03 Nov 2021

How to Get a Job after Being a Stay-at-Home Parent

General

Stay-at-home parents face a lot of challenges, but returning to the work force can be more than a little daunting. There is a lot of uncertainty, and at Foundation Education we understand you have a lot of responsibility.

Your parenting skills may have gone up while raising a child, but sometimes that means your other skills may have fallen behind while that resume gap begins to look bigger and bigger. Maybe you've taken a career break and are looking for something new to add to your work history.

That is why this article will act as a guide for any stay-at-home parent looking to refocus their life and discover what they want out of a career. It aims to eliminate that uncertainty and offer you a path towards the career you want, not just for yourself but for your family as well.

Beginning Your Job Search

Thinking about that first step towards a new job is often the first challenge to overcome, especially as a stay at home parent. There are ways to make the process smoother and below are some of the most useful job tips to help you get started.

A father holds his child in his lap while he takes a phone call. His laptop is open on a desk in front of him.

Re-writing Your Resume

Resume writing is a skill that a lot of people neglect when going for a job. Most people tend to put a lot of stock into the cover letter and while that is important, the resume is your golden ticket; having one that is up to date and shows off your education, relevant skills and experience.

There are a number of things you should consider when writing a compelling resume. These include:

Keep all information brief and to the point
Exclude unnecessary information such as age, marital status and other personal information
Make it look professional (no personal emails)
Tailor the resume to the employer’s requirements and job description

You might be thinking, 'what about the gap in my resume?'. That is a legitimate concern as employment gaps can rattle our self-confidence. While it might feel uncomfortable, the best option is to always be honest and explain – either in the cover letter or your resume – that you have been a stay at home parent for the past few years but are keen to re-enter the workforce.

Build A Website

Think of a personal website as a portfolio of your best work that displays to employers what you will bring to the table. Including a link to your website during a job application is a much cleaner and smoother process for employers than individually going through every attached file. It also shows them that you take pride in your work and are willing to put in the extra effort.

Using Social Media

It isn't uncommon for people to use social media to apply for jobs. The same applies to employers who use platforms such as LinkedIn for job postings, sometimes exclusively. There you can adjust your job searches for your specific needs, such as location proximity and even salary expectations. Don't neglect other social media however -- Facebook and Instagram can also be useful tools to get the attention of potential employers.

Making Connections and Building a Network

LinkedIn and other social media have so much more to offer job seekers than just applying for job openings. They give you direct access to the organisations and companies you are applying for by allowing you to message hiring managers and others.

One of the major features of LinkedIn is the ability to build a network and customise that towards the job you are looking for. By building a network of like-minded individuals and getting to know them, you put yourself in a better position. You can also reconnect with former coworkers and add them to your existing network. In this case, bigger is better.

Pursuing a New Career

Now that you've thought about how to put your best foot forward toward your new career, the next step is figuring out how to get qualified. Improve your chances for job interviews by gaining new skill sets to make certain you are the right person for the job.

Foundation Education offers a range of courses across many industries including:

All of these above courses offer Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diplomas and give you the option to pick the right job for you.

Enquire today or call 1300 616 197 to speak to one of our Careers Advisors for more information!