Job Search and Resume Updating: A Guide for Working Moms
Working full-time while being a mom is demanding. Your priorities shift and what you once considered to be your dream career may no longer be your reality.
There are many reasons why a working mom may consider searching for a new job in the current field or searching for a job in a new career field. Some women no longer feel joy performing their job duties while others do not see any growth opportunities. Furthermore, many work in a demanding high-stress environment, are undervalued and underpaid, or are in search for job opportunities that offer work life balance.
I was able to transition from teaching to instructional designer a couple years ago and recently got hired for a new position with great benefits. I am beyond excited! If you feel demotivated, not valued, or just want a change, knowing where to find jobs and how to update your resume are crucial steps for success.
Where to Search for Jobs
You are searching for a new job and do not know where to start. There are many options on the internet where you can browse and apply for prospective jobs.
Job Search Sites
Some job search sites that are very popular for job searchers are the following:
Many of these sites have filter options where you can customize to your interests (e.g., salary, remote or on-site, location, experience level, and job type).
Complete your profile and include qualifications and experiences that resonate with the type of jobs you are looking for.
Company Websites
Another great option is to apply for jobs directly on the company website. I suggest having a list of the companies you are interested in and always searching on their website. I personally use the job search sites listed above to know which companies are hiring and then apply directly on the company page. This step ensures that the job post is real and that it is still active.
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies help candidates find positions that fit their skills and experience. Many positions are temporary with the possibility of becoming permanent after a probation period. However, it depends on the company and the type of position being advertised. They may need someone for a couple of months without the need for extension.
I worked in the past with two staffing agencies, Frankcrum Staffing and Kelly Services. I used these agencies when I had moved to the United States and needed to find a job. Frankcum Staffing helped me find a job as a recruiting associate. Kelly Services helped me find a job as a proctor at public schools. After working for six months through Frankcrum Staffing, I was offered a full-time position at the company.
Staffing agencies are a great option for people transitioning into a new career field or for stay-at-home parents that are trying to get back into the workforce. These agencies can help match you with temporary or permanent positions that fit your skills and experience. Some popular staffing agencies include Robert Half, Kelly Services, and Adecco.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations in your industry may have job boards or resources for job seekers. For example, if you are in the learning and development field, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) has many resources, courses, and even a job bank where you can find different positions. These organizations also help with networking. Attend industry events or job fairs to meet new people and learn about job opportunities.
Facebook Groups
Facebook is another option for finding jobs. I am in Facebook groups that recommend other Facebook groups for finding jobs. Use the search feature in Facebook and type keywords such as “job board”, “remote jobs”, or “local job boards”. You can also type in the title of the position you are looking for and add the word “jobs” at the end (e.g., virtual assistant jobs).
How to Update Your Resume
When you are in the process of searching for a new job, you need to revise your resume carefully. One mistake many busy moms make is sending out the same resume for every job post. This is an even bigger mistake if you are changing careers. If this is you, no need to worry. I made the same mistake in the past and had to learn the hard way. Even though it is a faster process, you are risking the opportunity of getting interviews.
Let’s look at some steps you need to implement when updating your resume.
Tailor your resume.
Start by tailoring your resume to the specific job description. If you are transitioning to a new career field and have not held the exact job title in the job post, do not get discouraged. Be honest and leave your current and past job titles, however, highlight the skills and tasks that will let employers know that you are qualified or can perform the job tasks successfully. Think of all your job duties and responsibilities and how they translate into the job duties or tasks described in the position.
After looking carefully at the job post, ask yourself these questions:
What are the skills needed to successfully perform the job duties?
What types of tasks do the employees need to perform?
What software or technology is used?
What education is required?
How many years of experience are required?
Do I have the minimum requirements?
Include statements in each job experience that relate to the required qualifications even if it is done in a different industry or the process does not look the same. Do not copy and paste the statements in the description; use them as references on what verbiage to use. Also remember to use action verbs that tell the employer what you did.
Employers are looking for the best fit for their company. Sometimes an interviewee does not have the years of experience required or the education or professional background, and they are still hired. If you have all the required skills and experience, you will have an advantage, but do not think that you cannot compete because of the lack of some skills.
Use quantifiable statements.
Did you help solve a problem or earn awards and recognitions because of your performance? Employers like to see what you did to help a company succeed and they want to see it in measurable ways. Therefore, instead of writing general things, be specific and add numbers and percentages to your resume. Some general example questions that may lead to measurable statements are the following:
Did you help increase sales?
How many people did you train?
How many reports did you complete in X time?
How many deals did you close?
Some measurable statement examples are as follows:
Created a supportive and performance-based environment that enabled five computer sales employees to increase their monthly sales within a 7-month period
Developed a training program for customer service representatives in a hotel that increased customer satisfaction by 30%
Implemented electronic notebooks and study guides focused on key skills being tested, increasing test scores by 20%
Note: These examples are from different career fields.
Include volunteer opportunities or internships.
If you do not have professional experience related to the job posted, you can apply for an internship if you are still in school or are a recent graduate. Another option is to volunteer at a non-profit organization.
These experiences will help you develop skills needed on the job. The only downside is that they are unpaid. For that reason, search different organizations that support a cause you care about or apply for an internship at a company where there are possibilities of converting to a full-time paid job. You can also check part-time or contract opportunities.
Check your resume for grammatical and spelling errors.
If an employer looks at a resume and it has errors, they will not want to consider that applicant for the position. It shows the person did not take the time to revise the resume. All companies want quality products and having grammatical and spelling errors on a resume can be a key factor in not being considered for a position.
Use the spell check feature in Microsoft Word. You can also ask a friend or relative to proofread your resume for mistakes or areas of improvement. Always double check all your documents before clicking Apply.
Do not exceed 2 pages.
If you are applying for a position at a university, then you may use a Curriculum Vitae, which is more extensive and can have 3 to 5 pages in length. When applying at USAJOBS, you may also have a resume longer than two pages. However, most companies prefer resumes that do not exceed 2 pages.
Remember that you do not have to write about every job experience you have had throughout the years. You need to write the most relevant ones and those where you can showcase skills that are needed. Also include any awards, recognitions, or certifications that will help you stand out.
Include a link to your website or portfolio.
If you do not have experience in the field or if you are in a field that requires employees to have a portfolio, be sure to include the link on your resume. Portfolios allow job seekers to showcase their skills. Having a portfolio will boost your chances of being called for an interview if done correctly.
Use Jobscan to optimize your resume.
Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that approves or rejects resumes. Therefore, even if you are a qualified candidate, some recruiters do not even get the chance to look at your resume. You need to be able to pass the ATS score to be considered.
Jobscan optimizes your resume by highlighting keywords related to the experience and skills that are needed for that specific job and that are missing on your resume. To learn more about Jobscan and how it works, read Jobscan Review for Working Moms: Land Interviews Faster.
Note: Jobscan can be used for free, but to unlock the best features you will need to upgrade. However, it is worth the investment for a couple of months when you are in the job-hunting process. Some of the features when upgrading are unlimited cover letter and resume scans, eBooks and templates, and optimization of LinkedIn profile.
Final Thoughts
I know how hard and dreadful job hunting may be as a working mom, but if you organize yourself, make time for job search, and update your resume following the tips in this post, you will increase your chances of landing more interviews.
Remember that every day you are closer to that dream job. It just takes ONE yes. If you need additional assistance in your job search and resume updating, visit CareerOneStop.
Let me know how your job hunt experience has been and what you have learned.
Best wishes,
Mel
