we have the perfect solution to help you restart or kickstart your career.

You may or may not have any professional experience but if you are ready to start working or get back to your old job profile, it is achievable.

It is not mission impossible, so keep reading to get the best guide for writing your stay at home mom resume.

In this blog, you will learn the proper and professional way to write your flawless homemaker resume. So read on to get the information we have laid out for you in this blog.

Let us begin this guide by introducing you to all the things that you will learn in this blog:

• What to write in your stay at home mom resume and how to write it?
• How to write your professional experience in an effective way?
• How to make an impact with your stay at home resume skills?
• What format to use while framing bullet points in your homemaker resume?

What is a Stay at Home Mom Resume & Why Do You Need It?

Your homemaker resume acts as the first point of communication between you and the recruiter. It is your ticket to land a job.

Your stay at home mom resume is the first step towards your dream job. It is a virtual representation of the skills which are required for the job that you are seeking.

The recruiters get an insight into your professional experience and your capabilities through your resume. Your goal here is to make sure that your resume is flawless and impressive to get an interview call for your target job.

But the one thing that you need to tackle here is the ATS system. Most recruiters rely on the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) for their hiring needs.

If your resume gets parsed by the ATS system, it has a higher chance of ranking in the ATS system, which means your resume will have a higher chance of getting shortlisted.

You need to curate a resume that is ATS-targeted. A resume that is not ATS-targeted might fall short and may end up never getting shortlisted.

While writing an ATS targeted resume is not easy, it is something that you can accomplish with this guide.

This guide will help you write a job-winning stay at home resume from scratch.

Also Read: How to craft an impeccable resume?

Stay at Home Mom Resume Sections

Picture in your head of how your resume will look after it is created. Do you like what you see? or are you unable to picture it clearly in your head?

Your resume needs to be divided into different sections to elaborate on the different details about you and your skills as well as your work experience.

Arrange your stay at home mom resume sections in the following manner:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if applicable)
• Additional Information (if applicable)

Do Read: A perfect guide to sections in a resume.

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Header

Most of the time people ignore the importance of the profile header wherein it is an important factor in a resume.

Follow the given points to write your resume header the right way:

• Your header should be written using the largest fonts between 16-20 font sizes to make it stand out in your nstay at home mom resume.
• It should be placed at the top-most part of your resume.
• Now if you have a middle name, use only the initials of your middle name and place it in between your first and last name.
• Example: Joanna Aquamarine Smith should be written as "Joanna A. Smith".

Take a look at the perfectly composed resume header which is an ideal stay at home mom resume example:

Also Read: Tips for creating a resume header.

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Personal Information

The personal information section in your homemaker resume should consist of the following details:

• Contact number
• Current location

LinkedIn/Personal Website

Your contact number.

Provide only the active number that you use for a recruiter to get in touch with you. They would not bother calling you repeatedly till they get you on the line.

Remember, it is you who is looking for a job because in a sea of resumes the recruiter can always pick other eligible applicants if they cannot get to you.

Give your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number and a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.

Example:(+1) 82374 29371

As your email ID is the official means of communication between you and the recruiter, it should be professionally composed and should not include fancy email names.

Take a look at the examples below:

Example 1: beautyqueen@xyz[dot]com Example 2: emilybronte@xyz[dot]com

On observing both examples, you will find that example 2 looks more professional.

Example 2 uses the real full name as their email ID. This is the correct way of composing emails.

Current Location

Always give your current location in your resume. If you are looking for a job in your own country, simply mention the city and state you are living in.

In case you are looking for a job in another country, simply mention the name of the city and country you are residing in.

Adding links of your LinkedIn account and personal websites can be an added advantage and it will allow the recruiter to understand your professional identity without limiting it just to your resume.

Also Read: Dos & Don'ts of writing the personal information section. >

Another stay at home mom resume example of your personal information should look as given below:

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Profile Title

Your profile title is your latest job title. It lets the recruiter know where you stand in your career. It also states if you are an experienced or an entry-level applicant.

Use the 2nd largest font size of 14-16 in your resume to write your profile title.

Look at the example given below to check how your profile title should look like in your homemaker resume:

Here we have presented the stay at home mom as someone who has worked as a content editor and so the profile title is written accordingly.

Now the recruiters are well aware that the stay at home mom is a content editor. Likewise, your profile title should speak about your field of work and your professional status.

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Professional Experience

This is one of the most important sections of your resume. It is this section that will allow you to elaborate on all your skills and experience.

Do not miss out on any important details while filling this section.

Keep in mind that you need to update the recruiter with all the important aspects of your professional experience and relate it to the present job that you are applying for.

Frame your professional experience section in your stay at home mom resume by following the points that we have mentioned below:

• STAR format
• Framing points

Grouping & Highlighting

Star format.

This is what the STAR stands for:

• S stands for situation : The situation/backdrop/context of your contributions
• T stands for task : The actual task that was assigned to you
• A stands for action : The strategy you used to execute the assigned task
• R stands for result : The result/outcome of your action in the form of an achievement figure

Use the STAR format as it is the ideal format for structuring the professional experience section of your stay at home mom resume.

It establishes the cause-effect relationship which helps your resume stand out. It also helps in advancing your job application as you can communicate your achievements in the form of an achievement figure.

This is a practical demonstration of your skills as quantifying your achievements shows the extent of your expertise in your chosen domain.

Framing Points

It is your responsibility to keep the recruiter interested in reading your stay at home mom resume, so make it worth the read.

If your resume fails to do the bare minimum of being read by the recruiter, your chances of getting shortlisted drastically dwindle.

Here are two examples showing the two ways in which people compose this section of their resume. Your task here is to evaluate them:

Corresponded with authors to develop preferred documentation style as per the clients' requirements

Culminated 2+ manuscripts with a word count of ~5k for various authors

Scrutinize the manuscripts using editing & proofreading to create a high-quality product

Scanned for typos to avoid errors to enhance the authors' work quality

Framing Points: Analysis

It is very clear from the two examples that framing points (example 2) help in enhancing your statements in a resume.

Using bulleted one-liner points makes it easier to list your roles & responsibilities in your resume. It also makes your resume easy to read and comprehend.

There is no point in writing a bulky and lengthy paragraph in your resume (example 1) as it makes no sense when you drag your points for too long at a stretch.

Both the example are stating the same thing yet example 2 is more specific without unnecessary words unlike example 1 which makes your resume look bulky.

Another important aspect of composing your professional experience section is the grouping & highlighting of your points.

This will efficiently highlight your skills and achievements in your homemaker resume.

Grouping your points under unique subtitles makes your points specific and highlighting the important keywords helps the recruiters stay interested in your job application.

Let us look at these two given examples to compare how grouping & highlighting your statements in your resume is better than a plain statement:

• Compiled subject requirements & worked under the supervision of senior writers

Coalesced with writers, graphic designers & type-setters to create error-free articles & stories every week

• Facilitated the timely delivery of manuscripts & articles for clients to meet deadlines
• Collaborated with the Editorial team to complete 20+ copy-editing assignments for timely product delivery

Manuscript Analysis & Line Editing

• Coalesced with writers, graphic designers & typesetters to create error-free articles & stories every week

Product Delivery & Copy Editing

Grouping & Highlighting: Analysis

From the two examples given above, we can see that it is easier to understand example 2 as it is better organized than example 1.

Creating unique subheadings for grouping similar points makes it easier to create a clear picture of your professional caliber.

Highlighting your points directs the recruiter's attention to your key achievements under each point. Thus, it enhances your chances of getting noticed by a recruiter which ultimately helps you in getting shortlisted for a target job.

To conclude, use grouping & highlighting to frame your professional experience so that the recruiters can identify your achievements and capability.

If you have an existing resume, get it professionally reviewed by our in-house team of resume experts at Hiration.

Also Read: How to compose the work experience in your resume? .

Given below is a sample stay at home mom resume showing what a perfectly composed professional experience section should ideally look like:

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Education

Your education section will come right below your professional section and it will help enhance your professional skills.

Your course of study highlights your knowledge in the field of any specific job position. So make sure that you provide the field of education course that you possess.

For those who do not have enough or zero experience, your educational qualification may play a vital role in positively influencing the recruiter.

While education is not as relevant as your professional experience in terms of a job application, it can make all the difference to your job application when you are applying for an entry-level job.

Given below is the format that you should follow when composing this section:

{Name of the school/university} | {Location} | {Dates} (in month and year format) {Name of the degree} | {CGPA}

Do Read: Guide on how to list education on resume.

Look at the example given below to see how your education section should look like in your resume:

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Certifications

Any certification(s) that you have completed should be mentioned in the certifications section of your resume.

It will help enhance your educational qualifications and professional experience.

Relevant certifications will make you a stronger candidate as it shows that you went the extra mile to go and get certified (even though your target job does not explicitly demand it).

As a result, it will give you a better chance than other applicants to land an interview or the job.

Your certification section must include the following details:

• Name of the Certification Course
• Name of the Affiliating Institution
• Location of the Institute
• Dates of enrollment and completion of the course (month and year)

The above points should be aligned using the format that we have mentioned below:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month and year format)

Also Read: How to list certifications on resume?

Time to shine by holding up your skills on a banner. Not exactly a banner in literal terms but you can use this section in your resume to mention all your efficient key skills.

This section will highlight all your expertise for the recruiter to notice at a glance itself.

Your key skills should contain the keywords used to describe the job profile you are applying for. It helps your resume to rank high in the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

Make sure that these key skills are connected to the points stated in your professional experience. Your key skills should be justified before they are framed.

Your stay at home mom resume key skills section should ideally look as given below:

In the example, you can see that your skills are standing out. Well, that is the whole idea, to attract the recruiter towards your potential.

You can also see that your technical efficiency is written separately under the skills. It is to specify the exact tool you are capable of using.

This adds weight to your skills section and lets the recruiter acknowledge your potential while shortlisting your resume.

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Summary

A summary should be written for the homemaker resume only if you have 3 years of professional experience.

But in most cases, resume for stay at home mom with no work experience should avoid writing a summary as it does not help in covering the existing career gaps.

Read the following points to write a summary of your stay at home mom resume:

• Start your summary by mentioning the years of experience you have. Keep in mind that the recruiter will read your summary for roughly 6-7 seconds so make it count.
• Write only 3-4 lines of the summary to make it an on-point statement. Do not overstretch your summary as it would seem unnecessary and irrelevant.
• Your summary should contain a brief explanation of your past work experience. So when you curate this section, make sure that you cherry-pick the best highlights of your career to enhance the effectiveness of your stay at home mom resume summary.

Do Read: How to write the perfect resume summary.

Stay at Home Mom Resume: Objective

A resume objective is often written by those professionals with 0 to less than 3 years of work experience.

For stay at home moms, a resume objective should be written vis-a-vis a resume summary as you have employment gaps.

Objectives are often written to cover up the gaps in your career. As a stay-at-home mom, you will have to write an objective that includes your experience as well as your activities during your gap.

Follow the given points to write an objective for stay at home mom with no work experience resume or resume for homemaker returning to the workforce:

• Mention all the details of your past professional experience and focus on how you managed to keep yourself busy during the gap of your professional journey.
• Never write a stay at home mom in your resume because that is an unprofessional way to address the gap in your career.
• If your skills are presented correctly the recruiter will be more focused on your capabilities and not your gap.

Here is your stay at home mom resume sample to have a better understanding of how an objective is written:

Don't Miss: Detailed guide on creating the resume objective.

Stay at Home Mom Resume Samples

Here is an example of how your stay at home mom resume template should look like:

• Correspond with authors to develop preferred documentation style in accordance with client requirements
• Culminate 2+ manuscripts with a word count of ~5k for different authors
• Scrutinize the manuscripts through multiple rounds of editing & proofreading to create high-quality end product
• Scan for typos & avoid errors of omission or commission to enhance the quality of the authors' work
• Interweave research data to create 7+ articles on a weekly basis for the official blog & social media platforms
• Research & subsequently compose 900+ words of content about various blogs for client reference per week
• Engaged in outreach programs to empower stay-at-home moms with basic computer knowledge
• Participated in education workshops for 100+ children-at-risk to achieve universal child literacy
• Taught English language to 30+ students of Seashore High School through their online portal
• Vetted articles by writers & prepared enticing drafts via Adobe Illustrator 6 for the final review by the Chief Editor
• Coordinated with the Design team to prepare graphical outlook & layout for clients based on their industrial needs
• Compiled subject requirements & worked under the supervision of senior writers to analyse writers' manuscripts
• Coalesced with writers, graphic designers & type setters to create 5+ error free articles, news & stories on a weekly basis
• Facilitated the timely delivery of manuscripts & articles for clients to meet deadlines with 100% accuracy
• Collaborated with the Editorial team to complete 20+ copy-editing assignments per week for timely product delivery
• Prepared an effective checklist for proofreading & ensuring quality before signing off the manuscript for printing
• Delivered high quality content free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, & false notions
• Generated 30% revenue for the publishing house by assisting the Marketing team during the ' Annual Book Fair '
• Published 40+ articles in collaboration with other publishing houses for the monthly issue of the Publisher's Journal
• Top 10 percentile of the class

Key Takeaways

• Never mention stay-at-home mom in your resume as it is not the professional way to write your status
• Make sure to follow the grouping & highlighting method while writing your professional experience
• Do not forget to mention your achievements by adding figures wherever possible to specify your points
• Write a summary if you have 3+ years of experience. If you don't, write a resume objective
• Focus on what you are capable of executing effectively and write down your skills
• Provide details of your extra-curricular activities during the gap of your career to avoid being assumed as an idle applicant
• Emphasize on your education and certifications for enhancing your chances of being shortlisted

Now that is a wrap of the blog and you are ready to go write your stay at home mom resume. Follow the guide you just read through and frame your flawless resume to achieve your dream job.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Log In to Resume Trick

• Log in with Google

Forgot password?

Don’t have an account? Sign Up here

Create your free account

Please verify email. check your inbox and follow the activation link., recover your password.

Please enter your email to reset your password. You will receive letter with the password reset link.

Stay-at-Home Mom Resume: How to Write

• Aug 18, 2024

Returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom is a significant step, and a well-crafted resume is your gateway to success.

A stay-at-home mom is a working mom. Being a stay-at-home mom is a job. Cobie Smulders

While the invaluable experiences gained during this period may not fit the traditional mold of a professional career, they are nonetheless rich in skills that employers value.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of how to write an effective stay-at-home mom resume. Create an application document that showcases your unique talents and highlights what makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

Stay-at-Home Mom Resume Examples

Project Coordinator Resume Template Use template Download PDF

Bookkeeper Resume Example

Juana Bush Orem, UT Email: [email protected] Phone: 801-765-2008 Objective: Detail-oriented and dedicated Bookkeeper with a solid foundation in accounting and extensive experience in financial management. Seeking to leverage my skills in maintaining accurate financial records and providing reliable financial reporting to contribute effectively in a bookkeeping role. Returning to the workforce after a 3-year family break. Skills: Extensive experience in managing full-cycle accounting processes and financial reporting. Proficient in QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Microsoft Excel for data entry, reporting, and analysis. Known for meticulous attention to detail in managing financial transactions and ensuring accuracy. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize deadlines effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with clients and stakeholders. Professional Experience: Stay-at-Home Parent (Orem, UT) May 2021 – Present Manage household finances, including budgeting, bill payments, and expense tracking. Develop and maintain detailed spreadsheets to track expenses and income. Utilize QuickBooks Online for personal financial management and reporting. Organize and document financial records for tax preparation. Senior Bookkeeper | Summit Accounting Services (Orem, UT) June 2018 – April 2021 Managed full-cycle accounting processes for a portfolio of 15 clients, overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, resulting in an average client satisfaction rating of 95%. Led month-end and year-end closing processes, achieving a 98% accuracy rate in financial reporting. Reconciled bank statements and ledgers, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly, reducing errors by 20%. Utilized QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel to prepare financial statements and analyze financial data, contributing to a 15% increase in efficiency in reporting and data analysis. Junior Accountant | Summit Accounting Services (Orem, UT) June 2014 – May 2018 Assisted in preparing financial statements and reports for management review, supporting strategic decision-making that resulted in a 10% reduction in operational costs. Conducted monthly account reconciliations, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies, and improving reconciliation process efficiency by 25%. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline accounting processes, reducing processing time by 30%. Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting | Utah Valley University (Orem, UT) Graduated: May 2014 Certifications: Certified Bookkeeping Professional | Utah State University (renewed in 2024) Advanced Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Administration | Universal Accounting School (2024)

Translator Resume Template

Dentist Resume Example

Dora Bailey 1327 Stanley Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550 Email: [email protected] Phone: (555) 555-5555 LinkedIn: dorabailey Objective: Experienced dentist with a passion for providing exceptional oral healthcare, seeking to re-enter the workforce after a fulfilling period as a stay-at-home mom. Eager to bring five years of dental expertise and patient care skills to a dentist position. Professional Experience: Full-Time Parenting , Hempstead, NY (April 2022 – January 2024) Took a two-year hiatus to focus on raising and nurturing 2 children. Utilized organizational and multitasking skills to manage household responsibilities. Volunteered in the community, demonstrating commitment and leadership abilities. Dentist , Dental Care Associates Hempstead, NY (January 2017 – March 2022) Conducted comprehensive dental examinations and formulated treatment plans. Performed various dental procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Educated patients on oral hygiene practices. Maintained accurate patient records and ensured compliance with healthcare regulations. Dental Intern , Bright Smiles New York, NY | May 2014 - August 2017 Assisted in conducting oral examinations, assessments, and routine cleanings, contributing to the overall patient experience. Participated in chairside procedures, including dental fillings, extractions, and other preventive treatments. Engaged with patients to ensure their comfort, address concerns, and provide post-operative care instructions. Volunteer Work: Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Volunteer , Local Elementary School Hempstead, NY (August 2022 – September 2023) Coordinated and executed school events, showcasing organizational and teamwork skills. Collaborated with teachers, parents, and administrators, enhancing communication abilities. Education: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) , College of Dentistry New York University, NY Graduated: May 2017 Completed a rigorous program with a focus on dental diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. Bachelor of Science in Biology , College of Arts and Sciences Syracuse University, NY Graduated May: 2013 Skills: Dental Expertise. Experience in conducting examinations and performing dental procedures. Patient Care. Adept at educating patients on oral health practices and delivering compassionate care. Record Keeping. Meticulous in maintaining accurate and confidential patient records. Communication. Strong communication skills, both with patients and within a team. Additional Information: Professional Development. Kept abreast of advancements in dentistry during the stay-at-home period.

Marine Biologist Resume Template

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Contact Information

Writing your contact information on a stay-at-home mom's resume is a critical element that allows potential employers to reach out to you.

Here's how you can format and present your contact data:

• Place the contact information at the top of the resume as the header .
• Your full name should be the first item.
• Include a phone number where you can be easily reached.
• Use a professional email address.
• If you have a LinkedIn profile that enhances your professional image, include the URL.
• Include your city and state if you are comfortable doing so. Specify "Remote" if needed.
• You can include a stay-at-home mom resume headline above the section detailing your experience.

Approximately one in five American parents stay home for some time after having kids. (Pew Research Center)

Writing the experience block for a stay-at-home mom resume requires highlighting the skills and accomplishments gained during the time spent managing a household and caring for a family. Even though it may not be conventional work experience, you can showcase your abilities effectively.

• Choose the right format. Consider using a combinational or functional resume format .
• If you had professional work experience before becoming a mom, it's important to include that in your resume as well.
• Break down your responsibilities as a household manager .
• If you engaged in volunteer work during your time as a stay-at-home mom, note it.
• Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide a clearer picture of your impact.
• Underline key achievements, duties, and skills acquired in your previous roles.

Here is an example of job history for a resume for a stay-at-home parent:

Full-Time Parent | Portland, OR | January 2023 – Present Manage household finances, implementing budgeting strategies that led to a 15% reduction in monthly expenses. Coordinate and schedule various family activities, including school extracurriculars, and medical appointments. Design and implement educational activities to stimulate intellectual and creative growth for two children. Actively engage in community involvement, volunteering for local events and collaborating with other parents for school initiatives. Bookkeeper | Portland, OR | January 2019 – December 2022 Managed and maintained accurate financial records, including accounts payable, receivable, and general ledger entries. Conducted regular reconciliations of bank statements, ensuring accuracy and identifying any discrepancies for prompt resolution. Processed invoices, expense reports, and receipts in a timely manner, facilitating smooth financial transactions. Collaborated with vendors to negotiate favorable terms and resolve billing issues, ensuring cost-effective operations.

By presenting your stay-at-home experience and integrating your previous work history, you'll create a compelling stay-at-home mom resume section.

How to Explain Gaps

60% of Americans think it is best for at least one parent to stay home with children. (Pew Research)

Being a parent is one of the most important jobs anyone can do. However, when looking for an occupation outside the home, it's essential, to be honest about the gaps in your employment history. Below is the advice for explaining breaks in tenure on a stay-at-home mom's resume.

Be truthful and upfront. Don't try to hide the fact that you have been a stay-at-home parent. Tell that you took time off to raise your kids and give them the best start in life. Be prepared to answer questions about your career gap in interviews. Annotate how you kept up with industry trends and developed skills while away from work. Show employers that you are serious about returning to the workforce by taking classes or attending workshops/seminars related to the post. This will illustrate to bosses you are committed to working and staying current on skillsets required for success.

Remember, employers understand that individuals take breaks for various reasons. By addressing the gap in a positive and transparent manner, you demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

When drafting a resume for a stay-at-home mom, sort your education in chronological order , from the most recent to the oldest. This assists managers in understanding how you have developed over time, and how your skills have grown.

For each entry, include the degree earned, the major or field of study , the name of the institution , and graduation date . If you have a college degree, you can generally omit high school details unless you have limited higher education.

Indicate any relevant honors or awards and organizations or clubs you were involved with.

For example:

Master of Science in Technology Tech University , San Francisco, CA | Graduated: May 2021 Bachelor of Arts in English Literature City College , New York, NY | Graduated: June 2018 Completed a thesis project on "The Impact of Technology on Modern Literature." Recipient of the Academic Excellence Award for outstanding performance in Computer Science.

Overall, ensure that you include all of your pertinent educational backgrounds and write as much detail as possible about each one. This will help employers better understand your background and provide them with an accurate picture of you as an individual and professional.

Resume Skills

The skills section of a stay-at-home mom resume serves as a key component to communicate your qualifications to potential employers. It can be divided into two primary categories: hard and soft skills .

Hard skills are tangible, measurable abilities that are specific to a particular job or industry. These often include technical proficiencies such as project management, data analysis, or graphic design.

In contrast, soft skills encompass personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that contribute to your overall effectiveness in the workplace. Examples of soft skills include effective communication , time management, and adaptability.

Here are possible stay-at-home mom resume skills examples:

Stay-at-home mom resume soft skills:

• Effective Communication.
• Adaptability.
• Problem-Solving.
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.
• Team Collaboration.
• Critical Thinking.

Stay-at-home mom resume hard skills:

• Budgeting and Financial Management.
• Event Planning.
• Record Keeping.
• Technology Proficiency.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Social Media Marketing.

Resume Summary

Crafting an effective resume summary is crucial in capturing the attention of potential employers and presenting a compelling overview of your qualifications. For a stay-at-home parent resume, the summary should succinctly highlight your skills, experiences, and aspirations .

Here's a guide on how to write a resume summary for a stay-at-home mom:

• Begin your summary with a powerful opening statement that reflects your enthusiasm and sets a positive tone.
• Emphasize the skills gained during your stay-at-home that are transferable to the workforce.
• Express your interest in re-entering the workforce and show your career goals.
• Customize the summary for each job application by aligning it with the specific requirements of the position.
• Aim for a concise summary, ideally within 3-4 sentences , to maintain readability.

Detail-oriented accountant with a successful track record in financial operations before dedicating time to family. Proficient in financial statement analysis, budgeting, and reconciliations, I am now eager to re-enter the workforce. During my time as a stay-at-home mom, I further honed organizational skills, showcasing proficiency in budget management and multitasking. Excited to contribute financial acumen and proven adaptability to a dynamic team.

Additional Information

The "Additional Information" section in a stay-at-home mom resume is an optional area . There you can include relevant details that might not fit into other parts of your application document but could still enhance your candidacy. Here are some suggestions on how to organize this section :

About three out of ten children (28%) in the United States today are raised by their moms at home. (Pew Research Center)

How to Write a Cover Letter

Composing a stay-at-home mom cover letter can be difficult. You may feel like you have gaps in your professional experience and want to take steps to showcase your skills. However, preparing an appropriate cover letter is possible.

Here are some tips for making your cover letter effective when you're a stay-at-home parent:

• Highlight skills. Even if you haven't worked professionally, you've probably developed skills through activities outside the workplace. Make sure to feature these skills in your cover letter and explain how they are applicable to the job you’re applying for.
• Showcase volunteer work. If you've volunteered as a stay-at-home mom, use this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and passion. Write what you did during your volunteer work, and how it has made you more qualified.
• Keep it short. Your cover letter should be concise while still providing all the necessary data. It should be no longer than 2 or 3 paragraphs.

Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE

Good example of stay-at-home mom cover letter:.

Dear Principal,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the teaching position at Springfield Middle School. With a passion for fostering a positive learning environment and a proven track record as an educator, I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences to the esteemed academic community.

Prior to my two-year hiatus as a stay-at-home mom, I was a teacher at Branson High School. In this role, I demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and fostering a supportive classroom atmosphere.

During my time away from the professional setting, I dedicated myself to the rewarding role of a stay-at-home mom. This period allowed me to further refine my organizational skills, patience, and adaptability, all of which are essential qualities for an effective educator. I actively engaged in educational activities with my own children, creating a stimulating and nurturing environment conducive to their growth and development.

I am confident that my diverse background, coupled with my dedication to student learning, makes me an ideal candidate for Springfield Middle School. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the educational mission.

Thank you for considering my application.

This cover letter example is effective because it skillfully tailors the applicant's experiences as a teacher and as a stay-at-home mom to the specific requirements of the teaching position .

The letter confidently addresses the career gap , highlighting transferable skills gained during the gap, and expressing genuine enthusiasm for the occupation. Its professional tone , personalized approach , and call to action make it a standout example.

Bad Example of Stay-at-Home Mom Cover Letter:

Dear Recruiter,

I am applying for the teaching position because I need a job, and I used to be a teacher before taking a break. I believe I can handle the job, and I'm ready to get back to work.

I have experience taking care of my own kids, so I'm sure I can handle other kids too. I need this job because being a stay-at-home mom is kind of boring, and I want something to do during the day.

I look forward to your response!

This example is considered bad because it lacks professionalism . It fails to showcase specific skills or experiences and does not convey enthusiasm or a genuine interest in the position. It is brief, and does not effectively address the candidate's qualifications or the school's needs.

Proofreading is a crucial step in creating a polished and error-free stay-at-home mom resume. Proper grammar and words are vital to making a good impression.

Here's some advice:

After completing your stay-at-home mom resume, take a break before proofreading. This allows you to approach the document with fresh eyes. Proofreading on a printed copy can help you catch errors that might be overlooked on a screen. Read each section of your resume aloud . This helps in identifying grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and missing words. Ensure consistency in formatting . Check for the use of font, bullet points, and other formatting elements. Run a spellchecker on your resume to catch basic spelling errors. However, don't solely rely on such programs, as they may not detect everything. Carefully review grammar , paying attention to subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, and proper punctuation. Look through the flow of information. Ensure that your stay-at-home mom resume has a logical and coherent structure. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to review your resume. A fresh pair of eyes can often see errors that you might have missed.

By following these steps, you can thoroughly proofread your stay-at-home mom resume, presenting a professional document. Or you can just use Resume Trick to avoid any formatting issues.

Using an online resume builder can offer several advantages:

• Templates and designs. This platform offers a variety of templates and design options, allowing users to choose a layout that suits their preferences.
• Time efficiency . Creating a stay-at-home mom resume from scratch can be time-consuming. Online builders streamline the process by providing pre-designed sections and prompts, helping applicants quickly input their information.
• Real-time editing. Job-seekers can make edits to their resume in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments and updates.
• Resume examples. To help individuals choose an effective way to showcase their unique experience, this online service offers a rich collection of stay-at-home mom resume samples .

Stay-at-Home Mom Resume: Conclusion

Working moms, stay-at-home moms, they’re both extremely hard jobs. Hilary Rosen

Stay-at-home moms often face distinct challenges when writing a resume. The notable career gap raises questions about current skills and industry relevance.

Despite these challenges, strategic emphasis on transferable skills, showcasing relevant experiences, and demonstrating a commitment to professional development can help stay-at-home parents overcome obstacles and present compelling resumes to potential employers.

Follow our guidelines to create a standout stay-at-home mom resume , lighting up your unique qualifications for success in professional endeavors.

Amanda Baker

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Amanda Baker is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career coach with over a decade of experience crafting compelling resumes and career marketing tools. As a black resume writer, Amanda brings a distinctive perspective to her work, guided by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of job seekers. Her ultimate goal is to equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge to confidently navigate the competitive job market.

Rate this article:

Like the article spread the word, related articles.

4 Audio Engineer Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Crafting an effective audio engineer resume is crucial for standing out in a competitive field ...

4 Veterinary Assistant Resume Examples and Tips for Success

Creating a standout veterinary assistant resume is crucial for those looking to advance their ...

Catering Resume Examples and Templates 2024

A well-crafted catering resume can be your ticket to landing the perfect role.

• Write Resume
• Resume Editing
• Resume Proofreading
• Resume Revision
• Linkedin Profile
• Bio Writing
• Resume Design
• Cover Letter
• Resume Review
• Our Writers

Stay-at-home mom resume: Tips & Examples

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/family-portrait-outdoor-fall-7584005

Being a stay-at-home mom provides you with more marketable skills than you think. From providing academic assistance and emotional support to delegating chores and budgeting, there are plenty of things to include in your stay-at-home mom resume to cover up for your career break.

To create an effective stay-at-home mom resume, think about where you are headed in your career, what skills you'd like to emphasize, and what job title you're targeting. Read our guide below to write a resume that meets the expectations of the hiring manager and gets you hired faster.

Should you list being a stay-at-home mom on a resume?

The biggest issue that puzzles a stay-at-home mom returning to the workforce is explaining the time off work that you took to raise children. Employment gaps always raise red flags with employers, so it is best to indicate that you left your job to be a stay-at-home parent. You can add being a stay-at-home mom to the Experience section and describe it just like a paid job.

If you worked part-time or studied at the university while raising children, then you needn't put "Stay-at-home mom" as experience on your resume. However, it might be an asset if you work in customer service, office administration, or another industry that requires multitasking, communication skills, and organizational skills. Anyway, be honest about it during the interview and explain that you raised kids, among other things.

How to describe your experience as a stay-at-home mom?

When writing a stay-at-home mom resume, you have two goals. Firstly, you need to explain that you took the time off work to raise a child to avoid raising red flags. Secondly, you should showcase that you kept your skills fresh and developed professionally during your career break.

Let's start with listing your stay-at-home mom resume experience.

Add it to your Experience section

Put your stay-at-home mom experience at the top of your Experience section. Even though it might not relate to your target job, this is where recruiters will immediately see it. Add start and end dates and format it like other jobs in the list.

List it like a full-time job

Describe your parenting experience and skills as if it were a paid job. Use Stay-at-Home Mom or Household Manager as a job title and add your physical location. Use bullet points to describe your primary duties and qualification highlights, such as managing a household budget, child development and tutoring, scheduling and planning, and other mom skills.

Remember that many of these valuable skills can be helpful in the workplace, so use the language that will resonate with hiring managers.

The main goal of adding your parenting experience to your professional resume is to explain the employment gap and show you've learned some skills. So, keep the job description concise - 3-4 bullets will be enough to show your transferable skills.

Example of stay-at-home mom resume experience

Stay-At-Home Mom May 2022 - July 2024

• Fostered a positive learning environment for 2 pre-schoolers, contributing to their cognitive and social development
• Implemented a structured daily routine, and organized household activities including cleaning and cooking meals
• Successfully negotiated and managed household finances, maintaining a balanced budget
• Operated a parenting video blog receiving 3,500+ visitors per month.

Tips to write a stay-at-home mom resume

In addition to adding your parenting experience, it is essential to update all sections of your resume so that it positions you for your dream job. Here's how to write a stay-at-home mom or stay-at-home dad resume that wins more interviews.

Choose the appropriate resume format

What resume format to choose depends on your career goals. As an experienced professional, you should use a chronological resume and list all your jobs and degrees backward starting with the most recent one.

If you are starting a new career path or have little relevant experience, then a functional resume is your best choice. This type of resume focuses on your hard and soft skills over work experience. Or, use a hybrid resume that is detailed about both skills and work history and is suitable for all types of stay-at-home moms.

Adapt it to the job description

Since most companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS), it is essential to insert relevant keywords into the resume. Without keywords, your application will get tossed as irrelevant. You can find keywords in the job posting - pay attention to the skills and credentials that the employer demands. Add to your resume just what the job ad focuses on.

A certified professional resume writer recommends that you insert keywords in the top third of your resume where they are most valuable for the system.

List relevant education

Use the Education section to list your degrees, certifications, and ongoing professional development. Organize your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the school name, major, and achievements.

If you used your time off work to go back to school, put the Education section above experience and add the details about your new degree.

Expand on professional experience

Your Professional Experience section is your biggest asset, so keep it informative and concise. Focus on relevant experience and, if possible, emphasize your career growth and achievements before taking a long parental leave. Your goal is to prove your professional competencies and position yourself as a knowledgeable, achievement-driven professional.

Format your existing resume using bulleted lists, not paragraphs. Write no more than 5-7 bullets for each job you had to keep your resume short and sweet.

Consider a resume objective

If you have a long career gap, adding the Objective section can help in your job search. Write 2-3 sentences at the top of the resume to summarize your biggest strengths and current career goals. Use it as an elevator pitch to impress an HR manager.

Discuss your key skills

Being a stay-at-home parent has equipped you with valuable skills that you can add to your resume without hesitation. Examples of such skills are project management, time management, coordination, negotiation, mediation, research, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Don't forget to list relevant professional skills as well. As a seasoned professional, specify both hard and transferable skills. For example, if you are a copywriter, you can add such skills as writing, copyediting, SEO optimization, and hard skills like CMS, WordPress, or Photoshop. Exclude the irrelevant skills from the table to keep your resume concise.

Emphasize professional development

In the resume of a stay-at-home parent, employers want to see that you developed professionally while unemployed. Ideally, you should add trainings, courses, or workshops you attended while raising children. If you completed projects as a freelancer, you may add these projects too. Employers value professionals who constantly work to improve their skills.

Listing unpaid experience or volunteer work can increase your chances for employment, too. If you fundraised for a charity organization, organized local garage sales, or worked in community development, mention this experience on your homemaker resume.

List achievements

As a stay-at-home parent returning to work force, you'll want to mention a few achievements on a resume. Read the job descriptions and recall your experience that aligns with them. These can be academic or professional achievements.

Examples of achievements are completing multiple projects on time, increasing sales, speaking at the conference, exceeding expectations, or winning the Employee of the Year title. Your goal is to impress the potential employer and show that you are willing to deliver results for an employer and outperform.

Don't stretch the truth

Your communication with the future employer should be based on trust. Even if you suspect that being a mom can affect your interview chances, don't hide this fact from the employer. Don't try to hide your career gap by adjusting the dates of previous employment. A quick background check will reveal the truth, and you will lose the career opportunity.

Add a matching cover letter

About 60% of employers expect cover letters with your resume. Remember that a good cover letter should be personalized and reflect your fit for the particular company and role. Keep your letter short - between 3 and 4 paragraphs - and focus on the most important experiences and achievements.

For stay-at-home moms, a cover letter is a place where they can explain the reason for an extended gap and what they did to keep their skills current.

Want to know how to update and perfect your resume so that it brings more results? Read our guide on how to perfect your resume in just 30 minutes .

2 Resume examples of stay-at-home parents

Are you here for a stay-at-home mom resume template? Pay attention to these stay-at-home mom resume examples:

Experienced stay-at-home mom resume sample

Why is this a good resume?

• It is professionally formatted. The resume uses a creative yet neat design which is easy to skim through. It is one page long, which is the recommended length.
• This resume has the objective section. It works as a professional summary, presenting the candidate's key strengths and the type of role they're looking for (staff development and customer service positions).
• It emphasizes work history. This candidate includes their experience as a stay-at-home mom with duties such as housekeeping and child development.
• It features educational background, relevant certifications and skills, among other things.

Once you are done with resume writing, update your online profile after a long break. Read our ultimate LinkedIn guide and prepare your profile for a successful job search.

Entry-level stay-at-home mom resume example

• It has the right format. This job-seeker uses a functional resume format which is best for someone with limited work experience. The resume features key competencies in social media and email marketing, as well as measurable achievement.
• Objective statement. The candidate uses the resume objective to summarize key skills and relevant experience, and aligns them with skills acquired while being a stay-at-home parent.
• Work experience is listed briefly and showcases marketing background along with being a stay-at-home mom.
• Effective formatting. The document has a plain formatting which is optimized for ATS software.

Adding your stay-at-home mom experience to the resume can emphasize valuable soft skills and build credibility with the potential employer. Be sure to list skills you developed while taking care of your kids, as they can be a valuable asset for many employers. Add parenting experience to your resume naturally, but be sure to focus on your job-related competencies in the first place.

In need of a standout resume?

A good resume can skyrocket your chances for employment even if you have a significant career gap. At ResumePerk, we write custom resumes for career switchers, parents returning to the workforce, experienced professionals, and more. You'll work directly with a qualified writer who will take all your requirements and expectations into account. Chat with us to learn more about our services!

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

Terms of Use

Privacy policy.

• Resume Checking
• Resume Assistance
• Buy Resume Paper
• Resume Consultant
• Entry-Level Resume
• Federal Resume Writing
• Federal Resume Writer
• Cover Letter Writing
• Resume Cost
• Free Resume
• Same Day Resume
• Resume Improvement
• Resume Fixer
• Resume Agency
• Career Change
• Resume Expert
• Write My Resume
• Resume Builder
• Resume Polish
• 24 hour Resume
• Resume Writer Near
• Resume Writer Jobs
• Write A Cover Letter
• CV Services
• Cover Letter Writing Service
• Resume Formatting
• CV translation
• LinkedIn Profile Writing
• Writers Near Me
• Translation Services
• Resume Preparation
• Resume Rewriting
• Academic CV
• Curriculum Vitae Editing
• Executive CV
• CV Specialist
• Biography Writer for Hire
• Bio Writers
• Designer For Hire
• Buy Resumes Online
• Cover Letter Writers
• CV And Cover Letter
• Certified Resume Writer
• Cheap Resume Writing
• Professional Resume Critique
• Check My CV
• Infographic Resume
• Cover Letter Editing
• Cover Letter Proofreading Service
• Linkedin Resumes
• Resume Critique Service
• Resume Editing Services
• Professional CV Writing

Copyright © 2024 resumeperk.com

Resume title

Press Enter to search

How to Write a Resume If You're a Stay at Home Mom

A guide by recruiters on how to write a successful stay-at-home mom resume in 2024, including a resume template you can download, resume samples and insights from recruiters.

3 years ago   •   10 min read

Being a stay at home mom can present unique challenges when you’re ready to go back into the workforce. Employers will notice a gap in your employment, and your skillset or certifications may be out of date.

Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to craft a resume that puts your best foot forward, particularly if you take some time to build on your current skills. Read on to find out what you should be including and what to leave out - and for some helpful tips to keep in mind as you get ready to look for a new position. Plus, we've also included a free resume template in Word or Google Docs format that you can use as a starting point.

A free stay at home mom resume template

Before we dive in to our recruiter perspectives, here's a sample resume for a stay-at-home mom or parent. Feel free to use it as inspiration as you write your own resume (download links below).

Download this free stay at home mom resume template: Google Drive | Microsoft Word

Mind your 'employment' gap

Do resume gaps matter? Sure — to some extent. Recruiters will want to know what's up with an employment gap, but it won't be prohibitive on its own. The key is to explain it, which is easily done when you're a stay at home mom (keep scrolling for detailed tips on how to do this).

Beyond the gap in your work with an employer, the most important thing to demonstrate to the hiring manager is that your skills are current. If you have done recent volunteer work, you should definitely include it. Freelance work that is related to the position you’re aiming at is also great to include.

If your skills aren’t current, read on to find out how to build your skills and add to your resume appropriately.

Read more: How to list gaps on a resume

How to list being a stay at home mom on a resume

If you want to include your work as a stay at home mom in your work experience, you should consider doing it in a format similar to this example:

Rather than “Growthsi” and the title below it, you could enter “Stay at home parent” (like in the following example), the dates of your time at home, and bulleted accomplishments along the lines of “Maintained a blog on parenting tips featuring 50+ articles averaging X page views” or “Created a 100+ member Facebook group providing support for stay at home parents” or how you’ve established and run an Etsy shop. Anything you include should be relevant to the job or position you’d like to apply for (with similar skills engaged).

Avoid including your stay-at-home mom experience as a 'work experience' or 'professional experience' — instead, like above, use an 'Other Experience' section title.

Read more: A stay at home mom's guide for getting back into the workforce

Building your skills while looking for a job as a stay at home parent

Just because you haven’t been with an employer for a while, you can still hone your skills, take courses, and potentially work on freelance projects during your job search. Each approach helps build your competency level in the eyes of hiring managers by demonstrating that you’re in touch with your skills.

One avenue to consider is looking for volunteer opportunities around your community. Non-profit organizations and parent/child-oriented groups are always looking for assistance with conducting outreach, fundraising, and holding events. If you’re interested in marketing, for example, helping to promote the Parent-Teacher Organization’s upcoming dance by creating and distributing flyers is definitely something you can include on your resume.

Read more: How to list volunteer work on your resume

Take a course

Depending on the field you’re interested in, it may help to look for relevant courses (either online or at nearby colleges). Some community colleges offer adult education courses to learn basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, which will help with all kinds of office work. If you’re more advanced, you can look for courses in a wide variety of fields, from computer programming to graphics arts. If you have more time to invest, consider enrolling for a two-year degree if your field of interest would benefit from it.

Read more: How to list certifications on a resume (with examples)

Freelance work

Lastly, taking on relevant freelance projects (such as writing copy for online companies, conducting lawn or landscaping services, or programming simple applications) will give you experience and accomplishments that will highlight how you’ve kept your skills current.

Read more: How to list freelance work on your resume

Formatting Your Resume

For an easy and time-saving boost to formatting your resume, you can start with the template above or browse our ATS-ready resume templates . Pick one that appeals to your background and the position you’re applying for, and enter in the details as you go.

Resume header

Your resume header should include your full name, phone number, email address, location (state and country, not street address), and potentially your LinkedIn profile. An example is below:

You can optionally include the job title of the job you're applying to in your resume's header.

Read more: What to include in your resume header

Resume summary

Having a summary at the top of your resume is a great way to introduce yourself as someone who “worked in [X field] for [x] years before taking four years off to raise two children”, as an example. Your summary can also encompass any recent activities or projects you’ve started, such as by stating “ In that time, started a successful copywriting business with x clients ”, or “ started and maintained a babysitting business with x clients ”.

Read more: Resume summary generator

Work Experience

All of your work experience should follow the same style of format. Regardless of when you last worked, you’ll want to list your previous employers in reverse chronological order (with the most recent employers on top).

Each of your listed employers should be followed by a series of bullet-pointed accomplishments. Start the bullet points with strong action verbs that are related to skills you’ll be using in the position you’re going into, ideally. Whenever possible, include a numerical value (such as “improved sales by 10 percent over X years”) to help employers understand exactly how much of a difference you made.

For each of your work experiences, note the company or organization, your job title, and the dates you worked there. Usually, this means listing the month and year, though you can sometimes leave off the month and display only the year — what’s more important is that you’re consistent with how you format your dates within your resume.

Read more: How to list your work experience on your resume

If you graduated some time ago (8+ years ago) : Your education section should be short and underneath your work experience. In this case, just include your degree name and your school name. You can leave off your graduation year to avoid any unwarranted age discrimination — something that unfortunately happens in today's hiring landscape.

If you returned to school or you graduated recently: You should list your education at the top of your resume if you recently completed a degree (while being a stay at home mom). Include the name of the school, the degree you graduated with, and the program you graduated from. Depending on the type of degree you received and the position you’re planning to apply for, you may also wish to add in the most relevant courses that you took (such as “Data Analysis” or “Software Engineering”) if they include keywords that relate to the job you're applying to.

Read more: How to list your education on a resume

Resume skills section

If you have a sufficient number of technical skills, you should include a skills section on your resume. This could be placed at the right hand side of the page, or at the very bottom. The skills you list should be appropriate for the position you’re applying for. As an example, if you’re applying to be an office manager, you could list “QuickBooks”, “Microsoft Office”, or “Google Calendar” as your skills. If you’re going into graphic design, list the programs you’ve worked with before.

For all of your skills (in the summary, body of your resume, and skills bank) you should aim to include ones that align with your background and the job you’re applying for. Refer to this list of resume skills and keywords to get an idea of what hiring managers and automatic screeners are looking for.

Chances are, being a stay at home mom has given you a host of transferable skills (such as time management, communication skills, and follow-through). You should definitely work these into your resume if you can, but remember to not list them directly into your resume — e.g. don't mention 'time management' skills, but show how you have delivered a project that required strong time management .

Read more: How to write a resume skills section

What to Avoid

While it may be tempting, particularly if you manage a complex household or go above and beyond in your daily duties, you should refrain from listing “Head of Household” or “CEO of Household” in the body of your resume. No matter how elaborate your work in this role, claiming it as job experience means you risk signaling to the hiring manager that you hold your household to be equivalent in the scope of duties and level of accountability as you would a business.

Generally speaking, CEOs of businesses hold much greater responsibility (from the business’s perspective) than heads of households, and significantly more financial risk is involved.

With that said, if you have made a spreadsheet to manage your family’s finances, you can definitely include Microsoft Excel in your technical skills . You may also be able to work it into your cover letter to demonstrate your commitment to organization.

Optimize and Fine Tune Your Resume

Once you’re finished building the bones of your resume, you can use a few different tools to optimize it and make adjustments that will enable it to get past automatic screeners.

Get feedback on your stay-at-home parent resume

As a stay at home mom, you can write an effective resume by highlighting any volunteer work, online courses, freelance work you did while being a stay-at-home parent. You should also use your past work experience and stay at home experience to highlight your soft and transferable skills. Once you’re done writing your resume, upload it to the tool below — this AI-powered tool will analyze your resume, highlight any trouble spots, and make recommendations in a quick and easy process.

Tailor your stay-at-home parent resume

If you know the job you’re applying for, Targeted Resume is another free AI-powered tool that will enable you to tailor your resume to that specific position. The tool will assess your resume based on the job you’re applying for and let you know what skills you might be leaving out.

Another good way to quickly target your resume to the job you’re applying for, is by including relevant keywords on your resume. Use the tool below to get a list of keywords relevant to the job.

General Tips for Your Job Search

Going back to work after taking time to care for your family is a big step, but keeping these tips in mind can help make it easier.

Your personal network could be your biggest resource when looking for a job. As many as 80 percent of people have gotten a job through someone they know, meaning that it would behoove you to ask around among your acquaintances to see if anyone has heard of something in the field you’re looking for.

Use social media

If you don’t have a robust social network (as sometimes happens when your focus is fully on your children), don’t despair. Build your profile on LinkedIn (using similar techniques as you did with your resume) and start reaching out to people at companies you’d like to work for. Alternatively, consider attending in-person networking events with your local Chamber of Commerce or those hosted at businesses themselves.

Go at your own pace

Looking for a job at any point in life can be stressful, so remember to care for yourself as much as possible during the job search. Reconnect with your family with ample quality time, during the job search and once you’ve secured a position. It can take time to get the ball rolling, but once you get back into the field, the soft skills you gained as a mother are bound to serve you well!

• Career Advice

Spread the word

Why networking is important and actionable steps to start today, how to write an opening statement for your resume + 10 examples, keep reading, how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), oops what to do if there’s a mistake on your resume, getting the basics right: resume line spacing, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.

🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.

Please enter a valid email address

Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Stay At Home Mom Resume Example

If you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past 5 or even more years, returning back to work can feel extremely exciting and frightening.

Check out this article provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on stay-at-home mothers through the years.

After such a large gap in your employment history, you may feel like your skills have gotten a bit rusty. And you may even feel like you don’t have much to offer as a part of the workforce. The good news is that it’s not quite true. You have all it takes to land a job and, with this guide, you are just a few scrolls away from your killer stay at home mom resume example .

First of all, even if you’ve been out of the game for some time, you still have some experiences to put on your stay at home mom resume. Besides, needless to say, that stay-at-home moms do have some real superpowers. So, all you need is to know a few tricks for transforming all you have into a flawless resume .

In this guide, you’ll discover dozens of head-turning stay at home mom resumes examples , and actionable tips for creating your own resume. Follow through to learn what makes a resume perfect and get ready for your grandiose return to the workforce.

How To Write a Stay At Home Mom Resume

Writing a convincing job application that can make potential employers want to recruit and eventually employ you isn’t an easy task when you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. You may have the right level of qualification, excellent education, and even lots of relevant professional experience. But, if your experience gap is too big, rejoining the workforce can be tough.

To get back into the game, you will need to craft a winning resume that will drive the recruiter’s attention and get you employed. As you can guess, ensuring success as a stay at home parent won’t be easy. So, it’s quite natural if you are wondering how to write a resume being a stay-at-home mom.

To get you started, let’s look at some basic tips :

• Tailor your resumes to a stay at home mom job description. Using a stay at home mom job description for resume helps you avoid making a generic resume that doesn’t stand out.
• Focus on the key skills you already have.
• Distract recruiters from your experience gap by putting the experiences section near the bottom of a resume, using only years for work dates, and drawing more attention to the skills section.
• Boost your chances to succeed in the job search by acquiring new skills.
• Complement your resume with a powerful cover letter.

Choose the Right Template for a Stay At Home Mom Resume

Now, let’s move to the actionable steps for writing a brilliant resume for stay at home mom. The first thing to take care of is the formatting and template for your resume .

The truth is, even if you’ve been out of the workforce for years, you still got everything to succeed. All you need is to lay it out for the recruiter the right way. So, here are a few handy tips for choosing a perfect stay at home mom resume template that will help you engage recruiters and employers:

• The reverse-chronological format is your best bet. Often, writing guides advise using a functional resume format in resumes for stay at home moms as it allows you to “hide” the gaps. But, your goal is not to hide but to explain your gaps.
• Don’t go over the limits with your design, fonts, and other elements. Keep it simple and clean.
• Structure your resume with consistent headings.
• Don’t make it cluttered with the info and leave lots of white space.
• Convert to PDF.

How to Write a Resume for Stay At Home Mom with No Experience

Writing a solid stay at home mom resume is hard by default as you will have to explain to the hiring managers why you had these huge gaps in your employment history. But, if you have no employment history at all, things get even tougher. Or, at least, so it seems.

Here are a few tips to help make resume sample for stay at home mom returning to work and still prove you are a great employee:

• Start with a resume objective.
• Put your education and skills sections higher.
• Emphasize the skills you have.
• Add extra sections.
• Bonus Tip: Consider an online job.

In this guide, we will also share with you a well-written sample resume created by pro resume writers for stay at home mom at Skillhub with no work experience created by one of our experts with years of experience in the resume writing business. Be sure to check it out to see how these tips work in practice.

Put Your Education on Resume or a Stay At Home Mom

The education requirements will always get down to the type of job you’d like to occupy. For example, opting for a job in finance, you will probably need at least a BA in a relevant field, but you may not be required to have a degree if you apply for a stay at home job. Despite this, the education section should always be included on a resume stay at home mom. After all, even if it’s not required for a job, at least it will help you make the right impression and get more interviews.

Besides, a solid education section can make up for the lack of experience or large gap.

Here is how to make it flawless:

• Don’t list only the highest level of education. Expand your section with other entries.
• Include such basic details as:
• School name/location
• Study years
• Provide extra info, such as minors (if any), relevant coursework, GPA, awards & honors, and other valuable accomplishments.

Put Skills on a Stay At Home Mom Resume

Whether you do or don’t have previous work experience, be sure that you do have plenty of vital skills. In fact, if you are a stay at home mom returning to work you probably have much more to offer employers than you could think. All you need to do is to prove this to the hiring manager and you will become a worthy applicant.

To put skills on a stay at home mom resume sample the right way, simply list the key soft and hard skills in a separate section. Also, don’t forget to include the best skills in your resume summary or objective and confirm them in your education and experience sections.

Here is a list of some of the most valuable stay at home mom resume skills job seekers may want to have in their applications:

• Organizational skills
• Computer & Internet skills
• Adaptability
• Self-motivation
• Written and verbal communication
• Strong ability to work under stress and pressure
• Time management skills
• Multi-tasking
• Conflict resolution
• Decision making

Add Contact Info to Your Resume

If you ask us what is the most integral part inherent in every sample resume for stay at home mom, that’s definitely a contact info section.

It should include:

• Phone number (important: updated and error-free)
• Professionally-looking email address
• Extras like links to your social media accounts.

Pro Tip: Please note that depending on the stay home moms jobs you are applying for, you may also need to show what you’re capable of through a personal portfolio. If that’s the case, be sure to make a clear and inspiring portfolio and include the link in the contact info section.

Add Other Sections to Your Effective Resume

Whether you have many years of experience gap or no past employment history at all, you will need to compensate for that through other sections of your resume . First of all, as you already know, you will need to emphasize your skills and education sections. But even that’s not all.

If you are wondering how to get a job after being a stay at home mom for 20 years, we recommend showing recruiting firms more of you with additional resume sections. Extra sections help to make up for the lack of experience and showcase your personality. Therefore, they can significantly boost your chances of being hired because (despite a common belief) employers are looking to hire humans, so they would love to learn more about your true self. 

So, what extra sections can help you land the working at home mom jobs of your choice? Here are some ideas you can use for your stay at home mom resumes samples:

• Languages - Knowing a foreign language gives a competitive advantage.
• Volunteering - Volunteering experiences on stay at home mom resume samples always attract attention.
• Hobbies & interests - If you have hobbies and interests that somehow align with the job, they can be a great addition to your resume.

Add Cover Letter to Your Stay At Home Mom Resume

If you are just about to return to the workforce after a large break, you will need to seek every possibility to impress the recruiters and grab it. Namely, to land a solid work at home mom job, you will need to prepare a killer cover letter.

Even if you have a job-winning sample resume for stay at home moms, a cover letter is one more opportunity to give your career a head start. So, you should make use of this opportunity.

Now, how can one create a top-notch stay at home mom resume cover letter? Here are the main points to keep in mind while writing:

• Keep it concise, meanwhile providing maximum value.
• Organize your cover letter well.
• Write it in a clear, formal, and positive tone.
• Get straight to the point.
• Use it to showcase your communication skills, stand out from the crowd of competitors, and make your application memorable.

Use Key Action Verbs

Why do you need resume keywords and action verbs on your resume for a stay at home mom going back to work? There are 3 big reasons:

• This way you avoid cliches and generic phrases.
• It helps your resume get noticed by the applicant tracking system (ATS).
• It helps make the right impression on recruiters.

But, what words exactly do you need to use? Here is a list of effective action verbs to consider:

• Participated
• Volunteered
• Contributed
• Spearheaded
• Accomplished
• Succeeded in

Stay At Home Mom Returning To Work Resume

The tips and steps we’ve shared so far work for all types of resumes. However, if you are writing a stay at home mom returning to work resume specifically, there are a few more tips we’d like to give you.

If you are returning to the workforce, write a skills-focused resume. When writing your sample resume stay at home mom returning to work, you want to emphasize your skills from the time when you were professionally active, as well as those skills you gained afterward. And don’t let your employment gap distract you, if the gap was too big, you just need to de-emphasize this section of your resume.

Start your resume with a summary instead of an objective. List a few key skills and professional achievements, and quantify them where possible.

In this guide, you can find many great resume for stay at home mom returning to work examples. Be sure to check them out to see what you should do to land an interview with ease.

Work From Home Resume

Things can be a bit more tricky when applying for a stay at home work. The problem is that employers can’t really test your skills before they hire you for a particular job, which is why they will be even more attentive when checking your resume.

Here are a few tips to help you nail a work from home resume:

• Make an extensive experiences section. List all relevant jobs and add 3-5 bullet points. You may also list positions that are not relevant to the job you are applying for, but you should indicate transferable skills.
• Use relevant keywords.
• List your strongest soft and hard skills.
• If you need a portfolio, create one and add a link to your contact info section.
• Find ways to build up some useful and relevant qualifications and/or skills.
• Also, when applying for a stay at home job, be ready to complete some sort of a test task.

More Resume Examples

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Raising Kids
• Working Parents

This Mom Believes We Need To Stop Comparing Working Moms To Stay-At-Home Moms

Being a parent is a challenging task and there is no one "better" way, one-size-fits-all approach to family life. Yet, many people believe that the best way to parent is to stay-at-home. In a study from 2014, 51% of people believe their children are better off with a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), while 34% believe the children are fine with a working mom.

Having been both a working mom and a SAHM, I find beliefs that working moms are absent-minded, away from their children , and less involved to be ridiculous and unfounded.

Parents / Getty Images

Why I Don't Worry About Being a Working Mom

While being a new parent is incredibly rewarding, most parents face judgement about every aspect of their parenting. From comments about what stroller you use , to questions on what your baby is wearing—parents and non-parents alike are thoroughly invested in the lives of new mothers and their children.

This is—of course—true for the working mom, who perhaps frightens people with her ability to juggle both motherhood and work. Which leads to fears, and doubts on her ability to perform well as both a mother and a working person. I mean, at some point, one has to give, right?

While I could never undermine the hard work that goes into being a fully employed parent , I feel people exaggerate the ways in which working moms and SAHMs differ. Having taken on both roles in my family, I debunked what it's really like to be a working mom and why I don't worry about not being home all the time.

We are all busy parents

One of the biggest complaints people have about working moms is that they are too busy to truly tend to their children. This has not been my experience. When I was a working mom, I spent more time with my children than ever before. My job was remote , and all my editing and writing work was filed from my living room couch. I was there when my kids got up and when they came home. I could run out on lunch breaks and see them, and I could bring forgotten projects and sneakers as needed.

Meanwhile, as a SAHM, I was constantly on the go. Whether I was volunteering at the school or running activities or taking my children on outings, I was home far more as a working parent with a remote job than I ever was when I was a SAHM. We are all busy parents, regardless of our work status.

It's good for children to be social

Working moms tend to provide their children with more opportunities to be social. Whether it's enrolling them in preschool as a toddler, or sending them off to a fun summer camp when school's out. As it turns out, working moms can socialize their children into a higher income. A study from 2018 showed that mothers who work are more likely to raise daughters that are employed as adults with higher-incomes.

Whereas, in some cases, SAHMs implement homeschooling and their children never have playdates, which means at some point, the children don't leave the house. Not only is it good for children to be social, to meet others, and to know that their parents are not the only people in the world who can care for them. The world is big, and I don't know a single SAHM or working one who doesn't appreciate some downtime away from her kids every once in a while.

Parents rarely rest

Some people believe that SAHMs get more rest than working moms, and that working moms arrive home too exhausted to tend to their children every day. In my experience, this is not true. I think the reality is that all parents are tired, regardless of their employment status.

Even for the years I was home with my children, I never once rested while they napped . There is always laundry to fold, phone calls to return, dishwashers to unload, paperwork to fill out, permission slips to sign, and on it goes. Parents' to-do lists are endless—working or not.

Cook. Or don't cook.

Some parents cook. Some parents don't. Many people assume that SAHMs make fresh meals each day and working moms don't, but that's false. Some SAHMs are so exhausted at the end of the day with their children that they decide to order a pizza (more power to them), and some working moms spend Sunday preparing the week's meals so it's as easy as popping a casserole into the oven in order to have a home-cooked meal. Long story short: The status of someone's career has no bearing on whether they prefer to cook for their family or not.

We all raise our children

Another misconception around being a working parent is that we don't have time to raise our children. However, being a working parent doesn't preclude a person from imparting values on their children.

In fact, I think it's safe to say that all parents discipline their children and speak to their children about what's right and what's wrong. It's the name of the game whether you work in an office or not. And SAHMs are not superwomen. When I was a SAHM I would get tired, too. We are all in the trenches, people. It's hard on both sides.

Weekends are still fun

The idea that working parents don't have fun on the weekends with their children couldn't be more wrong. Do chores pile up when you're working full-time and have children? Yes, of course they do. But two words: cleaning person. I know not everyone can afford cleaning help, but there's a much better chance if both parents are working that it's a possibility.

Many, many grocers also deliver now. So it is entirely possible to come home at night to a box of fresh produce and pantry staples sitting on your back porch. Technology! Look into it! And the best part: This leaves the weekends free for (you guessed it) the park and the beach—even for families with working parents.

Intimacy is not a problem

The belief that working moms are not as intimate with their partners as SAHMs is completely baseless. Oh for goodness sake, people! With sex, we all have time. It's a matter of how much of a priority it is. I'd venture that when I was working, I had more sex. Because I was creatively fulfilled and had a lot to talk about with my husband.

But that's just me. You might be different. Your neighbor might be different still. And her neighbor? Well, she may be doing all kinds of kinky things you have no idea about. And the best sex of all might just be the kind between two adults who feel supported in their roles, no matter what those look like.

There's No Right Way to Parent

The truth is, there's no one way to be the greatest parent ever. I have been and have known many SAHMs who don't feel creatively fulfilled—and their home life suffers. I have also known many working moms who struggle with balance and wish they could find it.

But I have also known the opposite. A working friend of mine once told me her two children "rise up and call me badass." Couldn't that be true? And in the end, aren't we all kind of badasses, on the same team, just trying to do right by our children and teach them how to be kind and happy adults?

Chapter 4: Public Views on Staying at Home vs. Working. Pew Research Center . 2014.

Learning from Mum: Cross-National Evidence Linking Maternal Employment and Adult Children’s Outcomes .  Work, Employment and Society. 2018 .

Related Articles

What Will It Take to End Stay-at-Home Mom Shame?

“Our culture around caregiving is ripe for reexamination.”

Even after I graduated from Stanford Business School, all I wanted to be was a mom.

So after my first child was born on New Year's Day 2016, I let myself dive into the experience. When I rocked my baby night after night at 3 a.m. (while endlessly scrolling Instagram), I was exhausted but content. I loved the sheer magic of watching a human grow and learning something new—in this case, the basics of how to take care of that being.

Five months later, I announced that I wanted to downshift my paid work to two days a week and spend the rest of my time at home enjoying said contentment. Everyone around me—from my husband to my mentors to my mother—had something to say about it.

My family worried I'd be bored. My friends thought I was turning my back on the Lean In rallying cry that was still in the zeitgeist. The internet served up working mom content with crisp blazer-clad power women. The inverse was the athleisure-clad women of the Real Housewives and the cultural depiction of overwhelmed mothers buried under laundry—a very slight upgrade from the apron-clad mothers of the 1960s serving cocktail trays to their husbands after a long day at the office.

When I announced that I wanted to downshift my paid work to two days a week and spend the rest of my time at home, everyone had something to say about it.

Meanwhile, I felt more modern and ambitious than ever before. My husband and I had agreed to block and tackle housework. He made the meals; I held down the fort with the baby. Our relationship felt equitable, not traditional. Sure I was tired (caring for a newborn isn’t easy) but I was also inspired. Learning how to take care of my child and meeting my new, postpartum self reinvigorated me to explore what came next.

I was tinkering with a new idea online—which would eventually become Mother Untitled , the first community for women on career pauses to focus on family. I felt creative, not stagnant. The time I spent at home, away from my professional duties, allowed me to explore new ideas and engage in creative experimentation.

I was meeting women on the playground and in baby classes who occasionally wore athleisure—never aprons. None of us were confined to our homes. We talked about our former careers, new ideas that inspired us, and what we were learning about ourselves during this time. None of us fit the outdated caricature of the stay-at-home mom. But all of us felt judged—shamed, even—by someone in our orbit, who thought we were "giving up" on our drive, productivity, success, or worse, our feminism. Even for the most self-assured of us, that shame can cause us to question our choices or feel self-conscious when someone at pick-up asks, “What do you do?” Above all, that shame makes us generally enjoy this time in our lives a little less than we deserve to.

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

All of us felt judged—shamed, even—by someone in our orbit, who thought we were 'giving up' on our drive, productivity, success, or worse, our feminism.

Fast forward eight years and little progress has been made. Stay-at-home moms still feel judged and shamed for their choice. Last year, when Mother Untitled surveyed 1,200 mothers in full-time stay-at-home motherhood or downshifted careers, more than half of them said they received negative feedback when they announced that they wouldn’t immediately be returning to work. In response to the question, “How do you feel others perceive your decision to become a stay-at-home mom?” the most common answers were “misunderstood, spoiled, and judged.”

Indeed, nearly 80 percent of our survey participants said they felt that most people don’t understand the work that goes into being a primary caregiver. This lack of understanding adds to the stigma of stay-at-home mothering, which only reinforces the shame.

The first step to gaining understanding and lifting the stigma around stay-at-home motherhood is realizing that all parents share more similarities than differences. There’s no need for there to be a divide between stay-at-home mothers and mothers who do paid work outside the home. Our survey results prove this: 1 in 3 mothers in the general population reported being extremely likely to pause their careers for family in the next two years, and half said they planned to downshift their working hours. Ninety percent of stay-at-home parents want to return to the workforce after time away from their careers.

The first step to lifting the stigma around stay-at-home motherhood is realizing that all parents share more similarities than differences.

All of this points to a unifying fact—our generation of women is ever-evolving when it comes to the work and family equation. Stay-at-home mothers will likely become working mothers at some point, and working mothers may become stay-at-home mothers. And more of us exist in the gray area between these categories than ever before.

We also need to reexamine the assumption that stay-at-home motherhood is a luxury, available only to the privileged. First, in defining the role in this way, we deny full-time caregivers the dignity and respect the essential work of raising kids demands. It's important to note, too, that for many families—62 percent, according to our survey—the decision to stay home with their children is often fueled by financial need. In the U.S., many families simply can't afford the exorbitant cost of childcare. When our culture can part with the idea that stay-at-home motherhood is a luxury, we can adopt a more nuanced view of every parent's choices and the immense work of parenting in all its forms—a view that lets us continue to find more common ground.

When we meet on that common ground, such as at the school drop-off line, I challenge you to ask a parent you may have overlooked as " just a stay-at-home mom" about her plans for the day. You may find that her response shifts your perspective. She may share a class, side project, hobby, or volunteering gig she's working on, alongside motherhood, as half of the stay-at-home parents in our survey reported. If she’s focusing on her family at this moment, it's important to recognize that constant caregiving entails more than packing lunches or folding clothes, as it's often portrayed. It demands endless research and real skills, from tackling sleep issues to managing big emotions—including your own.

Stay-at-home mothers will likely become working mothers at some point, and working mothers may become stay-at-home mothers.

These are shared issues for mothers, whether they work at home or do paid work (or something in between). For far too long, our culture has devalued the significant daily work of caregiving, viewing it as less important, easily outsourced, or mundane compared to the productivity of the workforce. This dismissive attitude often looks down on parents who dedicate their time to caregiving responsibilities. What we know now, from a variety of research , is that parenting is the most demanding it's ever been, with the advent of screens, a rise in bullying and mental health issues, and constant information overload. While these responsibilities belong to all parents, for stay-at-home parents, they take place against the backdrop of daily, minute-by-minute caregiving and can be an education in and of itself.

I was lucky enough to go to one of the best business schools in the world. But I got my greatest education—on who I really am and what I wanted to become—in my five years as a full-time, at-home parent. Maybe that was what I was yearning for when I applied to grad school in the first place.

Our culture around caregiving is ripe for reexamination. Much attention has been paid to how we can better support working parents. It's time to include stay-at-home mothers in the conversation—and end stay-at-home mom shame for good.

Neha Ruch is the founder of  Mother Untitled , the leading platform for ambitious women leaning into family life. A thought leader, influencer, and sought-after speaker focusing on women, work, parenting and identity, Neha’s work at Mother Untitled is catalyzing a shift in how society views stay-at-home motherhood. Her book, THE POWER PAUSE : How to Plan a Career Break After Kids – and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, will be published by Putnam in January 2025.

21 luxury perfumes to help you do it.

By Kayla Greaves Published 28 September 24

"Why am I here and why am I even allowed to talk to these individuals?"

By Danielle Campoamor Published 28 September 24

The monarch's ongoing dispute with Prince Andrew is allegedly the reason why the Duchess of York is MIA.

• Contact Future's experts
• Advertise Online
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.