Include Stay at Home Mom on Application Resume?

[BrooklynJulie]

I am applying to Accelerated programs and most require an up-to-date resume. I have been a SAHM for four years. Prior to this I had 15+ years of successful corporate experience that shows a progression from entry level to director. I still think that including SAHM (and three brief bullets about what it entailed) is important on my resume but my friend who helped proofread thinks it distracts from my corporate experience. Thoughts?

Thanks.

Julie

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You should only list professional information and "work" experience on your resume - never personal information. SAHM is personal. If you provide unsolicited personal information, you are opening the door to potential sources of discrimination for which you would have no recourse because they did not ask you for the (illegal to ask) information. Does this make sense? On the other hand, "work" experience does not have to be "paid", so you could list volunteer activities if they are pertinent.

Good luck on your application

[Saysfaa]

I would leave it off.

[AlaBro2010]

I agree leave it off. That's something I explained in my interview but not on my résumé.

[phoenixnim]

I would leave it off. But, there are clever ways to add your Mom skills to your resume under a "skills" section, such as able to multi-task in chaotic and fast paced environment", "detail oriented", "schedule and maintain appointment/event calendar for X amount of people (X=number of people in your family)"

I'm a single mom, so I know the amount of work that goes into juggling kids, life, etc. If you run PTA meetings or Scouts or something, you can add leadership and organizational skills.

If you google resume writing for SAHM's re-entering the work force there are a ton of great examples on how to incorporate this without coming out and just saying, SAHM. Which a previous poster is right on, can open up unwarranted discrimination.

[Saysfaa]

I think phoenixnim has a good idea if the setting is right but I think the odds are against this being a good setting for it. Sometimes too clever can bite you.

I do sympathize with the urge to count those years... I was in the same boat.

You can work it into the essay if you have one with a suitable prompt.

The good news is that it is a very situation, and a very well understood and accepted reason for such a gap. It should not hurt you.

[MrsStudentNurse]

I agree with the above. Having a gap is usually asked about in the interview in which case having a good reason such as yours has always been understandable, at least in my experience. Reasons for gaps in employment such as being a Sahm, student or taking care of a sick relative are usually looked highly upon.

[BrooklynJulie]

Thanks everyone. Glad to see it is pretty much unanimous in leaving it off. I wish there was going to be an interview for the school I am applying to but I have to hope it is clearly addressed in the essay (which I think it is).