Let’s talk about something no one warns you about: the awkward silence that follows when someone asks, “What have you been doing for the past few years?” and your answer is, “Raising tiny humans.”
If you’re a stay-at-home mom re-entering the workforce, writing your resume might feel overwhelming. Maybe it’s been years since you’ve had a “real” job title. Maybe you feel like your career hit pause while the world kept going.
Let me stop you right there:
Being a stay-at-home mom is real work. And it builds real, marketable skills that absolutely belong on a resume.
This guide is here to help you see your value, own your story, and craft a resume that reflects the incredible woman—and professional—you are.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset (Because You’ve Done More Than You Think)
First, take a moment to really think about what you’ve managed as a stay-at-home mom. I’m not just talking about snack time and bedtime routines.
- You’ve managed schedules (like a pro project manager)
- Handled crises (like a customer service rep with zero break room)
- Juggled logistics, multitasked under pressure, and solved problems daily
- Budgeted, planned, taught, coached, and negotiated
Doesn’t sound like a gap to me. That sounds like work experience—just not the corporate kind.
Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format
You don’t need to follow a traditional chronological resume if your recent “job” was parenting.
✅ Best format: Functional Resume
This format focuses on skills and achievements, not dates. Perfect for stay-at-home moms who want to highlight what they bring to the table, not when.
You can also do a hybrid format (skills + work experience) if you’ve done freelance, volunteering, or part-time work while parenting.
Step 3: What to Include on Your Resume (with Real Examples)
📝 1. Resume Summary (AKA Your 30-second “Here’s who I am”)
Think of this like your elevator pitch. Keep it warm, confident, and professional.
Example:
Motivated and organized professional returning to the workforce after several years of managing a household full-time. Brings strong skills in communication, multitasking, time management, and organization—developed both through past administrative experience and hands-on parenting. Passionate about delivering results, learning new systems quickly, and supporting teams with efficiency and heart.
🧠 2. Skills Section (Highlight Transferable Skills)
Make sure these reflect the role you’re applying for. Here are some skills you likely already have:
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Multitasking
- Event planning
- Budgeting
- Communication
- Scheduling
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Tech-savviness (yes, even if it’s from managing school portals and Pinterest boards)
💼 3. Experience Section
Now let’s talk about that “gap.” Here’s the secret: You don’t have to call it a gap.
You can list your time as a stay-at-home mom like this:
Home Manager | [Your City, State]
2018 – 2024
Managed the daily operations of a household including scheduling, budgeting, logistics, and caregiving. Oversaw educational support, activity planning, and emotional development for children. Balanced multiple responsibilities while maintaining a structured, goal-oriented environment.
You can also add:
- Volunteer work
- Freelance gigs
- Side hustles
- PTA leadership roles
- Community involvement
These all count as professional experience!
📚 4. Education
List your highest level of education or any certifications you’ve completed—even online courses.
Bonus Tip: If you’ve taken relevant courses while at home (on platforms like Coursera or Udemy), include them! It shows initiative.
🏆 5. Achievements or Certifications
This part can shine, especially if you’re switching careers or industries.
Examples:
- “Completed Google Project Management Certification”
- “Managed annual PTA fundraiser that raised $6,000”
- “Launched successful Etsy shop with over 500 sales”
Step 4: Use Keywords from the Job Posting
Want to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS)? Sprinkle keywords from the job description naturally into your resume.
For example, if the job says:
“Looking for someone who’s detail-oriented, organized, and a strong communicator…”
Make sure those words appear in your resume exactly like that.
Step 5: Add a Cover Letter That Tells Your Story
Here’s where you get to explain your journey with heart and honesty—without apologizing.
Example:
After spending the past six years raising my children and managing our family’s day-to-day operations, I’m excited to return to the workforce with renewed energy and perspective. My time at home wasn’t a career break—it was a master class in time management, communication, and adaptability. I’m confident those experiences, combined with my background in [insert previous field], make me a strong fit for this role.
Bonus Tips: From One Mom to Another
🔹 Keep It Short & Sweet
Your resume should be 1 page if you have less than 10 years of experience.
🔹 Own Your Story
Don’t hide the fact that you’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Reframe it. You’ve built resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
🔹 Tailor Every Resume
Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it works.
🔹 Practice Confidence
Talk about your experience out loud before interviews. You’ll get more comfortable with how amazing you sound.
Real Talk: You’re Not Starting From Scratch
I remember sitting at my desk, trying to update my resume after years at home. I stared at the blinking cursor and thought, Who would even hire me?
But then I started writing out what I’d actually been doing—managing chaos, making decisions under pressure, juggling multiple humans’ needs with my own. It hit me:
I never stopped working.
I just worked differently.
And so did you.
Final Resume Checklist ✅
- Resume summary focused on your value
- Skills that match the job description
- Experience framed around accomplishments (including at home!)
- No typos, grammar issues, or “mom brain” moments
- A story that shows confidence—not apology
You’ve Got This, Mama.
You’re not just “re-entering the workforce.”
You’re bringing years of real-life leadership to the table.
Now take a deep breath, hold your head high, and hit “send” on that resume.
Because the world needs more women like you—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.
With you all the way,
Jessica
