Raising a child is a hard full-time job. You’ve probably learned a lot about yourself and your skillset as a stay-at-home parent. Now if you’re planning on going back to work, it’s time to put those skills to good use!
Job hunting is hard, and it can feel especially scary if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. Here are some tips for finding a job after being a stay-at-home parent. We’ve included tips like how to update your resume, where to search to find a job, how to address that resume gap, and more.
Start by refreshing your resume and online presence.
Your resume is the most important tool that you have in your job hunt. If you have been out of the workforce for a while, it’s probably been a while since you’ve updated it. So before you begin hunting, take some time to look through your resume and update where it needs to be.
Include any jobs and positions that you have held since you last updated it. Don’t forget to include other important accomplishments you’ve had over the years as well. For example, include any freelance or contract jobs that you took during your role as a stay-at-home parent. Volunteer roles or community service can also be helpful assets, especially if you learned new and valuable skills from them.
In this day and age, it’s also important to update your digital resumes. Websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are invaluable for helping you find work. Get familiar with these platforms so that you can get the most out of your job search.
Take time to master writing cover letters.
Cover letters are another important tool for finding a job. These letters let you talk more about your qualifications and why you are a good candidate for the jobs you are interested in.
Your cover letters should be targeted toward the job that you’re interested in. However, it can also help to put together one “master” cover letter that includes all of your best accomplishments. Include important information like your hard and soft skills, goals, and why you are a good fit for the role. Then, when it comes time to apply to jobs, you can easily edit this “master” copy to highlight the particular skills and assets that the role requires.
Use your network.
Having a good network can be very helpful for finding a good job. If possible, try to stay in contact with your colleagues and coworkers while you’re raising your children as a stay-at-home parent. When you’re ready to go back to work, these people can help connect you to new opportunities. They can even provide letters of recommendation when appropriate.
If you are looking to make a big transition into a new career, now is the time to start exploring. Ask your friends and family if they know people who work in the fields that you are interested in. Even your child’s school can be a good resource. For example, connect with other parents in your child’s class who work in the fields you are interested in. Start building connections with them so you can be better prepared.
Consider careers like working in child care.
If you are interested in starting a job that you already have plenty of experience in, think about looking for a job in child care. Working in a child care facility allows you to use skills that you have already gained while you were parenting your child. It’s also a rewarding field since you will be helping kids learn and grow. If you are interested in starting your own business, you can even look into starting your own licensed home child care facility, which may allow for more flexibility and control over your schedule. Learn more about starting a rewarding career in child care here.
Own your resume gap.
The “resume gap” is one of the biggest hurdles that many parents face when they go back to work. This refers to the gap in time since you were last in the workforce. While some employers might see this as a negative, you can also find ways to make it a selling point instead.
Rather than trying to hide the gap, decide how you are going to address it in interviews. You can even use it to your advantage. Talk briefly about the new skills you gained and/or the value that being a stay-at-home parent brought to your life, like multitasking and management. Then, redirect the conversation and talk about how excited you are to apply those new skills to your new job. Practice this conversation over and over until you feel confident.
Consider taking classes and/or getting new certifications.
Whether you are brushing up on old skills or learning brand new ones, taking classes is a good place to start. This can also bring old skills up to date if it has been a couple of years since you last worked.
To further bulk up your resume, consider earning new certifications. You can do many of these classes from the comfort of your own home, which makes it easier to gain employment while taking care of your kids.
Consider freelance, part-time, or contract positions.
Your ultimate goal might be to find a full-time job. However, don’t count out shorter-term roles while you’re looking for work! Freelance, contract, or part-time positions can get you in the door and help you start making money while still seeking full-time employment. These jobs might also present bigger opportunities like full hires if your employers and clients are impressed with your work.
By taking on these jobs, you can expand your professional network and make yourself more competitive. These positions can also give you more flexibility, which can be helpful when transitioning back into the workplace.
Practice doing interviews.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking. It’s important to practice your interview skills ahead of time. This can help you get comfortable and make you seem more confident during the real interviews.
Ask an honest and trusted loved one to run through a mock interview with you. Make sure they ask you a variety of questions, including trickier ones like why you have a gap in your professional resume. Get comfortable with answering these questions over and over again until you feel confident enough to apply them to real life.
Conclusion
Going back to work can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Be patient, learn how to sell yourself, and brush up on the skills that you need to be a great employee.
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