How to Stand Out When Applying for Remote Jobs (Even With a Career Gap)

If you’re a mom who stepped away from your career to raise children, you’re not alone. But returning to the workforce—especially in the remote space—can feel intimidating. The good news? You have more to offer than you think.

With the right strategy and mindset, it’s absolutely possible to land a flexible, meaningful remote job. This guide will share actionable remote job tips for moms and show how stay-at-home moms can get hired for remote jobs after a break.

Why Remote Work is Ideal for Moms Returning to the Workforce

Remote work offers the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance many moms crave. According to Flex Jobs, more than 70% of parents say flexible work is the top priority when re-entering the workforce.

Small businesses in particular value reliability, communication, and experience—qualities many moms naturally bring to the table.

At HireMyMom.com, we specialize in helping moms re-enter the workforce with confidence by connecting them to vetted, flexible opportunities with small businesses that value their skills and time.

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6 Remote Job Tips for Moms with a Career Gap

1. Reframe Your Career Gap as a Strength

Instead of hiding your time away from the workforce, highlight the transferable skills you used during that time:

  • Project management (managing a household)
  • Conflict resolution (parenting wins!)
  • Organization, multitasking, and adaptability

Use your cover letter to confidently explain your story and how your break has made you a stronger professional.

2. Update Your Resume for Remote Readiness

Even if your last job was years ago, you can:

  • Highlight freelance, volunteer, or part-time work
  • Add skills like Zoom, Canva, Google Workspace, or Asana
  • Include a summary that emphasizes your goals and remote-friendly skills

Tip: Consider using a functional or combination resume style to focus on strengths rather than timelines.

3. Start With Flexible Roles

You don’t need to jump back into a full-time job. Many businesses on HireMyMom offer:

  • 5–10 hours/week starter roles
  • Project-based or contract work
  • Flexible part-time schedules

Explore Current Remote Jobs

4. Practice Your Pitch

Prepare a short intro that communicates your experience, availability, and enthusiasm for remote work. Use it in:

  • Cover letters
  • Interviews
  • Your HireMyMom profile summary

Example: “After several years managing a busy household, I’m excited to bring my strong organization, communication, and time management skills to a flexible remote role supporting small businesses.”

5. Highlight Soft Skills Employers Love

Small business owners often care more about trust, consistency, and communication than flashy credentials. Emphasize qualities like:

  • Accountability
  • Resourcefulness
  • Reliability and Dependability

Use real-life examples in your application to demonstrate these qualities.

6. Use a Curated, Scam-Free Platform

The remote job world is full of scams and spammy listings. That’s why moms trust HireMyMom.com, where every employer is vetted and every job is flexible, professional, and real.

“So glad I found y’all! I had been applying to jobs for months, and no one gave me a second look because I had a career gap. When I joined your group and applied to my first job, I got it! I’ve been singing your praises ever since!” — Melissa Collins

Join Our Trusted Community of Remote Job Seekers

FAQ: Returning to Work After a Break

Do I need to explain my gap in every application?

A short explanation in your cover letter is helpful. Focus on the skills you’ve built and your readiness to return.

What if I don’t have recent work experience?

Include volunteer roles, freelance gigs, or courses you’ve completed to show momentum and learning.

Do remote jobs require specific tools?

Familiarity with basic tools like Zoom, Gmail, Trello, or Slack is helpful. There are many YouTube videos available to give you a working knowledge of many of these tools.

How can I build confidence before applying?

Start small: update your resume, set up your profile on HireMyMom, and apply to 1-2 roles per week.

You’re More Ready Than You Think

A career gap doesn’t define you. Your skills, perspective, and desire to re-enter the workforce matter.

Let HireMyMom help you take the next step.

Create Your Account and Start Applying or Explore Our Resources for Job Seekers including our Career Concierge today.

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How to Create a Lasting Legacy Business with Remote Work

When you start your own business, that does not mean it will continue in perpetuity without you. Anyone can establish a company, but it takes long-term planning to create a brand that will last. While remote work is extremely popular, it might seem like it will be difficult to maintain a legacy business, but that is far from the truth!

Advantages of Remote Work for Legacy Enterprises

Integrating remote work into a legacy business model provides several advantages. Firstly, it offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Employees can work from anywhere, which boosts engagement and reduces burnout. In fact, 36% of workers prioritize the flexibility of remote work over a pay raise.

Moreover, remote work can significantly cut costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces, thereby increasing profitability. By adopting a remote-first approach, businesses can reinvest savings into growth initiatives. 

Another major advantage is access to a broader talent pool. Businesses are no longer restricted to hiring locally; they can now attract talent from all over the globe. This diversity in skills and perspectives can fuel innovation and competitive advantage. Furthermore, studies show that 40% of employees feel more productive when working remotely, which can drive better business outcomes.

Crafting Your Legacy Business Plan

Start by setting clear goals and a vision that align with your long-term aspirations. What impact do you want your business to have, and what legacy do you aim to leave?

Identify your target market by understanding your audience’s needs and preferences, crucial for crafting strategies that resonate and create lasting value. Who are you wanting to offer your products and services to?

Develop a sustainable business model by considering how remote work can be integrated to support your goals. Think about revenue streams, cost structures, and how to maintain profitability over the long term. How can you structure your business so that it is long lasting?

Regularly revisit and refine your business plan to adapt to market changes and new opportunities. This ongoing process helps ensure that your legacy business remains resilient and forward-thinking. Always ask yourself, what can we be improving upon within our processes?

Sustaining Longevity and Expansion

Innovation is critical to maintaining the long-term success of your business. Stay updated on industry trends, and be willing to adopt new technologies and methodologies that can give your business an edge. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your team, fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed and tested.

Customer loyalty is another cornerstone of lasting success. Focus on building strong relationships with your clients by consistently delivering exceptional value and maintaining high service standards. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat clients and advocates for your brand. Additionally, consider diversifying your offerings to adapt to changing market needs and expand your revenue streams. Whether it’s introducing new products or services, entering new markets, or forming strategic partnerships, diversification can provide stability and growth opportunities.

Measure your business’s performance regularly to ensure you’re on the right track. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge your progress towards your goals and identify areas for improvement. Regular evaluations allow you to make data-driven decisions that can propel your business forward.

Employee development is another crucial factor. Invest in training and development programs that help your team acquire new skills and stay engaged. A skilled and motivated workforce is more likely to contribute to the business’s long-term success.

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