Today, my friend Jennifer will explore how to build your resume if you are looking to go back to the work force after a gap of being a SAHM.
- Think about the kind of work you want to pursue. Just because you were one thing in the past doesn’t mean that you HAVE to return to that kind of work again. This CAN be a chance to reinvent yourself if you want it to be.
- Carefully consider what else will need to change in your home life for you to go back to work and problem-solve those things first. It will make your ability to accept an offer or to make a final decision on an opportunity SO much easier if you have done the leg work first. For example, child care, grocery shopping, laundry, etc. — who will do what, how will roles change, when will you take care of these things. If your child is sick when you are back at work, how will you handle that? Know what your contingency plans are so that you feel confident that you are ready to make this decision. That CONFIDENCE WILL TRANSLATE when you are on interviews. It will allow you speak with assurance to recruiters about why now is the right time for you to go back to work.
- Network with everyone you know. Talk about going back into the work force, see if they have any insight, see if they have heard of any opportunities or know anyone who has recently gone back to work. Make a list of everyone you know both personally and professionally and then slowly make your way down the list contacting each of those people.
- Get online. In addition to networking, your online resources are the best and most efficient way of seeing what is out there. Set up automatic emails from the key recruiting websites. Seek out local online resources using Facebook and LinkedIn. Look for companies in your local area and then go to their websites to see what jobs are available.
- Don’t be afraid to apply. Many SAHM who are returning to the work force self-select out of jobs they see because they think they do not qualify for a particular job. Don’t make that determination yourself. Apply and use your cover letter to explain why you are the PERFECT fit for them. Let the company be the one to say yes or no.
What would you say to moms that feel unemployable due to the gap in employment?
This is really about self-validation in 2 ways. First, moms must say to themselves, “It makes sense that I’m nervous about going back into the workforce. Anyone in my situation would be nervous.” Second, moms must remember all of the important skills they have learned since they have been out of the work force and they must truly see how KEY those skills are to being back in the work force. Let me give you some examples. Multi-tasking: Moms know how to multi-task and use their time efficiently better than anyone else on the planet. We HAVE to learn how to do this just to survive being a mom. Multi-tasking is a crucial skill in the work world. Problem-solving: Moms must think on their feet and quickly be resourceful to act in the moment to solve all sorts of problems. This kind of mental acuity is the integral to being a great worker and a great manager. Interpersonal Skills: Moms know how to resolve conflict. You have been through many mediation sessions where you need to calm emotions and seek a productive solution. Don’t you think all businesses could use someone who knows how to do THAT?
Are there any ways for moms to update their skills after time away from the office.
Of course!! I think this depends on what kind of skills need updating. If it is computer skills, then there are online courses, or libraries often offer courses. If it is other kinds of training, perhaps a local community college or university might offer some classes that make sense. Proactively updating your skills can show prospective employers that you are serious and committed to returning to the work force.
Quick scenario: It’s the night before the day of returning back, what things do you recommend to make the transition easier?
I like to make a printable calendar each month where I write down all family activities and times/places that everyone needs to be. I then keep a copy visible in the kitchen, keep a copy in my handbag and give copies to everyone in my life who makes my life run (e.g., my husband, the grandparents, the nanny/babysitter). This way everyone knows the plan, and I have back up when I need it without having to start from scratch.
I also recommend doing a dry run of the morning of. Make lists so that you don’t forget anything. Pre-prep as much as you can the night before (laying out clothes for you and the family, making lunches, etc.). Make sure that everyone has contact info and emergency contact info so that if you aren’t reachable, someone else is. Write notes for each family member telling them how much you love them and how proud you are of them. (You are setting the tone for what they will do for you… after all, you are setting a GREAT example for them!!!) Then, relax. Take a bath, light a candle, do some meditation and breathing exercises. It is all going to be okay!!!
What do you believe makes a resume and cover letter stand out from the other?
I think the cover letter is your chance to differentiate yourself. In a cover letter, you can delve into personality traits that make you a particularly effective candidate. The cover letter gives you a more creative avenue for describing yourself. Also, when I read a cover letter, I want the candidate to have answered for me why they would be great for this particular job using specific examples from the past. Don’t write a generic cover letter that you send to every company. Cater your letter to the job to which you are applying. Also, anything that might leave a recruiter with questions from the resume should be addressed in the cover letter.
The resumes that stand out to me are the ones that focus on accomplishments separate from responsibilities. Your resume needs to list your roles but also needs to highlight the great things you did in those roles!!! Don’t be shy. Self-promote what you were able to accomplish in those jobs. And the more you can quantify those accomplishments, the better!! Everyone loves to see actual numbers!
What are your DONT’S for resume and covers letters?
Grammar issues!!!!! This is SO important. Recruiters want to see that the candidate has enough attention to detail that they carefully proofed their resume and cover letter. Make sure that you look at your documents carefully…pay attention to wrong categories, bad spacing and spelling errors.
Thoughts on one page vs two page resumes.
Resumes should be no more than 2 pages and should go back a maximum of 15 years (but can be 20 if in the same industry). If you can cover everything thoroughly and have it look professional and it fits on one page, that is fine. But, I think two pages is perfectly acceptable, especially if you have the substantive resume content to justify using two pages.
Should the cover letter reference the gap in employment due to being a SAHM?
I always like to see this addressed because it is the pink elephant in the room, right? If there is a gap in employment, the recruiter is going to see it and want to know why. To me, it doesn’t make sense to leave it to chance whether they are impressed enough to want to call you/interview you in order to ask you about the gap. So, state it clearly and proudly that you took time off to raise your family and now is the perfect time for you to go back. Then focus on why you are the perfect candidate for the role. The reality is that anyone who will not hire you because of that gap, likely isn’t going to be a great employer to work for now that you do have to balance work and family.
Should social media links be added to a resume?
I do think that social media really can help you to market yourself and your “brand.” Yes, that is how you should think of yourself….as a brand. So everything you are putting out there…your resume, your cover letters, your LinkedIn profile, etc. is part of that brand. And if you do it right, you really can use them to your advantage to network and find yourself the perfect job!!!
Any other advice?
My advice is to think outside the box when it comes to what kinds of opportunities you can try. Keep an open mind. If someone had told me that I would be selling nail products, I would have laughed at them. I hate shopping, I’ve never been in sales and I hate pushy sales people!!!! BUT, I have always loved telling all my friends and family about all the great new products and things that I find… and I love spending my free time on social media like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. So, when I found Jamberry as a customer and loved the product so much that I was talking about it all of the time anyway, I figured let’s try this. I thought to myself, if it doesn’t work out, I’ll try something else. Jamberry now allows me to talk about something I love (… who WOULDN’T want a salon quality manicure for about $3?!?…), wear a product I love and would wear anyway, work primarily when my kids are in school or asleep, use the social media I am on in my free time anyway AND supplement my family income more than I ever thought possible!!! In 4 months, I became a team manager and in 6 months, I now have 30 JAM-azing women on my team and my team is growing!! I’m, of course, happy to talk to anyone that thinks the Jamberry opportunity could be the right one for them in returning to the workforce.
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About the Author: It is amazing how each step along the way really did prepare and lead me to the life I am now living. I graduated from Wharton Business School and became an investment banker with Goldman Sachs. By age 26, I had become a Goldman Vice President but I transitioned my career into Human Resources. After 8 years, I moved to Tommy Hilfiger, but I was quickly recruited back into the finance world and became the Head of Human Resources for a boutique wealth management firm that was founded by former Goldman Executives. When I had my son, I decided to be a stay-at-home-mom and took a 5 year break from the corporate world. I then returned to corporate America and became the HR Manager for Bloomingdale’s White Plains. After almost 3 years, I left Bloomies to focus on balancing work and family in a way that allows me to pursue opportunities that truly inspire me, provide happiness and also supplement income. I am currently a Team Manager and an Independent Consultant for Jamberry Nails, as well as CEO of my household, which includes being a loving wife and a super mom to two active kids!
Jennifer Brick
JB Consulting
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