Let me get real with you right off the bat: returning to work after a break—whether it’s a year, five years, or even longer—can feel like standing at the base of a mountain with nothing but flip-flops and a slightly battered backpack. I know, because I’ve been there, and so have so many incredible women I’ve talked to.

The doubts are real. The “what ifs” are loud. And the “how the heck do I even start this resume?” feeling can be downright paralyzing.

But—deep breath—it’s not impossible. Not even close. I promise, your story is worth telling, and you have way more to offer than you think. So let’s grab our coffee (or chai, or whatever your go-to comfort drink is) and talk honestly about how to go from feeling stuck to actually strategic with your resume.

Let’s Be Honest: Why Is This So Hard?

I wish someone had told me this sooner, but there’s nothing wrong or shameful about taking a break. Life happens. Maybe you were raising kids, caring for parents, handling a health crisis, or just needed space to breathe. No matter the reason, your worth didn’t go away just because you pressed pause on your career.

Still, here we are, faced with that blank resume screen. And let’s not sugarcoat it—the world has a way of making career gaps feel like the elephant in the room. I used to obsess over how to explain the “missing years.” Would I be taken seriously? Would my skills still count? The anxiety is real.

But guess what? Those years weren’t a waste. They were filled with skills, growth, and resilience that employers need—even if they’re not written in corporate jargon.

The First Step: Reframe the Break

Here’s a confession: for the longest time, I tried to hide my career break on my resume. I’d fudge dates, cram unrelated freelance work into awkward bullet points, or (worst of all) leave a gaping blank spot and hope nobody noticed.

But it never felt right. And honestly, it wasn’t helping.

What did help was flipping the script. Instead of seeing my time away as a liability, I started seeing it as a unique chapter of my story. And when I got honest about it—both with myself and on my resume—something shifted.

So, instead of hiding the break, acknowledge it. You don’t have to write a memoir about those years, but a simple line like, “Career Break for Family Care (2018–2023),” is straightforward, honest, and far better than pretending it didn’t happen. You can even add a quick note about skills developed during that time (project management, negotiation, multitasking, etc.—yes, those count!).

Highlight Transferable Skills (Yes, You Have Them!)

Let’s be real: nobody spends a “break” just sitting around. If you managed a household, ran school fundraisers, volunteered, freelanced, learned new tech, or supported a community project—those are skills. Employers want people who can juggle, adapt, and get things done.

Think back. Did you:

Organize events or activities? That’s project management.
Handle finances, budgeting, or school treasurer roles? Financial management.
Negotiate with stubborn toddlers (or teens)? You’ve got communication and conflict resolution down.
Learn new software, tools, or platforms for personal projects? That’s technical adaptability.

These skills belong on your resume. Don’t downplay them. Frame them in terms that relate to the job you want, not just the life you lived.

Start With a Strong, Honest Summary

A great resume summary can do wonders—especially if you’re worried about that break. This is your chance to steer the conversation.

Something like:
“Detail-oriented professional with a background in administration and five years of experience managing complex family and volunteer projects. Excited to bring strong organizational and problem-solving skills to a dynamic office environment after a recent career break.”

That’s way better than apologizing for your absence. You’re showing what you bring, not what you “lack.”

Structure Matters: Make Your Resume Easy to Read

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. A clean, straightforward resume is your best friend. And please, for your own sanity, don’t try to squeeze your entire life story onto one page if it doesn’t fit.

Put your contact information at the top.
Start with your summary.
Use a “Skills” or “Core Competencies” section. List those transferable skills here.
Include “Relevant Experience”—paid or unpaid. If you did freelance work, temp gigs, or volunteer projects, list them.
Add your professional work history next, even if there are gaps.
Finish with education, certifications, or relevant courses.

And trust me, presentation counts. Font matters more than you think. I once used a flowery font and had a recruiter ask if my six-year-old made my resume. (She was only half-joking.) Want to make sure yours is clean and professional? Here’s a helpful guide on the best fonts for resume—seriously, it’s worth a look.

Don’t Hide—Explain Gaps Confidently

Let’s talk about the dreaded “gap.” Here’s my two cents: employers are way more understanding now than they used to be, especially after the pandemic turned everyone’s lives upside down.

You can add a simple entry for your break, like:

Career Break | 2019–2024
Full-time caregiver for family member; developed advanced organizational, time management, and advocacy skills.

Or, if you picked up part-time work or volunteering:

Community Volunteer | 2021–2023
Organized fundraising events, managed budgets, led teams, and implemented new systems for event registration.

It’s honest, it’s specific, and it shows that you stayed active and learned along the way.

Use the Right Tools—Templates That Actually Help

Not everyone has the time (or the patience) to design a resume from scratch. If you’re stuck, try a ready-made google docs resume template. They’re easy to edit, look sharp, and won’t break the formatting when you send your resume off into the wild.

I’m all for working smarter, not harder. And if design isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Focus on your story—let the template do the heavy lifting.

What About Old Skills? Do They Still Count?

Short answer: YES. Just because you haven’t used a software or skill in a few years doesn’t mean it’s vanished from your brain. Mention it, especially if it’s listed in the job description.

If you feel rusty, be honest—but show you’re updating your skills. Maybe you’re taking an online refresher course, watching YouTube tutorials, or asking a friend for help. Employers love people who show initiative.

Example:
“Proficient in Excel; currently completing a refresher course on advanced functions and data analysis.”

It shows you’re proactive, not passive.

Mistakes I’ve Made (and How to Avoid Them)

Let me save you some grief. Here are mistakes I’ve made or seen (too many times):

Over-explaining the break. You don’t need a long-winded story about why you took time off. A simple, confident explanation is enough.
Leaving the break off entirely. Gaps without explanation make recruiters nervous. Acknowledge them briefly and move on.
Trying to cram everything in. Quality > quantity. Only include what’s relevant to your new job goal.
Using outdated formats or fonts. (See my embarrassing story above. Stick to a best fonts for resume.)
Skipping volunteer or freelance work. If it’s relevant, add it! It all counts.

Tips for the Application Process (Because It’s Not Just About the Resume)

Network, network, network. Tell everyone you’re looking. Women’s networks, former colleagues, PTA parents, your neighbor’s cousin who works in HR—let them know you’re back in the game.
Practice your “return to work” story. Get comfortable talking about your break in interviews. Rehearse until it feels natural, not apologetic.
Apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. No one is a “perfect” fit, and men do this all the time. Throw your hat in the ring!
Don’t take rejection personally. I know, easier said than done. But every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”

Conclusion

Returning to work after a break is brave. It’s also messy, weird, and sometimes deeply frustrating. But it’s worth it. Every step you take—from dusting off your resume to clicking “submit” on that first application—is a win.

So, if you’re sitting there feeling stuck, worried about the gap, doubting your worth: trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have thousands of women before you. Your skills matter, your story is valid, and the right employer will see the strength in your journey—not just the dates on your resume.

You’ve got this. And if you ever need a little pep talk or resume feedback, my inbox (and coffee cup) are always open. Here’s to your next chapter—it’s going to be amazing.