Going Back to Work! - Frankfort,IL

Instead of looking at it as an absence from the workplace, look at it as a different type of career. List the things you have done as a SAHM - managing schedule for busy household, assisting with classroom activities (class parties and such), maintaining and staying within household budget, etc. Many of the skills we use at home can translate into the workplace. Plus, you should add all the volunteer work you've done and what you've done.

Good luck!

I am not sure what PT or FT are (not up on the lingo enough i guess!) but i actually found when offered a job after 4 yrs of being a SAHM that employers appreciated and understood that choice. the main thing was demonstrating in the interviews that i had taken the time to educate myself on the current issues in the industry i was looking in... just because your skill set is dated in use, doesnt mean it is dated in application. actually, they may love a candidate who worked hard in good times and bad and chose an even more difficult job of childcare for 8 yrs. you could use both your past work experience in the corporate world and your work experience as a mom to demonstrate time management, discipline, patience and a million other qualities. (although i wouldnt go on and on abt momhood, otherwise they will think you still want to be there.)
additionally, there is a lot a to be said for hiring a person that isnt burned out in the work force these days... and you can bring your excitement for a "career" change to the table.

What kind of work are you pursuing? You can have more than one resume for each field you want to apply. Also, when submitting resumes online, make the job descriptions from your past as detailed as possible. The idea that resumes need to be one page is only the rule for face-to-face interviews. The web changed this little rule since you left the workforce. The recruiters now input key words that scan the online resumes for matches. You want to be matched, so a 2-3 page resume is the best way to accomplish this. Your past experiences will bridge to the current market needs unless the market changed somehow. This is really up to whichever field you pursue, so be honest with yourself about where you need to shore up your experiences with online courses or networking into the field for some insider tips.

As far as the break in your experience for family, communicating this is your personal preference. My personal preference is to leave it blank, no explanation on the resume. Let your past experience and education get you the interview, then speak objectively about the work you accomplished at home. I am not a fan of the "SAHM is a project manager role" thinking... there is so much more flexibility in our roles as SAHMs than in the corporate world, no matter what level of management we could be. Some employers will accept your choice to stay at home as a reasonable choice, but they may look at you as being outdated. You'll have to demonstrate that you are with the times somehow. If the place is going to be critical of your choice to stay at home with your family, is that the kind of place that is going to support you in the long run with your personal needs (i.e. time off, medical plans that support families, etc.)?

I am really interested to see what people have to say in response to your question because I plan to enter the workforce within the next 12 months. It's exciting for us! Good luck to you.

Hey check with your school district. They may have some awesome support jobs that you could do part time and that'd get you back in the work force:)

Hi Anne-

Make sure you add the tasks you did while you volunteered, especially if you headed any projects. Just because you were home, you still worked, managed and organized projects.

Maybe list your title as Household Manager/Stay at Home Mom, becuase you're not just Mom, but Super Mom = )

R. Magby

I do not know what you did before you stayed home but there are many of us who have at one time or another and believe me you are just as qualified if not overqualified for some of the jobs out there. Unless you were doing nothing but sit in your house for eight years you need not apologize for not getting up and leaving the house and driving somewhere. You have probably worked your butt off. You cook, you clean, you serve people, you could go work in restaurants. You type (office), you might have a degree or something we do not know about. You know the computer, and you probably talk, so you could answer phones (receptionist?) Why not explain clearly to whomever you are attempting to get a job with exactly what you are doing.Perhaps your village needs people. Perhaps you have gardened and could work in the nursery of a store or flower shop. Why not work as a lunch lady or assistant in a school, then you would have time off with your children. If you have some college you can easily get a paraprofessional certificate. You go girl. You have everything right at your fingertips!!!