Landing the Right Job as a Single Mom: CV Updates, Job Search Strategies & Work-Life Balance
Returning to the workforce as a single mom is a journey—one filled with ambition, resilience, and a bit of anxiety. Whether stepping back into your career or switching paths, you want to showcase your skills, find the right opportunity, and balance work with motherhood. As I write this I am also preparing to return to work and do so as a self-employed individual. It's no easy feat, however, it is very possible.
Here’s
how to make that transition smooth and successful.
- Update Your Resume with Confidence, your resume is your first impression, so let’s make it count!
I was very bad at this because I wasn't very confident, however, after being coached by a Director, I gained the confidence I needed and made a few changes to highlight the skills needed.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Even
if you’ve been home for a while, you’ve gained valuable skills:
Time management (juggling
responsibilities)- Problem-solving (handling
unexpected challenges)
- Communication (advocating
for yourself & your child)
Don’t undervalue what you bring to the
table!
Address
Career Gaps Positively
You
don’t have to hide a career break. Instead, own it!
Example:
“Dedicated caregiver and manager of a household while pursuing professional
development.”
If
you completed courses, freelanced, or volunteered, mention it to show
continuous growth.
Tailor Your Resume for Each
Job
A generic resume won’t cut it. Use keywords from the job description and align your experience to what employers need.
2. Smart Job Search Strategies
You don’t need to apply to hundreds of jobs—just the right one.
Use Mom-Friendly Job Platform
Look for jobs that value flexibility:
- FlexJobs – Remote & part-time roles
- WorkingMums (UK) – Career opportunities for moms
- LinkedIn – Professional networking & job searches
Tap
Into Your Network
Many
jobs are filled through connections. Let people know about your job
hunting—friends, former colleagues, even LinkedIn contacts.
Pro
Tip: Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities for working moms &
professionals in your field.
Prepare for Virtual
Interviews
With
many interviews happening online, practice:
- Speaking clearly & confidently
- Setting up a quiet, well-lit space
- Answering common return-to-work questions
3.
Balancing Work & Home Without the Overwhelm
Once you land a job, the real challenge begins—managing work and home life.
Create a Routine That Works
for You
- Plan ahead – Prepare meals & outfits the night before
- Use a planner – Track meetings, deadlines, & family time
- Set work boundaries – Avoid burnout by keeping clear work hours
Ask for Help (and Accept
It!)
You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s family, childcare, or supportive coworkers, lean on your network.
Give Yourself Grace
You won’t always have it all together—and that’s okay. Some days will be messy, but you’re doing an incredible job.
Remember
Returning
to work as a single mom isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building the
life you want. With the right resume updates, job search strategies, and
work-life balance, you're setting yourself up for success.
💬 What’s your biggest
challenge in job hunting or balancing work & home? Let’s chat in the
comments!
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