Gladys Simen* highlight four skills unique to moms that can help them advance in the workplace.
We all know being a mom takes a lot of work and skills — and essentially requires you to be a superhero.
But what does being a mom have to do with getting hired? A lot.
There are incredible skills that only moms possess and should not be overlooked — especially in an interview.
You might be scratching your head right now, wondering how adding things to your resume like providing emotional support and guidance to a 2-year-old, always having snacks on hand and creating a structured routine to finally get the kiddos to go to bed on time will give you a leg up in the workplace.
You acquired quite a few unique skills being a mom that easily transfer into any work environment.
Here’s how to turn your parenting superpowers into relevant assets to include on your resume and get you hired.
- Preparation
Moms are not easily thrown off guard because they are prepared for everything.
Need a snack? They have it.
Headache? They have what you need.
Moms take the initiative to plan for every type of scenario to avoid surprises and ensure the day runs smoothly.
For example, you might have a habit of packing snacks ahead of time for a family trip, always coming prepared with bandages and cleaning wipes.
Being prepared while working from home can look like strategically planning when your kids eat and play just before an important Zoom meeting, so you have time to focus without interruptions.
When looking at these skills from a workplace standpoint, they can demonstrate your ability to anticipate issues, problem-solve, stay calm under pressure, prioritise and even think critically.
Relevant resume skills: Critical thinking and proactivity
- A willingness to have the hard conversations
Difficult conversations aren’t something moms deter from.
They know the value of talking about tough subjects and won’t readily shy away from conversations.
Moms deal with conflict daily.
Whether they’re playing referee or consoling their kids, moms know the best way to diffuse arguments and regulate their children’s emotions.
This type of skill is invaluable in the workplace and a skill many leaders should possess.
With your experience managing conflict at home, you will be able to diffuse tense conversations at work and even be the voice of reason within the office, seeing both perspectives at once.
Relevant resume skills: communication, emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, leadership
- Problem-solving
As moms, we spend our days in constant problem-solving mode.
Life can be unpredictable at times, that’s why moms are some of the best employees to hire if you want someone who can think on their feet and is a quick problem solver.
Whether they are trying to figure out the last minute costume for their kid or troubleshooting a technical issue at work, you can count on moms to find a creative solution.
Relevant resume skills: creative problem-solver and solution-oriented
- Multi-tasking
You wouldn’t be surprised to see a mom juggling multiple tasks at once.
Moms are incredibly efficient at getting things done and multi-tasking.
This is an easy skill to translate into the workplace.
Most employers want their employees to be proactive and productive.
They want to ensure the people they hire are willing to stay focused on the job, and occasionally juggle more than one thing at a time.
Moms are the best at this.
You could even say it’s their superpower.
Relevant resume skills: time management, multi-tasking, prioritising, efficiency
Motherhood not only enriches your personal life but also garners you with valuable skills you can use in the workplace.
So the next time you are looking for a new job or going for a well-deserved promotion, don’t shy away from sharing the invaluable skills you’ve acquired through motherhood.
*Gladys Simen is a Life Coach for working mothers.
This article first appeared at fairygodboss.com.
