From Mom Mode to Career Move: How to Fill the Résumé Gap and Show Up Strong on LinkedIn
By: Jane Haas Photography
If you're a stay-at-home mom who’s ready to jump back into the workforce—first off, welcome back. You’ve been doing one of the hardest jobs there is (with zero PTO, mind you), and now you’re about to pivot that experience into something new.
But here’s the thing a lot of moms stress over:
“How do I explain the gap on my résumé?”
Let’s reframe that.
You didn’t step away from work. You just switched roles. You were the project manager of your household, the CFO of daily budgets, the event planner, crisis coordinator, and logistics queen. That’s not a gap—that’s a career chapter.
Here’s how to make that transition smoother:
1. Translate Your Skills
List what you actually did:
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Managed family schedules → Time management + multitasking
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Balanced a household budget → Financial planning
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Mediated toddler negotiations → Conflict resolution
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Ran the house like a Fortune 500 CEO → Leadership & adaptability
Don’t downplay it. Reframe it. Recruiters respect real-world experience—especially when it’s relatable and shows problem-solving.
2. Refresh Your Presence
Before you hit “Apply,” give your LinkedIn a quick refresh:
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Update your headline and summary with your current goals
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Add volunteer work, certifications, or freelance projects, if any
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Most importantly? Invest in a current, professional headshot.
That blurry selfie from 2017 isn’t doing you any favors. A fresh headshot says “I’m serious, I’m ready, and I’m already showing up like a pro.”
3. Don’t Apologize for the Pause
This chapter shaped you. Own it. Talk about what you learned, how you grew, and what you’re excited to tackle next.
Whether you're relaunching a career, pivoting industries, or exploring remote work, showing up confidently—online and in person—makes a big difference. If you need a LinkedIn-worthy headshot that reflects your new chapter, you know where to find me.
Let’s make your comeback feel as strong as it actually is.
10 Professional Skills Gained as a Stay-at-Home Mom (That Belong on Your Résumé)
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Project Management
Effectively coordinated multiple schedules, activities, and responsibilities in a fast-paced household environment. -
Time Management & Multitasking
Balanced competing priorities with efficiency, including caregiving, household logistics, and personal development. -
Budgeting & Financial Oversight
Managed and optimized household budgets, negotiated service costs, and maintained financial records. -
Conflict Resolution & Emotional Intelligence
Handled interpersonal challenges with empathy and diplomacy while maintaining a positive environment. -
Event Planning
Planned and executed events including travel, birthdays, school functions, and household projects with attention to detail and budget. -
Operations & Logistics Coordination
Streamlined daily operations, organized transportation, appointments, and essential task flows for multiple stakeholders. -
Leadership & Team Management
Provided mentorship, structure, and support to dependents while leading with patience, consistency, and accountability. -
Communication & Negotiation
Developed clear, persuasive communication with educators, healthcare providers, and service professionals to advocate for family needs. -
Training & Development
Supported academic learning, behavioral development, and skill-building through creative and personalized teaching methods. -
Adaptability & Problem Solving
Consistently navigated changing circumstances, unexpected challenges, and high-pressure situations with resilience and composure.
These can be plugged into a Skills section or woven into bullet points under a title like:
"Family Manager / Full-Time Caregiver"
Independent Contractor | [Years]
Optional: Include “Career pause to focus on family management; now seeking to re-enter the workforce with transferable strengths.”
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