Need some ideas for a cover letter for a stay at home mom returning to work? Don’t know how to spin your time away? We got you covered!
Maybe you’ve been away from the workforce for a few years (or more), and the thought of writing a cover letter feels about as comfortable as fitting into your pre-baby jeans. But let’s get one thing clear, your time at home with your kiddos has equipped you with an arsenal of skills that are highly valued in the corporate world.
In today’s post, we’re going to delve into how to create a compelling cover letter for a stay-at-home mom returning to work. We’ll highlight how to channel all that mom power into language hiring managers will love, and, most importantly, showcase the real you. So whether you’re feeling confident or a little wobbly about this next step, we’ve got your back.
Table of Contents
- Essential Ingredients in creating a cover letter
- Sample Cover Letters for Stay-At-Home-Moms
- Wrapping Up
Essential Ingredients in creating a cover letter
Let’s dive right into the essential elements of a compelling cover letter for a stay-at-home mom returning to work, shall we?
- Emphasize Your Relevant Skills: Being a stay-at-home mom requires a suite of skills that are extremely transferable to the professional world. Think about all the multitasking, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making you’ve done while managing your household. These are all valuable skills in the corporate world, so don’t hesitate to highlight them.
- Demonstrate Continued Professional Development: Have you been keeping up with your industry while at home? Have you taken any online courses or certifications? Be sure to include any steps you’ve taken to keep your skills sharp or learn new ones. Even if it’s just keeping up with industry news or trends, this shows employers that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
- Volunteer or Part-time Work: If you’ve been involved in any part-time, freelance, or volunteer work while being a stay-at-home mom, definitely include it. This can demonstrate your continued commitment to work, as well as give you specific achievements or projects to talk about.
- State Your Career Break Positively: Don’t shy away from stating that you’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Be transparent about your career break but frame it positively. Explain how this time away has allowed you to develop and grow as a person, ultimately benefiting your work life.
- Show Enthusiasm and Dedication: Hiring managers love to see candidates who are enthusiastic and eager to contribute. Show your passion for the job and how excited you are to bring your skills to their team.
- Tailor It to the Job and Company: Make sure your cover letter is customized for each job you apply to. This shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and how you can meet them.
- Proofread: This is an important step that’s often overlooked. Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors, as they can distract from the message you’re trying to convey.
Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to get the employer to read your resume and invite you for an interview. So, keep it concise, engaging, and focused on how you can add value to the company.
Sample Cover Letters for Stay-At-Home-Moms
Here are different samples to try for a cover letter for stay at home mom returning to work!
Prior Professional Experience Cover Letters
Cover Letter #1
Subject: Application for the [Job Title] Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Although I’ve spent the past few years focusing on my family, I am now eager to return to the professional sphere and believe I would be a great fit for your team.
Prior to my sabbatical to raise my children, I accumulated [# of years of experience] in [relevant fields or industries]. In my most recent position as [previous job title] at [previous company], I [describe a key responsibility or accomplishment]. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my ability to [describe a key strength or skill you possess], which I am confident would make a positive impact on your team.
Despite my time away from formal employment, I have made a conscious effort to stay connected with industry developments and trends. During this period, I have [participated in relevant online courses, freelance projects, volunteer work, etc.]. This ongoing commitment to my professional growth will allow me to quickly get up to speed and contribute meaningfully to your team.
Being a dedicated parent has also endowed me with skills and experiences that are highly relevant in the corporate environment. I have honed my abilities in multitasking, problem-solving, and time management. In addition, the empathy and patience I’ve developed are traits that I believe will enrich my interactions and collaboration with both colleagues and clients.
I am particularly attracted to the opportunity at [Company Name] due to [specific reason related to the company or job role]. I believe that my skills, experience, and passion make me an excellent candidate for this position. I am eager to contribute to your team and grow with [Company Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and skills would make me a strong fit for your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Cover Letter #2
Subject: Application for [Job Title]
[Employer’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as advertised on your company website. As an experienced [Your Job Role], I am thrilled about the prospect of bringing my unique skill set, commitment, and passion to your esteemed organization.
Before I took a break to start a family, I worked as a [Previous Job Role] for [Previous Company’s Name] for [Number of Years/ Months]. In that capacity, I gained a wealth of knowledge and honed my abilities in [mention specific skills relevant to the job you are applying for]. I am excited to transition back into the workforce, and I firmly believe that my past experience paired with the soft skills I have developed during my time away from the professional setting will allow me to make a significant contribution to your team.
My time as a stay-at-home parent has not only been fulfilling personally but professionally as well. Managing a household and ensuring the welfare of my children have sharpened my time management skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are critical to excel in [Job Title]. Furthermore, I have stayed abreast of trends in [Your Industry/Field], taking online courses in [relevant skills or knowledge areas], which ensures that I am up-to-date and ready to hit the ground running.
Being deeply passionate about [Your Field], I also used my time away from the workforce to [mention any volunteer work, part-time work, freelance work, or projects related to your field]. This experience has kept my skills relevant and allowed me to continue growing professionally, even while taking a break to focus on my family.
Your company’s commitment to [mention something you admire about the company, whether that’s their mission, their products/services, or their culture] aligns perfectly with my personal values and professional goals. I am confident that my combination of past experience, ongoing professional development, and adaptability make me an excellent fit for the [Job Title] position.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to [Company’s Name]’s continued success. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter #3
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the open [Job Title] position listed on your company’s website. As a dedicated professional with over [# years] experience in [field], I am confident that I would bring a fresh perspective and energy to your team. Although I have been out of the formal workforce for a few years, during my time as a stay-at-home mom, I have continued to build my skills and remained engaged in the industry through [volunteer work, freelance projects, online courses, etc.].
Prior to my decision to focus on my family, I worked at [Previous Job/Company], where I [describe your previous responsibilities and achievements]. This position allowed me to not only develop strong [mention specific skills] skills, but also gain a deep understanding of [mention specific tasks/activities related to the job you’re applying for].
In the interim years, I have honed my organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills in the high-stakes environment of managing a household and coordinating the needs of a family. In many ways, this has been the most challenging project management role of my life, and I have learned to multitask, prioritize, and handle unexpected changes with grace and efficiency.
Moreover, my ongoing commitment to self-improvement and learning has led me to complete [any relevant courses or certifications] during my time away from the office. These experiences have further developed my [mention specific skills], making me an even stronger candidate for this position.
What I find most appealing about [Company’s Name] is [mention something you genuinely like about the company or aligns with your values/goals]. It’s inspiring to see a company that [specific praise about the company], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to such a team.
I am eager to bring my dedication, initiative, and top-notch [mention a specific skill] to the [Job Title] role, and am certain that I would quickly become a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences could align with the needs and values of [Company’s Name].
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
No Traditional Work Experience Cover Letters
Cover Letter #1
Subject: Application for [Job Title]
[Employer’s Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as I found on your company website. Although I chose to initially raise my family full-time in lieu of traditional work experience, I have spent significant time honing skills and capabilities that I believe are transferable and highly relevant to the role.
During my time as a stay-at-home parent, I have developed and practiced various abilities that align with your job requirements. Effective multitasking, time management, budgeting, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are just a few examples of the capabilities I’ve developed and nurtured over the years. I believe these will be highly beneficial when transferred to a professional environment.
In addition, I have actively sought out opportunities to keep my skills sharp and to acquire new ones. I have participated in several online courses and certifications, such as [list courses or certifications], that have allowed me to gain [specific skills relevant to the job]. This learning has kept me intellectually engaged and adaptable, traits I am eager to bring to your team.
Furthermore, I have participated in [mention any volunteer work or community involvement] where I have been able to exercise leadership, teamwork, and [mention any other skills relevant to the job]. I strongly believe these experiences, while not in a traditional work environment, have equipped me with valuable skills and experiences that will make a significant contribution to your team.
I am particularly drawn to [Company’s Name] because of [mention something you admire about the company]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to such an inspiring organization and believe that I would be a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss further how my unique experiences and skill set could contribute to [Company’s Name]’s ongoing success. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter #2
Subject: Application for [Job Title]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my excitement about the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name]. Although I may not bring traditional professional experience to the table, I am confident that my decision to prioritize raising my children has equipped me with unique and transferable skills that can greatly benefit your team.
In consciously choosing to be a stay-at-home mom, I embarked on a fulfilling journey that challenged me to develop skills that resonate deeply with your job requirements. Mastering time management, budgeting, problem-solving, and coordinating a myriad of daily activities, all while nurturing the development of my children, has provided me with a rich set of abilities that I am eager to transition into the professional environment.
Simultaneously, I have committed myself to staying engaged with the professional world. Despite the demands of parenthood, I have successfully completed online courses in [mention the name of the courses or subjects studied], enabling me to acquire and refine [mention the skills acquired]. Moreover, my active involvement in [mention any community involvement or volunteer work] has offered a practical platform to apply these skills and remain connected with my broader community.
I am particularly attracted to [Company’s Name] because of [mention something you admire about the company]. I am passionate about [mention the field/industry] and excited about the prospect of channeling my energy, commitment, and skills into your team.
I firmly believe that my decision to stay at home with my children has been a period of significant personal growth and skill acquisition. I am confident that the qualities and experiences I bring would enable me to contribute positively to [Company’s Name] and the [Job Title] position.
Thank you for considering my application. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can bring value to your team. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Slightly Humorous Yet Professional Cover Letters
Sometimes a little humor can take you far and help you stand out! While corporate culture continues to be emphasized, it’s important to show a human side of you that can work well with others. Here are some ideas:
Cover Letter #1
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am excited to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name]. Over the past few years, my full-time role has been Chief Household Officer—a position that, while different from my previous professional roles, has not slowed down my commitment to remain updated in my chosen field of [industry name].
Before making the decision to focus on my family, I worked as a [Your Previous Job Title] at [Your Previous Company], where I [briefly describe key responsibilities and achievements]. That role equipped me with valuable skills in [mention specific skills] which I believe are highly applicable to the role at your esteemed organization.
Since stepping away from the office, I have consistently kept my finger on the pulse of our industry. Despite the daily adventures of parenthood, I’ve actively stayed up-to-date with industry trends and advancements through regular reading, networking, and online research.
In a quest for continuous learning, I’ve completed several courses and certifications during my time at home, including [mention specific courses or certifications here]. These programs have not only reinforced my existing knowledge but have also introduced me to new concepts and methodologies in [industry name].
Returning to the professional realm, I am particularly drawn to [Company’s Name] due to its [mention what you admire about the company or how it aligns with your values or goals]. I believe that my commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability, honed through juggling the unpredictability of family life, can bring a unique perspective to your team.
In summary, I am a dedicated professional excited to swap the jungle gym for the corporate ladder. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring my updated industry knowledge and refined skills to the [Job Title] role at [Company’s Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing how my experience and commitment to staying abreast of industry trends could benefit [Company’s Name].
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter #2
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I trust this letter finds you in good spirits. I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position listed on your company’s website. Although my recent years have been focused on managing a rather lively and unpredictable team (also known as my children), I have remained engaged with industry developments and trends, and I’m eager to bring my expanded skillset back into the professional sphere.
Prior to my role in “domestic management,” I had the privilege of serving as a [Your Previous Job Title] at [Your Previous Company]. In this position, I [describe your key responsibilities, achievements, and skills you acquired]. This experience, coupled with my relentless commitment to stay current in our fast-evolving industry, makes me a strong candidate for your team.
During my sabbatical from the formal workforce, I was anything but idle. I seized the opportunity to delve deeper into industry knowledge, enrolling in a number of courses, such as [mention the courses and certifications you have done]. I believe these additional qualifications, which include [mention specific skills or areas of knowledge], will greatly benefit the [Job Title] position.
Beyond this, my daily operations at “home base” have refined my skills in areas surprisingly relevant to business dynamics. These include crisis management (is there any better practice than calming a sudden domestic storm?), negotiation (convincing small, stubborn individuals about the merits of bedtime), and multi-project management (balancing household, educational, and recreational activities, to name a few).
I have long admired [Company’s Name] for its [mention what you like about the company or how it aligns with your values or goals]. As someone who appreciates [specific aspect or value], I am excited by the prospect of contributing to such an inspiring organization.
In closing, I am a professional ready to trade nursery rhymes for [specific industry terminology] once again. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication, initiative, and freshly sharpened skills to the [Job Title] role at [Company’s Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my industry knowledge, practical experiences, and commitment to growth might align with your needs at [Company’s Name].
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, ladies! A roadmap for crafting your cover letter for stay at home mom returning to work that balances the professional you and the homebound superparent you’ve been. Remember, taking time off to raise your kids hasn’t sidelined you – it’s just given you a different set of skills, maybe even superpowers. You’ve managed mini-humans, and trust me, that’s no small feat!
Use these cover letters to paint a vibrant picture of the amazing professional you are and the dedicated parent you’ve been. Your unique journey, coupled with your tenacity to keep your industry knowledge up to date, makes you one heck of a candidate. So, swap those sweatpants for something snazzy, mommas, and dive back in with confidence.
Until next time, remember: You’ve got this! And the professional world? It’s lucky to have you coming back.
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