Rejoining the workforce after being a full-time parent can feel overwhelming, but it's absolutely possible — and your experience as a stay-at-home mom is more valuable than you think. Whether you've been out of work for two years or ten, you’ve developed transferable skills that employers appreciate: time management, multitasking, budgeting, conflict resolution, and so much more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a compelling resume as a stay-at-home mom. We'll also provide a complete, realistic stay at home mom resume example, and share actionable tips to help you make a confident comeback into the professional world.
REALISTIC STAY AT HOME MOM RESUME EXAMPLE
Sarah T. Dawson
sarah.dawson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | Chicago, IL
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and highly organized former administrative assistant with 8+ years of office management experience, now returning to the workforce after a five-year career break to raise a family. Skilled in scheduling, client communication, problem-solving, and multitasking. Eager to leverage my organizational strengths, technical skills, and life experience in a fast-paced administrative support role.
Skills
Calendar & schedule management
Communication & conflict resolution
MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Time and task prioritization
Budgeting and expense tracking
Team coordination
Adaptability and problem-solving
Professional Experience
Stay-at-Home Mom | Chicago, IL
Full-Time Parent
June 2018 – May 2024
Managed household logistics, scheduling, budgeting, and daily operations for a family of four.
Oversaw remote learning during the pandemic, coordinating educational activities and maintaining structured routines.
Volunteered as PTA Treasurer at Lincoln Elementary School, tracking expenses and preparing monthly financial reports.
Organized community fundraisers, increasing participation and raising over $5,000 for school programs.
Administrative Assistant | Miller & Brooks LLP | Chicago, IL
January 2012 – May 2018
Provided executive-level administrative support to a team of five attorneys.
Scheduled appointments, managed travel logistics, and maintained client records with confidentiality.
Answered phone and email inquiries, ensuring timely and professional communication.
Implemented a new digital filing system that reduced paper use by 40% and improved retrieval time.
Education
Associate Degree in Office Administration
City College of Chicago, 2011
Certifications
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), 2024
TIPS FOR WRITING A STAY AT HOME MOM RESUME
Use a functional or hybrid resume format: If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, highlight your skills and achievements before diving into your employment history.
Reframe your gap: Don’t be afraid to include your time as a stay-at-home mom — treat it like any other professional role and focus on the skills you gained.
Highlight volunteer experience: If you contributed to school committees, church groups, or community events, those are relevant and show initiative.
Tailor each resume: Adjust your summary and skills to match the job description you’re applying for.
Show continued learning: Mention any online courses, certifications, or training you’ve completed during your time at home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Should I mention being a stay-at-home mom on my resume?
Yes, but present it professionally. Instead of omitting the gap, include it under your experience with a clear title and bullet points that reflect relevant skills and contributions.
2. What resume format is best for a stay-at-home mom?
A hybrid or functional format is ideal. These formats let you spotlight your skills and achievements before detailing your work history, which helps address any career gaps.
3. Can I include volunteer work or school involvement?
Absolutely. Volunteer work, especially roles involving leadership, budgeting, or coordination, can strengthen your resume and demonstrate initiative.
4. How do I explain a long employment gap due to parenting?
Be honest and concise. Use your summary to mention your break and express enthusiasm for reentering the workforce. Frame your gap as a time of skill development, not inactivity.
Returning to work after parenting full-time is a bold and empowering step. With the right resume approach, you can turn your experience into an asset that sets you apart. Use this stay at home mom resume example as a guide, and take your next step with confidence!
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