Thinking about going back to work after being a stay-at-home mom? It’s a big step—and let’s be honest, it’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. You might be wondering: “Do I still have what it takes?” or “How do I explain my time away?” Trust me, you’re not alone.
The truth is, you already have so much to offer—your experience as a mom has given you a ton of transferable skills, and your professional background is still valuable. With a little planning and preparation, you can transition back into the workplace with confidence. Here are five practical tips to help you navigate the process and stand out as the amazing candidate you are!
1. Focus on Continuing Education
One of the best ways to bridge the gap in your career is by keeping your skills fresh. Whether it’s online courses, certifications, or workshops, continuing education not only updates your knowledge but shows future employers you’ve been proactive.
Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and even local community colleges offer flexible options for busy moms. For example, if you worked in HR before, consider brushing up on new HR software or earning a certification like SHRM-CP or PHR.
Pro Tip: Adding these updates to your resume gives you a competitive edge and proves you’re ready to hit the ground running.
2. Volunteer During Your Career Break
Volunteering is a fantastic way to keep your skills sharp, fill gaps in your resume, and even learn something new. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your previous career or new interests.
For example, if you worked in marketing, help a nonprofit with their social media strategy. If you were in HR, offer to assist with recruiting or onboarding at a local organization. Volunteer roles demonstrate initiative and leadership, qualities every employer values.
Bonus: Volunteering can also help you network and discover job opportunities!
3. Craft a Killer Resume
Your resume is your ticket to landing interviews, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make it shine. As a stay-at-home mom, you may worry about career gaps—but don’t! Focus on what you’ve accomplished, both professionally and personally.
• Highlight your career wins: Use bullet points that focus on measurable achievements from your previous roles.
• Include volunteer work or certifications: These fill gaps and showcase your continued growth.
• Tailor your resume for each job: Customize it to match the job description by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
Need help? Grab my Resume Template Bundle tailored specifically to stay-at-home moms to help you create a resume that stands out!
4. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
As a stay-at-home mom, you’ve developed a range of skills that are incredibly valuable in the workplace. Think about it—project management, problem-solving, multitasking, budgeting, conflict resolution… sound familiar?
Take time to identify the skills you’ve honed during your break and link them to the roles you’re applying for. For example:
• Time management: Juggling family schedules translates to meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Managing relationships at home reflects excellent interpersonal skills.
• Adaptability: Parenting prepares you for any curveball a workplace can throw your way.
When interviewing, don’t shy away from discussing these skills. Employers value candidates who can think outside the box and bring unique perspectives to the team.
5. Brush Up on Interview Skills
The job market has evolved, and so have interviews. Employers now rely heavily on virtual interviews and behavioral questions to assess candidates. Here’s how to prepare:
• Practice answering common questions like “Why did you take a career break?” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
• Test your tech! Make sure your camera, microphone, and internet are all set for virtual interviews.
• Dress for success—even if it’s a Zoom interview, a polished look boosts confidence and leaves a great impression.
Quick Tip: My Return-to-Work Toolkit includes an interview guide with questions AND answers to help you walk into (or log into) interviews with confidence.
Ready to Make Your Return?
Returning to work as a stay-at-home mom is a bold move, and with the right preparation, you can make it an incredibly rewarding one. The journey might feel uncertain at times, but you’ve got this—and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re looking for step-by-step guidance to make your comeback seamless, check out my Return-to-Work Toolkit, designed to help moms like you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Your next chapter starts now—let’s make it amazing!
What’s your biggest challenge about returning to work? Let’s chat in the comments!
