Pongo Blog | Resume When You Haven't Worked for Years

Writing a Resume We received a blog comment recently from a woman who had left the workforce 18 years ago to raise her children. Now she's looking to return to work, and wondering, "What do I say on my resume, and where do I start?"

Since there are lots of people in this boat, I thought I'd answer this reader's question, and offer some tips for anyone who's looking to make the leap back into (paid) work after a long time away.

Our reader summarized her former work experience like this: 5 years as a secretary at one company; 8 years of general clerical experience at three previous employers (including 4 years in the U.S. Army); and part-time employment on and off in retail, because the hours were flexible. She's been brushing up on her word processing and office skills, is willing to learn or be trained in new requirements, and is seeking a regular office job.

How to Start the Resume

Making some educated assumptions about the skills one uses while raising children and running a household, and combining those with her actual work history, I might start the resume something like this:

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Administrative support professional with a total of 13 years' professional experience, including 4 years as a clerk in the U.S. Army
Strong computer and office management skills
Excellent time manager with extensive experience coordinating schedules, maintaining calendars, arranging transportation, and making travel arrangements
Strengths include budgeting, managing accounts payable and receivable, maintaining supplies, and arranging repairs to equipment or facilities
Outstanding interpersonal skills and commitment to customer service

From there, I'd follow a typical resume template, presenting experience, education, etc. If there is relevant volunteer experience, that should be included, too. (Note: Some career advisors recommend using a functional resume format if you've been out for a long time, but most recruiters don't like them, and aren't fooled by the lack of dates.)

How to Start the Cover Letter

While the Summary of Qualifications above is all true, it could be a bit misleading since it doesn't mention that the 13 years of experience is from a long time ago. That's where the cover letter comes in.

I would explain the situation in the cover letter, briefly, honestly, and in positive terms. Here's a sample cover letter opening:

Dear Ms. So&So,

With more than 13 years' professional clerical experience, I believe I have the right combination of skills, personality, and work ethic to be a very effective contributor in the Assistant Office Manager role. I would appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss this opportunity.

For many years, I have been channeling my administrative support skills into raising, educating, transporting, and managing the busy schedules of three children, the youngest of whom just entered college. I am now looking forward to returning to an office setting where I can transfer my skillset back into the professional arena.

Conclude the cover letter with any other details that support your ability to meet the employer's needs.

Don't Limit Your Options

One other tip for returning workers is to not restrict yourself to the same field or industry you used to work in. For instance, our reader wants an office position. She should consider every type of business — huge corporation, small-town accounting office, downtown hotel, non-profit foundation, school, hospital, insurance company, dental practice, factory ... and the list goes on.

And don't forget about staffing agencies. ("Temp" work was my secret weapon for re-entering the workplace after 10 years at home.) They might even be able to help you sharpen your skills and get your feet wet with various types of short-term office jobs.

The days of straight and narrow career paths are long gone. Workers leave their jobs for lots of reasons, stay away for months, years, or decades, then get back in. Stay positive, stay flexible, and think creatively about where your skills can help a business succeed, and your transition should be (relatively) painless.

Any other hints or questions about returning to work after a long absence? Leave us a comment!

Thank you Julie for answering my post. You've given me many ideas and suggestions to work with in preparing my resume after 18-years.

Should I also explain the dilemma about my references? All the Companies that I did clerical work for (excluding the Army) are now out-of-business or should I wait until they inquire. I'm afraid of looking like I fabricated my work experience.

Also, I failed to mention that the past two years I have been self-employed part-time as an independent contractor for Professional Mystery Shopping Companies. It includes much scheduling, time management, narrative writings, data input, deadlines, and communication skills along with actually performing the mystery shop. I kept track of my payables, receivables, expenses, and SE taxes.

Would I lead off my work experience with the self-employment, since it is the most recent.

My biggest hurdle, I feel, is self-confidence and believing a potential employer would find my skills useful.

I would love to hear from others that have been successful at finding employment after such a long absence from the regular work force.

Thanks again for your help.

DMay

@lilfordwmn

First, keep in mind that your medical history is private, and there is no need to disclose details about past medical conditions to a future employer. In fact, it would be unwise to do so. In your cover letter, allude to the break, but don't explain its nature (yet).

For instance, you could replace the 2nd paragraph in the example above with something like:

"After an X-year break from the workforce, I am pleased to be returning to the professional arena, and I am confident that my X and Y skills can contribute to your business success." Emphasize your past work experience, and don't forget volunteer work (unpaid work is just as valid as paid, if it is relevant to your desired position).

In an interview, they will probably ask about the gap. Practice a brief, factual statement such as:

"I had surgery in 2002 that required considerable rehabilitation time, so that was my focus for awhile, and then I took the opportunity to [travel? spend time with family? volunteer? pursue my passion for ___? ]. Now I'm very excited to get back to ____, and my skills seem to fit your needs nicely. What do you think is the most important quality to be successful in this position?"

The key here is to be brief and factual -- not emotional, not detailed -- and then to change the subject by asking a question at the end.

Don't give the exact nature of the surgery, or mention the subsequent depression, etc. That's none of their business! Maintaining your privacy is not the same as lying.

Good luck!

- Julie

"@lilfordwmn

For instance, you could replace the 2nd paragraph in the example above with something like:

In an interview, they will probably ask about the gap. Practice a brief, factual statement such as:

The key here is to be brief and factual -- not emotional, not detailed -- and then to change the subject by asking a question at the end.

Don't give the exact nature of the surgery, or mention the subsequent depression, etc. That's none of their business! Maintaining your privacy is not the same as lying.

Good luck!

- Julie"

These words of wisdom are excellent. I have been out of the workforce for over 10 years and graduated from college in 2006. I am ready to return to the workforce and attend law school. Keep up the good work.

@Margaret and @Sherrie

Since you're both looking to change fields, you should include an Objective on your resume. (Changing careers is one of the few times I recommend an Objective statement.) The idea is to confidently explain how you are qualified for the desired roles by explaining your transferable skills.

Here are a couple of samples, based on the little I know about you. Use these as guides, but edit them to make them your own. In addition, use a similar method to further explain your transferable skills in the cover letter:

Margaret: OBJECTIVE: To provide administrative support in a law firm that can benefit from my X years of direct experience as a legal secretary, as well as the ____ skills developed during a long career the restaurant industry. [Fill in the blank with skills that are beneficial to a law firm, such as organization, discretion, attention to detail, recordkeeping, scheduling, or whatever matches the jobs you're applying for.]

Sherrie: OBJECTIVE: To secure a challenging position as a receptionist and data entry clerk, applying the computer proficiency, customer service skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal talents acquired through 7 years of professional and volunteer roles in factory assembly work and caregiving roles with the elderly.

Hope that helps!

~Julie

Writing a Resume When You Haven't Worked for Years