QUESTION: How can I stand out and be memorable in my interview?

Angela Watts, MyPro Resumes

Absolutely! However, you will need to connect the dots for potential employers (they won’t do it for you). Explain the activities you’ve performed that relate to the job and demonstrate characteristics that the company is seeking. Be realistic about what you’re prepared for in your first role back. You may need to initially take a lower level position to catch up on field or industry developments.

Laura Smith-Proulx, An Expert Resume

You can describe your current role on your resume, using a straightforward approach (“Family Caretaker and Organizer: manage budgets, medical needs, and transportation” or “Family Sabbatical”). Be sure to add new courses, credentials, or certifications from recent years. Bonus tip: take online courses as refreshers, which you can find for free or at low cost – and list those as well.

Jessica Visek

I would recommend identifying skills you have gained and perfected throughout your time as a stay at home mom like budgeting, time management, conflict resolution, and organizational skills and apply them to your job search. Also, you can incorporate any relevant volunteer work to your resume. Ultimately, it is how you frame your experiences and proudest accomplishments.

Katherine Bouglai, Blossom Career

Yes, you can. However, how you would describe it on your resume makes a big difference and there are some strategies for that. If you just write homemaker and leave the rest blank, that won’t be very compelling to the reader. Think of some notable accomplishments, breakthrough moments or other interesting self-discoveries you made during that time which could serve as great conversation starters.

Grant Cooper, Strategic Resumes & Business Plans

Stay-at-home moms can mount successful job search campaigns to land professional jobs. On your resume and as applicable, design those 3-years around volunteering at local schools and organizations, nonprofit fundraising, overseeing contractors for home projects, planning travel and events, and assisting with family businesses. Enroll in professional skills courses and list them on your resume..

Anne Barnwell

I was a stay at home mom for 12 years. Use a single line to list this as a sabbatical. Your resume should focus on skills, accomplishments, and relevant work or volunteer experience. Consider online courses to brush up on skills or associates to join. All demonstrate why you’re a great candidate and minimizes the focus on three short years out of the job market.

Wendy Steele, BluePrint Resumes & Consulting

Yes, and also add other activities to make yourself stand out. For example any volunteering you’ve done, studying, projects or special events. As a homemaker you have transferable skills that would be useful to an employer such as organizational, multitasking and time management skills.

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I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 3 years and I’m having trouble getting back into the job market. Can I use my homemaker status in my resume?