Listing Stay at Home Mom/Full-time Parent on Resume?

Hi M.,

I'm not a stay at home mom, but I wouldn't list it on my resume. I would just leave the gap and have them ask you what you did after your last job (or in between jobs if it's a long gap) I wouldn't list it like you would a job because some people don't consider it a "job." This isn't my opinion at all, but I had comments when I came back to work after 3 months maternity leave and I can't tell you how many people asked me how my "vacation" was. It wasn't a vacation I can tell you that!! Good luck with your job interview!

I have to say I've been following this because I'm soon facing this same situation. All I keep reading about in the new resume books is "don't use this catch phrase," "don't use this 'power word' it's SO dated". I have to say my entire resume was nothing but those power things from the late 80s through the 90s.

I'd recommend calling a temp to hire place and asking them what their suggestion is. I mean a lot of places like Manpower actually help their clients write their resumes.

Obviously, you are going to be asked about the gap. Part of me says bring it up and be pro-active about it, the other part says let it go and let them ask. Frankly, I've been out of corporate & HR for the past 6 years and A LOT has changed in that time. It's always appealed to me to have someone that was forthright and creative in how they explained something. Although "toddler raises dad" is cute and eye catching, it also gives a certain impression that the dad didn't have control of the situation.

There are so many connotations that come from SAHM...some people are jealous, some admirable, some just put off so it's hard to tell how to guage it. By far it is one of the most challenging and difficult jobs with time managment, budgeting, multi-tasking, nursing, food management, etc. all wrapped into one. So my vote is call someone (or a few someones) for a professional opinion(s). Please let us know what you did! I'm dying to hear!

I put a little blurb in my cover letter indicating I had stayed home to raise my children and was ready to re-enter the work force. I also mentioned during that time I did the book keeping for my husbands company and volunteered at my kids school. Definitely be prepared to talk about it! Good luck!

Hi M.!

I am wishing you luck in your search and the process of updating the resume. I couldnt agree with Annie more... although being a mom is hands down the hardest job I have ever had... others might not see it that way.
Granted, you are a trainer, a manager, a book-keeper, the cook, the one person in charge of keeping the food closet and fridge fully stocked... etc etc.
it doesnt mean much to corporate america.
boo
Leave it blank... less is more.

This is a little risky I think. Its hard to know what to do about the employement gap, but some companies do discrimate moms, I truly believe this. They know we will put our kids first and our job second. I had a friend go into an interview where they told her the job really wasnt for people that had children, she didnt at the time, but she became pregnant while working there and was so afraid to tell anyone. It was an advertising job. While she was pregnant they cut her hours dramatically, I couldnt believe it! When I have been looking for a job, I try not to disclose that I have children, not that Im not proud, but its hard finding a job these days.

My husband stayed at home when our son was young for 18 months while I worked. On his resume, he put "Toddler raises dad". He got a lot of positive feedback for that. I would not put stay-at-home mom. I would list any other work you did, including volunteering. A lot of moms don't realize what they contribute in their non-paid positions. Volunteer work, particularly any positions where you coordinated events or volunteers, is a great item for your resume.

also not a stay at home mom! but in my experience people ask about large gaps in employment anyway. (shoot, i moved from florida to kansas and stayed with my mom for a few weeks, and was asked about a one MONTH gap!) so it'll probably come up. i would be prepared to explain yourself, have a little speech ready. as to what to say, i have no clue because i've never been in your position, sorry! but good luck and i hope you get the job!