SAHM Resume?

Amy and Jay

I currently SAH but am planning on going back to work in the next 6 mos. or so and I'm trying to figure out what to put on my resume.

I was originally just going to put SAHM to explain the 3 yr. gap on my resume but in looking online it seems like a lot of people are listing it like a job and providing a description along with skills used, etc. To be honest that seems a little silly to me. I certainly think it's hard work but it seems strange to me to list it like a paid job.

What do you think employers would respond better to, a resume that just says "Stay at home mom from 2010 - 2012" or a full blown job description for SAH?

LoCarb

Being a 'domestic engineer' is a job, however, unless it's related to the desired position you are applying for I would not include it on a resume. I would use the cover letter as an opportunity to explain any gap in employment.

bearkatjen

LibraryChica:

Honestly? I would leave it off completely and address the gap in my cover letter. Good luck!

ETA: In my cover letter I might say "Though I have been out of the paid workforce for X amount of time, I have kept on top of my field by X, Y and Z." I wouldn't mention my kids.

This. I would never put it in the resume, and I would word it carefully in my resume. I never mentioned I was a SAHM in my cover letter, but simply highlighted my grad work during that period. 

MrsWindyCity

I agree that I wouldn't include it on the resume at all but may use the CL to explain employment gaps.

yunk11

I am a SAHM who is also looking to get back to work. I didn't list it on my resume at all. I have had a couple of interviews and they just ask about the work gap. It's hard to make it look professional unless you're looking to get into a child care related field. Good luck!

ironmom5

LibraryChica:

Honestly? I would leave it off completely and address the gap in my cover letter. Good luck!

ETA: In my cover letter I might say "Though I have been out of the paid workforce for X amount of time, I have kept on top of my field by X, Y and Z." I wouldn't mention my kids.

This.  Obviously, being a SAHM is a job, albeit not a paid one.  However, in my experience, a lot of hiring managers are also mothers, so you risk rubbing someone the wrong way by elevating SAH to a "profession."  They know what is involved with raising a child, so to list out the duties has the potential to seem kind of silly.

hansa11

I'm a former SAHM and I did not list that on my resume or mention it in my cover letter.  The job I ended up getting I got through professional contacts, so I'm assuming my current boss had heard through the grapevine that I was a SAHM.  Either way, employers always asked about the employment gap and I was up front that I had been home with my kids.  If they didn't want to hire me because of that, I didn't want to work there. 

LanaM

I had "raising family" from 2009 to present on my resume. I went back to work 3 months ago. I was a sahm for 3 years 3 months.
I was asked about it at the interviews. Had nothing to hide. If you leave it blank, just a gap, someone might think you have something to hide or have been looking for a job all this time... Better to have a note that you were sah with family imo.

JerseyMa27

I would not list it, and would not put it in a cover letter. I would simply mention it in the interview if the question came up. I also would not talk about it like its a job (ie: listing skills related to being a SAHM etc) to a potential employer...unless you are applying for something childcare related.

KL777

I SAH for 3 years and I simply put the job I had before the baby---I did not put anything about a SAHM on my resume. When prospective employers asked me about the time gap, I simply told them that I had a baby and took some time off.

laurakaz13

KL777:

I SAH for 3 years and I simply put the job I had before the baby---I did not put anything about a SAHM on my resume. When prospective employers asked me about the time gap, I simply told them that I had a baby and took some time off.

This is what I would do.  As the Head of HR in a hospital, I have to admit I'd kind of side-eye putting down SAHM on a resume as if it was a job.  It's not.  I work full-time and I raise my family as well. 

Maybride2

laurakaz13:

KL777:

I SAH for 3 years and I simply put the job I had before the baby---I did not put anything about a SAHM on my resume. When prospective employers asked me about the time gap, I simply told them that I had a baby and took some time off.

This is what I would do.  As the Head of HR in a hospital, I have to admit I'd kind of side-eye putting down SAHM on a resume as if it was a job.  It's not.  I work full-time and I raise my family as well. 

Right.  I would laugh my butt off if I received a resume from a woman who listed SAHM as a job and included the responsibilities that she had in that "job".

Amy and Jay

Thanks for the input ladies.

Tweetytaps

I recently went back to work and I didn't mention my being a SAHM until the interview. I got all the paperwork ( well most applications have some online applications) finished then let the process begin.  I figured when I make it to the interview they must have some idea of what they like already then I can elaborate later;-) in person!  It is what it is and when it is meant to be it will...

 And.. It all worked out and it is an awesome job with the best hours so I can still be involved with my son's school and enjoy being a mom ;-)

 

yea