I have been a stay-at-home parent for many years, what can I put on my resume to show a potential employer how I’d contribute to the company?

For any amount of time you’ve been a stay-at-home parent, you’ve been working on skills that apply to many other positions. Here are some things you can consider including as you begin building your resume:

  • Relevant previous experience: You can use the job description to determine how your previous experience matches up with this potential position. Try to use similar language when presenting your previous experience when possible, as this can help a hiring manager quickly gauge your relevant abilities.

  • Volunteer positions: During your time as a stay-at-home parent, you may have had a little time to volunteer. Some of your duties as a volunteer may be relatable to your desired position, so having these positions and responsibilities can help show your diverse experience.

  • Stay-at-home experience: There’s debate as to whether this experience can be added to your resume as part of your work history, and it may depend on whether your caregiving duties have a clear relationship to the job. Either way, it’s good information to put in your cover letter at least to address any gap in your employment.