How to Update Your Resume When You’ve Been Out of Work
You're not starting from scratch. You're starting from strength.
If you're reading this with your hair in a messy bun, a baby monitor nearby, and a coffee that's been reheated three times, welcome — you're in the right place. Getting back into the workforce after a career pause (especially one filled with diapers, sleep schedules, and snack negotiations) is no small thing. And updating your resume? That can feel like trying to speak a language you haven't practiced in years.
But here's what I want you to know:
You are not behind. You are not less than. You are ready — even if it doesn't feel like it yet.
Whether your career break was a few months or a few years, your value hasn't disappeared. It just needs to be translated into words on a page that reflect who you are now — experienced, focused, and maybe more efficient than ever (hello, multitasking queen).
Let's walk through how to update your resume after being out of work, with grace, clarity, and confidence.
1. Start with a Strong, Forward-Focused Summary
Let's reframe your resume summary. This is your elevator pitch — the highlight reel at the top of your resume that says, "Here's who I am and what I bring to the table."
Skip the apologies and start strong:
💬 Example:
"Experienced project manager with 8+ years in team leadership and operations strategy. After a recent career pause to raise my family, I'm reentering the workforce with sharpened skills, a fresh perspective, and a strong drive to contribute meaningfully in a collaborative environment."
Your career break doesn't need to be the headline — your strengths and goals do.
2. Don't Hide the Gap. Address It Honestly (and Briefly)
Your career pause is part of your story — not something to explain away. Own it confidently and keep it simple.
Add a role like this:
Family Caregiver | 2022–2024
Dedicated time to raising young children while continuing personal growth, managing household operations, and maintaining professional development through reading, online learning, and volunteer leadership.
That one line does more than fill the gap — it shows intentionality and maturity. You're not hiding. You're showing up with honesty.
💡 Want more examples? Read How to Explain a Resume Gap from Maternity Leave (Without Apologizing)
3. Highlight Transferable Skills You Gained During Your Break
You may not have been in an office, but you've absolutely been working.
Here are some mom-life skills that belong on a resume:
Time management
Conflict resolution
Crisis response
Leadership
Emotional intelligence
Flexibility
Budgeting
Communication
Delegation
If you volunteered at your child's school, ran a side hustle, or even helped with a community project — those count, too. Highlight them!
💬 Example Bullet Point:
"Led weekly parent education meetings at local nonprofit, improving engagement and resource access for 20+ families."
Own it. Frame it professionally. Because it is.
4. Refresh Your Skills Section
The world may have changed since you last applied for jobs. Take inventory:
✅ Any free or paid online courses?
✅ Did you use Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva, Trello, etc.?
✅ Learn a new tech tool or app?
✅ Keep up with trends in your field through newsletters or podcasts?
Updated Skills Example:
Google Docs • Slack • Canva • Trello • Virtual Communication • Time Management • Creative Problem Solving • Team Collaboration
This section gives recruiters a snapshot of your readiness. It's also great for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
5. Simplify Your Formatting
Keep it clean, clear, and easy to read. Avoid overly designed templates (unless you're in a creative field). Focus on:
Consistent date formats
Clear headings
Bullet points (3–5 per role)
1–2 pages max
PDF format for submission
Need a head start? Download the templates from my Resume Reset course — specifically designed with returning moms in mind.
6. Don't Forget Your Cover Letter
This is your chance to connect the dots. It's the bridge between "I've been out of work" and "I'm ready and excited to return."
💬 Example Snippet:
"After stepping away from the professional world to focus on my growing family, I'm thrilled to return to work with a renewed sense of purpose. I bring not only my previous experience in operations but also the adaptability and emotional intelligence that come from leading a household."
Keep it short. Keep it warm. And always tie it back to what you bring to their team.
7. Practice Talking About the Break — Without Apologizing
You will likely be asked about your gap in interviews. And that's okay.
Prep a confident, concise response:
"I took a pause to focus on my family and have gained a lot of clarity, strength, and resilience in the process. I'm excited to now return to the workforce and apply those qualities in a professional setting."
You don't owe anyone an apology for being human.
💬 More support? Read: What to Say in a Job Interview After Maternity Leave
8. You Deserve to Be in That Room
There's a myth that if you've stepped away, you've lost your edge. But I'd argue the opposite. You've been building resilience, juggling priorities, learning on the fly, and problem-solving under pressure.
You're more focused now. More grounded. And absolutely more qualified than you think.
You're not starting from scratch — you're starting from growth.
Your Next Step (You Don't Have to Do It Alone)
If you're feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start, I've got you covered.
🎯 Resume Reset is my power-packed mini course built specifically for moms reentering the workforce. It's just $47 and comes with:
A customizable, ATS-friendly resume template
Plug-and-play wording examples
A confidence-boosting guide to framing your career gap
Interview prep bonus sheet
📥 Or start with something free: Grab my Back-to-Work Mom Starter Kit for a free quick checklist and mindset shifts to get your head and heart in the game.
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Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone
If your resume feels like a wall between you and your next chapter, know this: it's just paper. What you bring to the table can't be captured by dates and titles alone.
You are capable. You are allowed to return. And you're bringing more to the table than ever before.
Now let's put that on paper — and go after what's next.
