The Resume

Let’s talk about something that often feels intimidating when returning to work: the resume. We hear it all the time—"What do I even put on my resume after years away?" "Will employers even look at someone with as big of a career gap as mine?"

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.

Step 1: Shift the Story

Your time away wasn’t a break from growth—it was a different kind of growth. Think about everything you’ve been doing:

  ✔ Managing a household = Project management

  ✔ Volunteering at school = Leadership & event coordination 

  ✔ Supporting your family = Emotional intelligence, multitasking, and conflict resolution

Step 2: Build with Confidence

• Use a summary statement at the top of your resume that reflects who you are now and what you’re excited to pursue. Frame it in terms of what value you will bring to the company. 
• Highlight your strengths and transferable skills—because they are valuable.
• Include volunteer work, freelance projects, community leadership, or anything that demonstrates initiative, learning, and consistency.
• And yes—it’s okay to mention your career break. Frame it in a way that shows what you gained, not what you “missed."

Resume Help

✔ Watch a training – There are lots of free resources online. Check out one of our workshop recordings.

✔ Hire a professional – Get help from  someone who helps people with their resumes every day. Upword Resume is a favorite of mine.  

✔ Ask a friend for help – Ask someone who has been in the workforce if they can review your resume and make suggestions. 

Take Small Steps

Updating your resume can feel overwhelming. Set a goal to complete your draft by a certain date and begin by working on one section at a time each day.

Updating your resume doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Let Elavare give you a hand!