What to put on resume after being home for so long?

Question

Been a sahm for 10 yrs, how do I set up my resume? Do I put the years? And what about references? Do I use them from my old jobs or the grocery store clerk, mail lady etc bc literally that's all I have lol!?

I applied for a job last August, actually was offered it based on if I could get 3 references, well my work references are either dead or the company belly upped. Needless to say, I didn't get it.

It's annoying bc years ago, fresh out of college I was hired on the spot with no references, now that's all that seems to matter.

Help!

Answer 1

I used this resume writing service in my area, this is the email address, ([e-mail]) you should try them, it only cost me $35.00 and I got a great job from this new resume, I never thought about the format that they use but the turn around time was less then 24 hrs.  I would have to say it was the best service I have ever used and it was worth every dime.  Also they let me pay through paypal.

Answer 2

On my statement, I put returning to work force after staying at home

I have got two interview doing that

Answer 3

I would list some of your great qualities. You're obviously decent with computers- explain that you're great with all Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc. Also, tell them how fast you can type. That is a big plus!

Don't be afraid to brag yourself up. Let them know that you're always on time, a hard worker, detail oriented, a team player, etc. Explain that you're very patient and don't be afraid to explain that you spent the last 10 years caring for children- it shows that you've got great beside manner which is very important in a lot of jobs! Good luck!

Answer 4

Being a stay at home mom is a real industry.  You have a good point though of how to list it.  I agree with the person who said "returning to the workforce after taking time to raise my family. 1/30/1998 - 8-28-2008" or something to that effect.  They can't turn you down because you stayed home.  It was unemployment.  lol

References - did you do any babysitting while you were being a sahm?  Use the moms or dads as references.  You probably only need two professional references.  Did you volunteer at school at all?  Get a reference from the teacher or secretary.  Then find a very strong, non-relative personal reference and you should be all set!

Answer 5

You could list the skills you gained from being a sahm.

-child care

-ability to work shifts

-able to lift up to(enter children's weight)

-delivery driver

-cooking

-cleaning

-multitasking

-problem solving

-patience

-conflict resolution

-any other skills you need to be a mom

Being a mom is work. Being a good mom is hard work. Don't sell yourself short. Many companies will respect your decision to raise your children yourself.

Answer 6

The majority of human resources people will know what it takes to be a SAHM - which involves not only the Mom part, but of being a home manager.

Some ideas from forums - with good hints of what to include, etc.

http://www.google.ca/search?q=sahm+going...

Answer 7

I agree with the "returning to workforce...." thing.  People should understand about stay at home moms wanting to return to work, and if need be you can always use personal references.  Hang in there, you'll get something soon :)

Answer 8

Have you done any volunteer work? And planning events for your children's activities? PTA work? I would think anything like that that utilized organizational or leadership skills or just helped the community could be something you could add.