Is there a place on the resume to reflect my 7 years as a homemaker?

by Lorif
(NJ)

After 7 years as a homemaker, I am re-entering the workforce... is there any place on a resume for these 7 years? I have 10 years of teaching experience. I left the profession to stay home with 3 children.

I am now ready to get back into teaching at the elementary level. The missing 7 years on a resume seem strange, especially when I have worked very hard volunteering in the school, running the household and caring for my kids.

Answer: What you mention above are transferable skills and these are an especially important part of any resume following a long employment gap like yours. You are correct in thinking that you should take credit for the skills and achievements during these years.

This is where either the functional/skills format or a hybrid/combination format can work really well. In both formats, you can showcase your skills and talents right up front, with work history being somewhat less important. Since you have a strong, albeit old, history as a teacher, I'd probably use the combination resume format.

Do be sure to include the skills you gained during the last 7 years, though. And in your cover letter, you can explain in more detail what you've been doing the past few years and how that will benefit the employer if they hire you.

Best of luck in your job hunt!