Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms Returning to the Workforce
Finding a fulfilling career can be tough for stay-at-home moms. Pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Then, research jobs that match your skill set. Use online resources and informational interviews to learn about different industries.
Additional Factors:
Think about your values and family life when researching career options. Certain professions require travel or long hours. Others have more flexibility, to balance family responsibilities. Take time to evaluate each option before deciding.
Tailor Your Approach:
To increase success, customize resumes and cover letters to job postings. Showcase transferable skills from parenting, volunteering, or education. Reach out to friends and family to expand industry connections.
Real-Life Example:
Maggie left her marketing career to start a family. She wanted to go back to work after a few years. She looked into opportunities in her field but changed her focus to event planning. Maggie used skills from her last job and made contacts in the event planning industry. She eventually landed her dream job – event coordinator!
Time to polish that resume and brush up on those cover letter skills. Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean your career is over.
Updating Resume and Cover letter
Revamping your resume and writing a new cover letter are the first steps to successfully re-enter the workforce as a stay-at-home mom. Emphasize your skills and include relevant keywords to capture potential employers’ attention. Showcase multitasking and adaptability by highlighting responsibilities like managing household tasks, volunteering or parenting.
Customize your cover letter to demonstrate problem-solving and leadership. Double-check for typos and grammar errors before submitting. Exclude job experiences from before you became a stay-at-home mom.
Forbes reported that in 2020, 80% of women were responsible for their family’s childcare needs. This proves that stay-at-home moms have transferable skills hirers need now. Networking is like dating but you’re looking for a job, not a life partner.
Networking and Building Contacts
Forming Pro Connections
Re-entering the work world after being a stay-at-home mom demands forming and keeping pro connections.
Stay in touch with ex-colleagues or join associations in your field.
Plus, attend seminars and conferences linked to your industry.
Keep an up-to-date LinkedIn profile for job chances.
Don’t be shy to ask friends and acquaintances for references or info interviews as another way of networking.
Networking needs time and effort, however building meaningful relationships is worth it for furthering your career.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Managing pro and personal life can be tricky, especially for moms who were stay-at-home when their kids were young. But they can go back to work with some planning and preparation. Establishing a clear and flexible plan helps to manage time well.
It’s important to keep communication open with family and co-workers to make sure you’re all on the same page with commitments. It’s just the start – staying on top of family duties while working takes persistence and adaptability.
Don’t be scared to ask loved ones or hire help if needed. Look for groups or organizations that offer support for moms who are back in the workforce. This gives access to classes, networking chances and employers who want to help moms re-enter the job market.
Research by the Centre for American Progress shows that 70% of mothers with children under 18 work outside the home, an increase from the past. Be prepared to answer questions about your career gap just as easily as answering questions about why your toddler eats Play-Doh.
Preparing for Interviews
As a working mom, it’s key to get ready for job interviews. Refresh your resume. Research the company and role. Practice interview questions.
Craft a resume that shows off your experience, talents, and interest in the role. Also, learn about the company’s values, goals, and successes.
Get ready for their questions. Think about work history, skills, and future goals. Don’t forget to use examples from being a mom.
Show your best behavior. Get help from career coaches. Many moms have come back to work. Mary C. got her dream job as Director of Sales. Don’t forget to negotiate – you’ve done it with the kiddos!
Negotiating Salary and Benefits
Negotiating comp and perks after a career hiatus:
- Do research on company pay, benefits and leave policies. Compare salary ranges in industry & location.
- Showcase skills, qualifications, experience & achievements. Present confidently when negotiating package.
- Be flexible with work hours, remote working or part-time schedules.
- Negotiate non-monetary incentives like extra vacay days, trainings, insurance coverage for dependents or other benefits.
Align negotiated package with industry standards & requirements. Employers understand returning pros might need refresher courses or extra support. Share concerns while negotiating terms.
A former stay-at-home mom was looking for a job after her kids grew up. During negotiations, she expressed a need for personal time off to look after her mother. This led her employer to offer a custom work schedule plus remote working options.
Beginning anew as a mom is like entering the dating game again, but instead of finding a partner, you want coworkers who are cool with your work-life balance struggles.
How to Start Working After Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Beginning a new phase after being a stay-at-home mom can be tough. But, it’s not out of the question. To start, figure out which job best fits your abilities and lifestyle. Then, renew your resume and create online accounts on applicable websites for job-hunting.
At interviews, show the skills you got while being off-duty. Also, address any work history gaps with confidence. You could even take up part-time roles or volunteer jobs to gain experience and advice. This will help you find more permanent employment.
It’s feasible to get back to working after taking time off to be a parent. Still, you may need aid from family or child-care services.
In accordance with Forbes Women, “Stay-at-Home Moms Returning To Workforce Need One Skill Hint: It’s Not Coding”. This skill? It’s “Communication”. It helps communicate value in both resumes and meetings.