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Original poster

What to put on a CV after 8 years as a SAHM

74 replies

folieadeux29 · 20/01/2015 17:06

I got married and had children young so my CV is going to look very sparse. I had a few Saturday jobs before I got married and after I had my 2 children I had a couple of temporary jobs until I had my 3rd then just stayed at home none of them were in the same field. My youngest is now 8 so I am now looking for permanent employment.
I have been volunteering since last February so have that to include, but what qualities and experiences as a SAHM would be suitable to put on my CV?

Thanks :)

OP posts:
issynoho · 20/01/2015 17:13

Am in same boat except older. Am thinking of putting 'endless fucking patience' and 'ability to prioritise between puking toddler and poonami baby'.

Probably not helpful.

ROARmeow · 20/01/2015 17:21

Good question, and one I'm looking an answer to as well!

I've been SAHM for 6 years, youngest is due to start pre-school (15 free hours) in Sept and I'm thinking of applying for part-time work.

As a SAHM I jokingly referred to myself as "a household engineer" as I ran everything and held everything (and everyone!) together.

jackydanny · 20/01/2015 17:26

Full time mother is enough, and the dates.
When you get to interview you will be able to give examples of how you manage time, finances, priorities etc. depending on the person they are seeking.

Lots of people in this situation, I don't think its the done thing to BS?

pigwitch · 20/01/2015 17:28

I recently went back to work after having an 8 year break. I just included my previous jobs. As a sahm you my have good organisational skills etc. I wouldn't worry it's very common and any potential employer will understand. The hardest bit for me was getting a reference from my last employer - bloody nightmare!

Original poster
folieadeux29 · 20/01/2015 17:36

Thanks everyone, BSing isn't what I was going for, just for the type of things to put, I am really crap at selling myself and the template I'm using asks for qualities etc so was just after some ideas.

Issynoho Grin

OP posts:
Lunastarfish · 20/01/2015 17:40

include a personal statement at the beginning of your cv so you can set out the skills you do have.

Lunaballoon · 20/01/2015 17:42

Look at examples of 'functional CVs' on google. Example here.

Original poster
folieadeux29 · 21/01/2015 09:31

Thank you for suggestions. Hubby is off work today so he can give me a hand so hopefully will have a brill Cv to add onto job sites today :)

OP posts:
Stormingateacup · 21/01/2015 10:04

Time management, multi-tasking, organisational skills, forward planning, teaching and explaining, supporting learning.

Also wrestling, shouting and thinking on your feet such as when confronted with a vomiting child in a cinema

TeenAndTween · 21/01/2015 10:28

Nothing to add, but came on to say issynoho . I Love your user name. I have fond memories of the books and the magic squares.

YoullLikeItNotaLot · 21/01/2015 10:42

Evidence based CVs always stand out. if yousay you have particular skills or attributes back up with examples.

I don't think thingslike "good with finances as have managed household budget" are unique enough whereas something like PTA treasurer or committee member of local charity are. Not sure what your volunteering work was but what examples can you pull out from there?

Your cv may be sparse but if you can pull out examples which evidence your skills from the jobs you have done, it will help.

Ninjamouse · 21/01/2015 10:45

Watching with interest as I'm in the same position

Original poster
folieadeux29 · 21/01/2015 11:51

I was working with adults with special needs do craft activities

OP posts:
YoullLikeItNotaLot · 21/01/2015 12:13

There's loads you'd be able to pull out - did you have any training on equality etc? Did you have to organise things, liaise with other bodies/groups, allocate resources etc. tailor your cv to each employer so if you're applying to work at a school, you'd highlight communication, experience of task setting, feedback etc but also the wider context of reduced budgets and having to deliver more with less money so have to be increasingly innovative blah blah.

If you were applying to work in a shop you'd be highlighting the customer service aspects, interaction, organisation etc.

Think about the things they're looking for and then think about when you've demonstrated this.

Just back up what you say with examples. Don't say "i can work unsupervised/in a team/proactively etc without linking it to experience.

Good luck - I bet as soon as you start pulling things together things will just flow!

issynoho · 23/01/2015 08:17

Teen Aw, thank you. For years I thought I'd dreamt the whole thing as no one else remembered it.

CateBlanket · 23/01/2015 08:23

Fib. It's what I intend to do when I start job hunting.

Mrscog · 23/01/2015 17:48

What type of jobs do you want to apply for? I am a manager with a lot of responsibility for recruitment, and I have considered branching out as a self employed CV/job application helper/writer, so maybe I could test out my skills?

Heels99 · 23/01/2015 17:52

Definitely don't fib. Make the most of the voluntary work and include a referee from that organisation.
I see hundreds of cvs and to be honest a nice brief one would be refreshing!

Westendgal · 23/01/2015 18:31

The reference issue can be tricky. I missed out on a job once because the recruiter would not accept there was no way for me to provide a recent "pfofessional" reference. Frustrating.

nightingale452 · 23/01/2015 18:37

It probably depends a bit on what you're applying for - I had a 12 year career hiatus, volunteered for a bit at my DDs' school then started a completely different job from anything I've done before, my CV to be honest sounded completely irrelevant, but they were desperate for staff and it was an unskilled job Grin.

I did find having volunteered was useful for references - the teacher I had helped gave me a reference as my previous 'employer' (obviously the situation was explained) which was much more relevant than getting in touch with the HR department of the large company I'd worked for 12 years ago...

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 23/01/2015 18:42

All the way from my CV (written by a pro):

Managing all household bills and finances ensuring they are organised and dealt with on time
Ensuring all household work and chores are completed daily
Providing all childcare responsibilities
Liaising with medical, educational organisations as required

I've been a SAHM for 7 years.

Heels99 · 23/01/2015 18:55

Tali did that cv get you a job?

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 23/01/2015 18:59

After 2 pissing years it got me a temporary job, but thats it.

My CV makes me look a feckless twat, no pro can fix that.

YoullLikeItNotaLot · 23/01/2015 19:20

TaliZorahVasNormandy

My CV makes me look a feckless twat, no pro can fix that

Grin Grin Grin

LePetitMarseillais · 23/01/2015 19:26

Listing my voluntary work on committees and good professional referees helped me get the job I wanted after 8 years.

Listing how your qualities/prev experience match the areas they list which they're looking for in the job spec helps too.

Be realistic.You won't get the exact hours,in the exact location you want.I had to except full time and I'm in a much lower position but love it.Don't think I ever want to return to the level I was pre dc but there is scope to train in this job which I will do.I plan to work hard,take any training offered. Obviously I've had my time off and won't need any more off in the future so I'm free to throw myself into work now.