As a Mom, you face unique challenges in finding work or re-entering the workforce. Currently, these challenges are made worse by the downturn in the economy. The volume of applications per job is increasing faster than a toddler can find dirt to digest!
It’s a fact that nearly all jobs go to those who market themselves the best, not necessarily to those most qualified. If you are qualified, but not seeing results, it may be that you are not marketing yourself effectively. Here are some tips to help you pass the initial 5-10 second resume screen, and move forward to the interview stage.
Getting Started:
Put yourself in the right frame of mind by thinking of yourself as a product. It may sound strange, but that’s how potential employers will see you. Effective communication of your unique skills is the best way to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Be creative and market your strong organizational, multi-tasking and negotiating skills – not to mention the ability to function on limited sleep!
Know what you want:
Be clear about your objective. The role you are seeking may be a drastic change from the one that you had prior to having children. Let your intentions be obvious in your cover letter and resume objective. If employers need to guess at what you’re thinking, there’s a good chance your resume will be headed for the shredder! You need to overcome any doubts about being overqualified, under qualified or not focused on returning to work.
Skills & Strengths
You have marketable competencies, whether you are a Mom with previous work experience and education or with limited formal education and experience. Mom skills are transferable and required in many aspects of the workforce. In fact, many of the skills required to be a Mom are desirable employee qualities.
Formatting
Unless you are applying for a role at your child’s daycare, using colours and fancy fun fonts are not good ideas. Your resume should be easy to read and have a few key items that jump out at the reader. Avoid overcrowding – white space is good and makes reading your qualification an easy task. Resumes are marketing tools to get an interview, not to tell your life story – remember to follow the KISS rule: Keep It Simple, Sugar!
Volunteer and Community Service Work
Absolutely highlight these activities. Supporting your community through fundraising, car pooling and volunteering – even at your child’s school – are all valid experiences that require skills that can be marketed to employers.
Happy job hunting!
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