stay at home needs to go back to work

[Luvmy4boys]

Haven't worked in a l-o-n-g time. Now I HAVE to get a job. When they ask for current or most recent employer is it ok to say stay-at-home-mom? Should I be bold and say Domestic Engineer? When they ask to describe current job duties, do I say chef, driver, great organizational skills, cheerleader, housekeeper, accountant? How can I build myself up without sounding like an idiot? Do employers get turned off by people claiming stay-at-home-mom is a real job?

 

[golfgal]

Most HR people are going to get what a SAHM does. There is nothing wrong with listing that on your resume-it fills in the employment gap. I also listed the volunteer positions I held, any leadership positions, etc. I had a hard time with references because my employment references were over 15 years old. I put down some board members of various committees I was on that were local business owners.

 

[Pigeon]

I agree--they know what being a SAHM is. Don't get cutesie with it. Do put down all the volunteer work you've done.

 

[lecach]

SAHM's work far harder than many people realize. My paying job is a LOT easier than staying home with DS. The only problem with listing it is that it makes clear you have kids - and whether it is right or not, some may discriminate against you for that. Because people with kids do tend to have more sick days and time away from work. I guess a lot depends on the type of job you're looking for.

 

[mumom95]

I agree--they know what being a SAHM is. Don't get cutesie with it. Do put down all the volunteer work you've done.

I agree with this. It's ok to put it on the resume, that way they know why there is break since your last money paying job, but I wouldn't try to get all cutsie with it.

List all your volunteer work and leadership positions (scouting, ptc, coaching, etc), that way they know you are a person who works above and beyond what you have to.

Good luck.

 

[edandcolleen1995]

Put it down to explain the gap in your resume. If you don't many screeners will skip your resume because they don't know why you were not working.

And with so many applicants, they don't have the time to find out why.

Be sure to list anything you did do while SAHM. Volunteer or such.

When my wife was SAHM for 6 years, she made sure to work H&R Block during tax season (her degree and past jobs were all in accounting).

This way, when she went back to work, it showed she kept up some job skills and made getting a job back in her field much easier.

Course she started lower on the ladder, but after 2 years, she was able to swing that into a new company back to where her degree/work experience was equal to her salary.

 

[daisyyy]

Don't think HR people are stupid... they can look at what year you graduated, and sort of figure out your age, and if you have a several year gap in your work experience, they will most likely figure oh.. she must have stayed home to have kids..... So.. I wouldn't focus on it, but I wouldn't ignore it. Like many of the previous posters have said, I would just include it, as a matter fact.... SAHM 1998- 2009 for example.. and let it go. They know what it entails. I just wouldn't go in and expect a higher position right away since you've been out of the field for a while, things have changed, and you might have to take a step down before you can go forward, but if it means a step in the door, and something to put on your resume for next time, then it's a start. I wouldn't make excuses or try and make it sound more important than it is. It was your personal choice, and if they fault you for it, or hold it against you in the selection process that's not the place you want to be anyway. Plus I think it's illeagal to hold it against you, but you would have to prove that they only interviewed people who were not SAHM's.. I don't want to get into a debate, & I don't want flames... but (I'm playing devil's advocate) .. what about the mom who worked full time, and has 4 kids... Doesn't she do all of the same stuff a SAHM does, plus work a full time job... Does she work harder? longer hours? Maybe... but as I said before, it is a personal decision.

 

[Luvmy4boys]

Thanks for all the advice. I realize I am starting back at the bottom of the ladder. I am fine with that. I just hope people don't in general write someone off just cause they stayed home with the kids. I know SO MANY people are out there looking for a job, I just want a chance.
Thanks for the well wishes. Hope this economy turns around soon. It would be a perfect world if anyone who needs a job could find one, wouldn't it?

 

[jrmasm]

I wouldn't write you off for stating home with your kids but I would write you off for putting domestic engineer on your resume.

Good luck with your job hunt.