Resume Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Returning to Work

Resume Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Returning to WorkResume Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Returning to WorkThere are approximately five million women and 176,000 men that are stay-at-home parents according to some of the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Although the number returning to work isnt tracked, hundreds of thousands make the decision to venture out into the workplace each year.Here are some resume tips to help you get your resume noticed despite the gap in employmentConvince employers you have the skillsYour resume must actively sell you in order to convince employers that you still have the skills and experience to do the job. Include only activities that back up the skills relevant to your career goal when writing about your time out of the paid workforce.Highlight activitiesJust because you werent paid to do them doesnt make any volunteer work less valuable so you should treat it like you would a paid position on your resume. Volunteer, community involvement, PTA, charity work, fundraisers are all accomplishments and the key skills developed from them will help sell your ability to do the job to a qualifikation employer.Continuing educationIf youve taken courses i.e. online learning or independent study, show these on your resume as the will show that youve kept your skills fresh.FreelanceIf youve done any freelance/consulting work that is relatable to your target job, include this as well especially a project that would highlight your work experience.Professional developmentInclude membership in professional organizations and/or participation in conferences on your resume. This will demonstrate your commitment to their particular industry.Self-employmentInclude the experience on your resume even if you worked part-time for yourself or a partner.Type of resume formatThe right resume format is critical to getting noticed. Most career advisors state that parents should avoid chronological resumes and consider using a combination format b ecause it can eliminate a parents candidacy in seconds.Honesty is keyDont be afraid to explain your recent gap but emphasize that youve kept up with your skills and are eager to reenter the workplace.