If the thought of updating (or even creating) a LinkedIn profile makes you want to scroll past and go make a cup of tea instead, you’re not alone. But if you’re thinking about returning to work after a career break, especially as a mum, then LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to help you feel seen, confident and connected again.
So why bother with LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is more than just an online CV. It’s where employers go to find people. It’s where opportunities are shared and networks are built.
It can help:
- Get you found by recruiters who are actively looking for people like you
- Showcase your skills (not just your job titles)
- Tell your story, even the gap years, the volunteering and the juggle!
- Rebuild your confidence by seeing just how much you actually have to offer.
And the good news? You don’t need to have a fancy job title or a perfect timeline to make LinkedIn work for you.
What should you actually put on your profile?
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to include and how to do it in a way that feels genuine:
Your Headline
This is the short sentence right under your name. Make it count!
Instead of just “Former Administrator,” try:
“Skilled Administrator | Confident Communicator | Ready to return“
Let people know you’re open to new opportunities – and what you’re great at.
Your about section (The Summary)
This is your chance to tell your story in a human, down-to-earth way.
Think, what have you done? What are you good at? What kind of work excites you?
And yes, mention your career break. Own it. Frame it as part of your journey.
Example:
“After a fulfilling career in HR and a few years focused on raising my young family, I’m now excited to return to the workplace with fresh perspective, resilience and a whole lot of transferable skills. I thrive in people-focused environments and am passionate about inclusive company cultures.“
Your Experience
You don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had, just the ones that are relevant or help tell your story.
Include freelance work, community roles or side projects – like helping out at your child’s school or completing a course. These experiences show initiative, growth and the fact that you’ve stayed active, curious and committed, all brilliant qualities that employers value.
Use bullet points to highlight what you did and the impact it had. For example:
Volunteer Events Lead, PTA
Organised successful fundraising events
Managed event budgets
Led communications with parents and school staff
Back to Work Confidence Course – Successful Mums Career Academy
Developed confidence and clarity around career goals
Digital Skills Course – Successful Mums Career Academy
Refreshed essential digital skills to become work-ready
If you’ve had a formal career break, you can even include it on your profile like this:
Career Break – Parenting and Personal Development (20XX–20XX)
Developed transferable skills such as organisation, conflict resolution, budgeting, time management and volunteering.
Skills and Endorsements
Add the skills you want to be known for; communication, project management, copywriting, problem-solving – whatever fits your background. Ask a few past colleagues or friends to endorse you.
Open to Work
You can quietly (or publicly) let recruiters know you’re open to opportunities. LinkedIn has a setting for this – it’s super easy and discreet if needed.
One last thought
Taking a career break doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means starting again with new skills, new perspective and often a whole lot more strength than you give yourself credit for.
So, if LinkedIn has felt intimidating, start small. Add a photo. Write a headline. Tell your story one section at a time. Because your experience matters and it’s time employers saw it.
Need a LinkedIn refresh or confidence boost?
Get in touch. We’ll help you stand out, feel confident and move forward.
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Successful Mums Career Academy is an award-winning training company, providing funded courses to help mums get career ready or start their own business. We provide direction, clarity and the confidence to make it happen. Plus, we have great links with a network of flexible friendly employers.