Haven’t touched your resume in years? Start here

You’ve managed schedules, negotiated with your kids, solved daily crises, juggled logistics, and shown up—day after day—for your family. That’s not a gap. That’s leadership, communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. The world may call it a “break.” We call it growth.

We also know it can be intimidating to create a resume from scratch—or even to open one you haven’t touched in years. That’s okay. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to make it perfect on the first try. 

During that time, you gained important skills like problem-solving, time management, and leadership, often without even realizing it. Whether you were raising a family, supporting others, or running a household, you were building experience that matters in the workplace. Instead of seeing your time away as a setback, think of it as a season of growth that has prepared you to step into your next opportunity with strength and confidence.

Here’s How to Refresh Your Resume

✔ Lead with a Confident Summary at the Top – Don’t shy away from the gap. Focus on what you’re ready for now and how your strengths show up. 

✔ Highlight Transferable Skills – Leadership, problem-solving, communication, adaptability—these all count, and you’ve built them daily.

 ✔ Add Recent Learning or Volunteering – Include courses, webinars, or roles in your community. Use action words like “organized,” “led,” and “created.”

 ✔ Tailor It to What’s Next – Align your resume with the roles you want, not just where you’ve been. Show how your goals and their needs match.

 ✔ Own Your Story – You don’t have to justify the gap. You can simply say: “Primary caregiver [year–year], developing advanced time management, communication skills, and strategic problem-solving."

Need Help Getting Started?

We're here to support you every step of the way—because your experience matters, your story is important, and your next chapter is just beginning.

✔ Want a simple resume template? Download this one

✔ Need help from a professional resume writer? Consider Upword Resume

✔ Listen to our podcast on "How She Did It" for more resume ideas

You’re not starting from scratch—you’re moving forward with strength, clarity, and purpose.