Going Back To Work After Divorce

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Going Back To Work After Divorce
4
Mon, 04-25-2005 - 5:57pm

Does anyone here have any experience with writing/building a resume with NOTHING to put on it? I have been a SAHM for 10 years, NO work. I need to sell myself, how?

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Mon, 04-25-2005 - 6:31pm

I would go to monster.com - they have a resume builder online. But more importantly you can look and see what is available for jobs in your area that might be good for you.

Did you go to school and work prior to your SAHM career? Most companies are sympathetic toward families and motherhood. Also, if you were involved in any volunteering/fund-raising projects, like with your kids' school, I would be inclined to put that down. Computer skills are a plus, too.

I am sure others on here will have good tips, too.

BTW - welcome to our board. Sorry to hear about your divorce - I have been there and done that - but hopefully it is a step towards a happier new life for you. Tell us more about yourself - we would love to have you join us here!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2004
Mon, 04-25-2005 - 8:21pm

Tupperkerr,

If you do not have a lot of formal work experience to put on a resume, then you should write a resume focusing on your skills. For example, if you have word processing skills or spreadsheet skills, list it. If you have helped out organizing kid's activity or volunteering that shows you can handle projects and juggle many different activities, then list your organization skills. Ultimately, when you interview for a job, they want to know what you can do for them. If you know what your skills are and how those skills are skills that they need for the job offered, then you are getting closer to being hired. All the work experience in the world is worthless if the person does not know how to transfer experience into handling the new job. So maybe in your case little work experience with knowledge of how to use general day to day skills could be very valuable.

krn

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 04-25-2005 - 8:25pm

I have expereince writing and reading resumes...I read them daily :)

You want to be creative but honest. What did you do before you were a SAHM? Do you have a college education? What kind of work are you looking for? Did you volunteer for the PTA? And groups or teams?

SAHM's have many transferrable skills, organization and time-management for starters, problem solving and reacting quickly to situations that need immediate resolve, accounting skills if they are the checkbook keeper, etc.

Assuming you have NO work experience or college education, best thing to do is simply start somewhere. Visit a temp agency and get your skills assessed (i.e. typing, computer skills, etc...) Start reading Word and Excel for dummies, or something similar to brush up on your PC Skills.

Entry-level jobs in retail require very little experience and may not pay very well, but it will help you gain some customer service skills and get some experience on your resume.

Schools and daycares like SAHMs, because they have experience working with children. Most daycares will require some early childhood education courses, but you can start as a substitute paraeducator in many schools with little experience, and ALOT of patience and common sense. You may not work full-time, but it will get you started, and you’ll gain experience to put on your resume.

Bottom line, try to come up with a few jobs that you would enjoy doing, and try to explain how your skills relate to that job in your cover letter. You want to be able to tell a story. When you don't have much to write about on your resume, your cover letter will make a world of difference.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-28-2005
Tue, 04-26-2005 - 8:48am

I am in the same boat as you, 12 years as SAHM. I have worked part-time though, but just waiting tables at night. But, I used that to say something along the lines of :

"Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enhanced through experience working with individuals of diverse cultures and backgrounds."

"Strong organizational, planning, time management and problem solving skills."

I also included chair positions I have held (and currently hold) and the skills associated. For example, I am the yearbook chairperson at the elementary school, so I:

"Lead all efforts in creating annual yearbook including photography, photo screening, page layout and design, sales of advertising, proofing of portrait pages, sales and distribution of yearbooks."

I figure ANYTHING I do that can translate into a job skill is worth mentioning. So I would suggest you think of EVERYTHING you do, then think of what you would like to do. Have several different resumes available, focusing on different strengths and skills.
Some other thoughts I have, I need to work for a large company which offers good benefits, since my ex doesn't provide health insurance for our kids. Need to make enough for the job to be worthwile after paying child care. For me, I am still waitressing because the money and hours fit my schedule best...I have full custody of my 3 kids, ex has moved to another state and is NO help at all. But 4 weeks ago I took the civil service exam for the postal service (first time it's been given in over 15 years, and probably 4 or 5000 people took it) and I'm still waiting for the results. A government job like that would be AWESOME for me because of the job security and benefits.

Good luck!

Jessie