You’ve mastered the art of school lunches and you know the last time every nook and cranny in your home has been cleaned, but how does your resume look when you try to apply for a job? Chief Domestic Officers often find they have a hard time gaining employment outside of the home due to the lack of recent work experience, but this doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the freedom to make your own money after a divorce.
We’ve discovered some great tips for creating a winning resume that will help you land the job of your dreams:
- Make your skills transferrable – If you’ve become a number whiz after paying the household bills for so many years, explain how that knowledge relates to your ability to manage a cash drawer or run a company’s payroll. Depending on your previous work history, you might find that many of your skills can really translate into a well-paying job that’s just right for you.
- Be honest about your time at home – People often recommend that you shouldn’t have any employment gaps on your resume, but attempting to mask this point could work to your disadvantage, especially if you’ve been a CDO for many years. Employers can sense if you’re trying to hide something and may interpret that as you not being trustworthy. Instead, use your resume to explain to potential employers that you’ve been at home managing the household and you are excited to get back into the workforce. In today’s marketplace, there are more and more employers thinking outside-the-box who will appreciate your skillset and experience.
- Highlight your interpersonal skills – Being the Chief Domestic Officer means you’ve had to work with a variety of people, from the repair man who kept showing up late to your child’s teacher who unfairly singled your kid out. You have plenty of experience dealing with conflict and you know how to manage stressful situations. This is a skill that’s hard to teach and one that employers will really value.
- Include part-time jobs or volunteer positions – Any information you can provide that illustrates you are a smart investment will work toward your advantage. Maybe you had a brief stint selling products from home, or you held a position on the PTA. Don’t undervalue your experience just because you didn’t get paid for it.
Remember, your life after a divorce is the perfect opportunity to gain the independence you may have been longing for. Working outside of the home and spending your own hard-earned money gives you a feeling of freedom like none other.
Need support during or after your divorce? Contact Alexandra Geczi Family Law today with your questions. We’re here to help.