Returning to work after maternity leave can feel daunting, especially when it comes to updating your resume. Whether you’ve taken a few months or several years off, creating a CV that reflects your skills, experiences, and growth during your time away is essential to making a confident return to the workforce. This guide provides actionable resume tips and examples to help you succeed.
Understanding the challenges and opportunities
Explaining the gap:
Employers value honesty and transparency. A maternity leave break can be a positive aspect of your career journey. Explain the gap briefly and professionally in your resume or cover letter, emphasising skills gained during this time (e.g., organisation, multitasking, or volunteering activities).
Steps to update your resume post-maternity leave
Choose a hybrid format:
- Combine chronological and functional resume formats to highlight your skills and recent experiences.
Keep it concise:
- Limit your CV to 1-2 pages, focusing on accomplishments and value-added skills.
Use clear section headers:
- Include sections like “Professional Experience,” “Skills,” “Career Break Activities,” and “Education.”
Optimise for ATS:
- Use industry-specific keywords to ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
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Find out moreExplaining maternity leave in a CV
You don’t need to over-elaborate on the break. A simple, professional acknowledgment suffices. Place it within the timeline of your work experience, or include it as a separate section if you undertook significant activities.
Tips for balancing your career and motherhood
Returning to work isn’t just about your CV; it’s about presenting your best self. Here’s how to balance motherhood and career effectively:
Leverage flexible work options:
Mention openness to flexible or hybrid work arrangements.
Utilise workplace resources:
Tap into support groups or mentoring programmes for mothers re-entering the workforce.
Set realistic goals
Prioritise roles that align with your skills and personal commitments.
Post-maternity leave resume example:
[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Marketing Manager with 8+ years of experience in brand strategy and customer engagement. Recently completed a career break to focus on family and professional development. Skilled in digital marketing, team leadership, and analytics, with certifications in SEO and social media marketing.
Professional Experience:
Marketing Manager | XYZ Corp | 2016–2021
- Spearheaded campaigns that increased brand awareness by 35%.
- Managed a team of 10, driving collaboration and innovation.
Career Break | Maternity Leave | 2021–2023
- Gained certifications in Google Analytics and SEO.
- Organised community events, showcasing project management and leadership skills.
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Join the ivee community!
Join our Facebook group. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with like-minded returners, seek advice on returning to work after maternity leave, or share your experiences, our Facebook community is here to help you navigate your journey back into the workforce.
You’ll find:
👉 Latest regulatory changes regarding maternity leave
👉 CV templates for women returning to work
👉 Latest industry updates
👉 Resources and guides to help you on your job hunt
👉 Confidence-building events, webinars and advice on all aspects of returning to work
Our Facebook community
Conclusion
By following these tips and tailoring your resume to your unique experiences, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for roles that align with your career aspirations and family commitments. Start crafting your post-maternity CV today and embrace this new chapter with confidence!
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