Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market: Advice for Moms Returning to Work

If you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a few years (or maybe more than a decade) you’ve already done some of the hardest work there is. You’ve raised humans. You’ve handled meltdowns, run a household, scheduled everyone’s lives, and kept it all moving even when you were completely exhausted.

Now, you’re thinking about going back to work. And that can feel huge. Overwhelming, even.

Maybe you haven’t updated your résumé in forever. Maybe you’re not even sure what kind of job you want anymore. And on top of all that, you’re hearing that companies are getting flooded with applications--many of them written or sent by AI tools that let people apply to 50 jobs a day.

So…how are you supposed to stand out?

The good news is that you don’t have to compete with AI. You have something better. You’re human. And in a world full of automated noise, that is what gets noticed.

Let’s talk about how to actually stand out and how to make your return to work feel a little less intimidating.

1. Focus on What You Can Offer (It’s More Than You Think)

You might not have a recent job title to lean on, but you have skills—plenty of them. Time management, problem-solving, crisis control, communication, organization, empathy—you’ve built all of these and more during your time as a mom.

You don’t need a recent job title to prove your value. Think about the things you’ve actually done. Maybe you helped run your school’s PTA, organized events for hundreds of families, or raised thousands of dollars through fundraisers. Maybe you served on a district-wide parent advisory council, helping shape school policies that impacted thousands of students. That’s leadership. That’s communication, project management, collaboration--all things employers are looking for. The key is learning to describe those experiences in a way that connects the dots between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing next.

2. Skip the Résumé Blast. Tailor Your Application

AI has made it really easy for people to send out hundreds of generic résumés. But that’s exactly why a personalized, thoughtful application stands out more than ever.

When you apply for a job, take a few extra minutes to tweak your résumé and cover letter so they reflect that specific role. Use some of the same keywords from the job description and draw connections between what they’re asking for and what you’ve done--even if it was outside of traditional work

Tip: AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly can help you polish or reword things if you're feeling stuck. Just make sure your own voice comes through and that you're not just copying and pasting. That’s what will resonate.

3. Reach Out to People--Not Just Job Boards

Sadly, most applications go into a black hole, especially when you’re applying online with hundreds of others.

One of the best ways to stand out? Talk to real people.

That means reaching out for informational interviews. These are quick, casual conversations where you learn about someone’s job or career path. You’re not asking for a job, you’re just building relationships.

You'd be surprised how often those conversations lead to referrals, advice, or even a job lead down the road.  People want to help--especially when you show genuine interest.  

4. Talk About Your Career Break With Confidence

You don’t need to explain it away or apologize for it. You took time away from paid work for a very real and meaningful reason, and that time taught you a lot.

Instead of avoiding the topic, reframe it. Try something like:

“Over the last several years, I focused on raising my family, which helped me build strong skills in time management, problem-solving, and communication. I’m excited to bring those strengths into my next role.”

You’re not starting from scratch. 

5. Lead With What Makes You Human

AI can write a résumé. It can copy a job description. But it can’t tell your story.

That’s your edge.

Be honest about why you're returning to work. Talk about what excites you. Share what you’ve learned in the last few years and what you’re hoping to do next. You don’t need to have a polished “pitch.” You just need to show up as yourself.

People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real.

You’ve Done Hard Things—You Can Do This Too

Getting back into the workforce after a career break is a big move. But if you’ve made it through sleepless nights, school chaos, and keeping a household running on fumes, you already have the resilience, the problem-solving, and the grit it takes.

This is just a new challenge. And you're more than ready for it.

And if you need a reminder of what to do?

👉 Download our free guide: The Confident Comeback Checklist
It’ll walk you through your first steps and remind you that you're not doing this alone.