Resume' help

[hemispheredancer]

I am trying to put a new resume together. I have been a SAHM mom for 9.5 years. How do I explain that time period on a resume? I don't specifically remember what years (to/from) I worked at the hospital. I really don't want to wing and put information down that isn't too accurate..so how do I find my hire date and quit date? Also, are there any good resume building websites? TIA...

 

[DisneyVillain]

I am trying to put a new resume together. I have been a SAHM mom for 9.5 years. How do I explain that time period on a resume? I don't specifically remember what years (to/from) I worked at the hospital. I really don't want to wing and put information down that isn't too accurate..so how do I find my hire date and quit date? Also, are there any good resume building websites? TIA...

Call the hospital to find the dates.

Ignore the employment gap in the resume; and explain it briefly, but truthfully, in the cover letter.

 

[christinou]

Microsoft word actually has really good templates to help you build your resume.
Did you volunteer or join PTO or anything else like that when you stayed home?
Those can be great to put on a resume

 

[CajunDixie]

I'm in basically the same boat.

I found a very simple resume builder in my MicroSoft Works program. In the area for jobs I only listed my current part-time job. But in the personal area I explained I had been a SAHM for several years. And added that when my children became school aged I volunteered for many things which I then listed out under activities.

If you were a volunteer for the school PTO then think about the specific jobs you did for them. For example I ran our school raffle, organized the DARE graduation, helped with testing, and many other things. Just one of those "jobs" itself involved many aspects. The raffle involved setting a ticket price, distributing the tickets to students, collecting money, asking local businesses for donations(we had over 200 items), listing the donations with the business name and a space for the winner, actually having the drawing itself, sending thank you notes and ensuring all the prizes reached the winners. It was a huge job that needed to be highly organized.

Think of any clubs or organiztions that you maybe a member of and list responsibilities you performed also.

 

[hemispheredancer]

Yes, I am this year's PTO secretary. In previous years, I volunteed A LOT of my time in the classroom during centers and BookIt. Being part of PTO has required me to donate more time to school functions. I helped out with Book Fair (and the $$ involved), candy orders, etc. Should all this be explained on the resume?

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I would save anything about being a SAHM for the cover letter. Do some searching on the internet; there are probably some sample letters out there that will show how best to explain it.

Definitely put any work you did with the PTO, especially that you're secretary and what you have done there. I would describe any volunteer work just like a paying job. Heck, I have my DIS moderating duties on mine.