Why don't employers want to hire women who have been stay-at-home moms?

Question

I hear this from so many women. They had fabulous careers, then quit to raise their kids, and now have a hard time returning to the work force. They still have the same skills, and are, in many cases, more knowledgable than before.

Answer 1

Employers don't like to see any sort of lapse in employment unfortuantely, and they question it even if you left a job that you had for a long time(years). Temp agencies tend to be a bit more understanding, and the best part is they do most of the work(in terms of finding the jobs) for you. You may not have steady employment, but I find that is the easiest way to get work.

Answer 2

if it had been years since your last career there would have been major changes in the work place. For ex. lets say in 1990 you were a drafting designer. You used a ruler and velum paper. You were great at it. You quit to raise your child for 10 years. You come back to try and get a job in the industry and everyone has college degrees and are using AutoCad 2000 on their computers. No more paper and ruler. Everything is computerized. If you do take a break from working to raise your kids it would be best to take some online courses to stay fresh in the field. Keep up to date with all of the technological advances. Make sure to keep up with all industry standards so when you do want to go back to work you aren't looked as being behind or obsolete.

Answer 3

Many times employers do not wish to hire stay at home mothers because of several factors.

•They have not focused on work outside of the home for quite some time. Their mindset is child family focused. It is very easy to leave the corporate world behind once it is out of sight.

•Organizations tend to go through changes everyday – technology, new ways of doing things within each business unit or department, new policies and procedures and changes in management (people) with different styles.

•They are afraid that you will not be able to concentrate on your work because there will be times that you may get a call concerning the child; you may be late or out because of the child.

•Your skills may be archaic compared to what the employer is seeking. Training could be an issue because it may take more time and resources compared to someone that is already in the workforce.

I have not been a stay home mother per se. But, I have had two occasions where I was out on maternity leave. It was difficult with my first child because my job was not responsible for holding my position. So, I had to find other employment once I was ready to go back to work – 6 months. Fortunately, I have a degree which helped.

The second time around was not too bad because the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) made it possible for me to have a job when I was ready to return to work.

Depending on how long the mother was at home, how are they more knowledgeable than before?

Answer 4

They may have "experience", but the experience is sometimes outdated if they haven't been in the work force for 5-10 years. That's a lot of time in the industry. Things change, technology changes, etc. When re-entering the workplace many years later, they might start with semi- entry-level jobs, just like new graduates. Others continue in mid- to senior-management positions without a problem.

Answer 5

I'm not sure and will soon be struggling with this issue myself, as I am returning to work after staying home for 5+ years.

I'm willing to bet that employers like the idea of younger, single and/or childless employees fresh out of college and willing to work for less than someone who has been out of the work force a while and might be a bit rusty or behind the times.

Answer 6

I think you have to show to employers that even though you were a stay home mom for a few years you are still keeping abreast with the market. Tell them that you did not only take care about your kids but you had also spend time on reading newspaper, sharing with friends on their experiences at work and have been constantly reading reference books and had never stopped in upgrading yourself.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, they don't have proof of their credentials with a recent history. Let's say they're pregnant and decided to stay home until the child went to school (full-time), that would be at least 6 years (minimum) out of the job market, out of their field, and the market can have made several changes in those 6 years.

What probably occurs more is that they have to settle for a lessor paying position, possibly one having nothing to do with what they did before.

The best course would be to remain current in your field, take classes (there are plenty of online courses/schools so you wouldn't have to leave yoru house), keep your hand in the industry by keeping in touch with people you knew on the job, stay abreast of changes, who's who, and current events in your field.

Answer 8

I don't think that's is true at all.. I did it 14 years ago and I'm now at home again w/ my little one, and in one more year, I plan to go back to work.... I don't think when you have the knowledge and the skill, you'll be turned down... I try to keep my typing skills up and up w/ the latest news.... but I know in my heart... I'll find something again worth leaving the baby in daycare.
Don't worry,think positive and you'll find a good job again...
search the net into the proper interview skills and practice w/ your hubby... You'll see you'll go places!

Answer 9

1. for no recent work expeirence in the work field. 2. u put ur kids first. 3. that shows no commitment to a company.....

Answer 10

bc the employers know that u will put ur kids first (which is how it should be) but they want to come first so they can call u in anytime to work