Taking time off to care for your family is a decision rooted in love and responsibility, and it shouldn't be seen as a setback when reentering the workforce. Many stay at home moms face the challenge of creating a resume that bridges their professional past and the valuable, albeit unpaid, work of running a household. If you're in this transition, you're not alone—and the right resume can help you get back on track confidently.
This article walks you through a professionally written stay at home mom resume sample, tailored advice, and answers to common questions you may have during your job search journey.
REALISTIC STAY AT HOME MOM RESUME SAMPLE
Jane Doe
janedoe@email.com | (123) 456-7890 | City, State | www.linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary
Resourceful and highly organized former Administrative Assistant with 6+ years of professional experience and a recent 5-year career break to manage household responsibilities. Proven ability to multitask, coordinate complex schedules, and communicate effectively. Now seeking to reenter the workforce in an administrative or office support role where I can leverage my skills in organization, communication, and team support.
Core Skills
Office administration
Scheduling & calendar management
Customer service
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Data entry and record keeping
Time management
Communication and problem-solving
Adaptability and learning agility
Professional Experience
Administrative Assistant
BrightPath Legal Services – Chicago, IL
January 2014 – March 2018
Provided daily administrative support to a legal team of 10, managing calendars, travel plans, and documentation.
Drafted client correspondence, prepared reports, and processed confidential paperwork with high attention to detail.
Acted as liaison between clients and legal staff, ensuring timely communication and service.
Recognized for improving office efficiency by reorganizing filing systems and streamlining internal processes.
Career Break – Full-Time Parent
March 2018 – Present
Managed all aspects of household operations including budgeting, scheduling, and logistics for a family of four.
Volunteered as PTA secretary, organizing events and maintaining records for over 150 families.
Took online courses in Office Administration and Excel to keep skills current.
Education
Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Community College of Chicago, IL
Graduated: 2012
Certifications
Microsoft Excel Certification – Coursera, 2023
Office Administration Course – Alison, 2022
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CREATING A STAY AT HOME MOM RESUME
Address the gap confidently: Use a "Career Break" section to highlight how you've stayed productive, including any volunteering, self-learning, or freelance work.
Focus on transferable skills: Time management, multitasking, conflict resolution, and budgeting are valuable in any industry.
Update your skills: Taking free or low-cost online courses (like Excel or Google Workspace) shows initiative and readiness.
Tailor for each job: Customize your resume summary and core skills section to match the language in each job description.
Use a clean format: Keep it easy to scan, with clear sections, bullet points, and strong action verbs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I explain the employment gap as a stay at home mom?
Use a brief explanation in your experience section, like "Full-Time Parent," and focus on the skills gained during that period. Also, highlight any volunteer work, courses, or freelance work you’ve done.
2. Should I include unpaid work like volunteering or PTA roles?
Absolutely! These roles demonstrate organization, leadership, event planning, communication, and team collaboration—all of which are valuable in the workplace.
3. Can I apply for jobs in a different field than I worked in before?
Yes. Identify transferable skills from your past roles and home experience. Combine that with upskilling through online courses to support a career pivot.
4. What resume format is best for stay at home moms?
A combination (hybrid) format works best. It showcases your skills at the top and still lists your work experience and career gap transparently.
Reentering the workforce after years at home can feel daunting, but your experience has value. With a focused resume and a positive mindset, you're already on the path to landing your next role. Let your resume tell the story of a capable, adaptable, and proactive individual ready to contribute again.
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