Starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom is possible!

How do I start a new career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom? That's the question many women ask who made the choice to step away from working to raise their children.

Perhaps you're a mom who decided to have children before starting a career. On the other hand, you may have launched a career and then decided to leave the workforce for a period while to raise your kids. Regardless of which scenario describes you, it is possible to transition into the workforce when you're ready.  

In this post, we cover why preparing to launch your career is essential, along with tips for starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom. 

You have to get ready, first

Anyone starting a career needs to take some time to prepare, which includes moms starting a career at 40 or older. Preparation is especially critical for those stepping back into the workforce after being out for a while. 

Why? 

Because a lot has changed for both you and the workforce, you want to ensure you're clear on your current career goals and on-trend with what's happening in the workforce and your industry of interest. You also need to brush up on current resume standards so you don't send over a resume that automatically discredits you before you even get your foot in the door. 

Now that we're clear on the “why” behind needing to prepare, let's dive into some tips for starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom.

7 tips for starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom 

Again, a lot has likely changed from the time you became a mom to now, and it's essential to prepare accordingly to land an interview and then the job. To help you meet these goals, below are seven tips for starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom. 

1. Clarify your career goals

First things first, what are your career goals? Are you looking to build a career, including opportunities for advancement? Or maybe you prefer a lower-level job than you had before that doesn't come with much stress and allows you to truly leave the job at work? 

Also, are you seeking part-time or full-time work? How important is flexibility to you? Do you desire a hybrid, remote, or in-office job?

Once you're clear on those types of questions, it's time to decide what kind of position and industry you want to work in. If relevant, are you looking to pick back up in the same type of career and industry as you previously held, or are you looking to change careers?

It's important to clarify your answers to these types of questions before moving on to the other tips in this list.  

Related reading: How to Interview for a Remote Job (+Interview Questions)

2. Refresh your training and skills

Once you know the type of job you're focusing on, it's time to assess your current skill set and determine where you might need to refresh your skills. Also, what's changed in the work arena since you became a mom, and what new skills might you need to acquire? Your resume needs to show employers that you're current on the skills required for the job. 

As you review job descriptions of the jobs you're interested in, take note of the skills you might be lacking. From there, find ways to fill in any skill gaps you might have. Opportunities to do this include:

  • Taking online courses or in-person classes.There are plenty of free and low-cost online courses that can help boost your resume, as well as in-person classes at places like your local community college or community center. 

  • Securing certifications. Certifications related to the job you're seeking show that you have the skills related to the certification, which can boost your employability. 

  • Volunteering for an organization. You can seek out volunteer opportunities that will allow you to acquire the skills you need and then include them on your resume. 

  • Selecting a hobby or interest that requires those skills. If there is a hobby or interest that allows you to acquire skills necessary for a particular job, it could be possible to add that to your resume down the road. 

3. Update your marketing materials

Starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom means a lot has changed in terms of how to develop your job search materials, which are critical to landing an interview. After all, your resume is often the first impression employers have of you. 

Be sure your resume meets current resume formatting standards, includes all necessary sections, and leaves off information that's considered outdated (e.g., mailing address) or too personal (e.g., date of birth, marital status). Today, it's also vital that your resume is ATS-friendly to get past an employer's application tracking system. 

Your cover letter should complement your resume. It also provides an excellent opportunity to address your entry back into the workforce. 

Related reading: 7 Ways Job Seekers Sabotage Their Interviews Before They Walk in the Door 

4. Optimize your online presence

It's common today for employers to research candidates online. Update your LinkedIn profile so that it is current, and make sure your other social media pages present you in the best light possible. These platforms can help to shape your personal and professional brand to discuss and highlight during your interview, as well.  

Related reading: What Is a Personal Brand? And How Do You Show It Off During an Interview?

5. Reach out to your network and recruiters

Starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom might mean you haven't been in touch with your previous professional connections for a while. That's okay! It's still a good idea to reach out to them. 

Also, get in touch with new and current connections, whether it's friends, family members, or online connections that could help share your contact information, refer you to a job, or let you know if they see a job that you might be interested in. 

You can also work with a recruiting firm to up your game. Seek out reputable recruiters and recruiting firms that align with your career goals and industry.  

Related reading: 9 Smart Questions to Ask Recruiters Before an Interview

6. Determine how you'll explain your employment gap

Plenty of people have employment gaps on their resume for various reasons. Be brief and honest about why your employment gapis there while always bringing the conversation back to your qualifications for the job. For example:

I loved the work I did at my last company as an HR Generalist. I decided to take some time away from work to focus on raising my children, and now that my children are self-sufficient, I'm ready to continue my Accounting career in a full-time position. 

7. Practice and prepare for your interview

Once you land the coveted interview, it's time to practice and prepare. It's common for situational or behavioral interview questions to be asked during many job interviews today, so that's an excellent place to start practicing. Research the types of questions or interviews you might face based on your career choice, as well. For example, you might be asked to complete an assessment for a technology-focused interview or to give a presentation for a sales interview. 

Finally, be prepared for the common virtual interview platform, along with in-person interviews.

Final thoughts: starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom

It is indeed possible for moms returning to work after 10 years, 20 years, or longer to enter back into the workforce. Use the tips above for starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom, and you'll be well on your way to landing that new career in no time! 

Are you confident you know how to walk through your resume to ace the interview after being a stay-at-home mom? Not sure? Our expert TopInterview Coaches can help!

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