How to Find a Job as a Single Mom 5 Essential Tips

Single parents have many challenges to overcome. You wear multiple hats for your child. You’re both mom and dad, and you’re in charge of everything. But navigating through parenthood alone while going on a job search simultaneously? Trying to balance both challenges can definitely be tough. It can also be daunting when potential employers question your dedication and focus at work because of your status. All that said, learning how to find a job as a single mom or dad can be tricky — but you can certainly be smart about it.

What are the difficulties of being a single parent?

Single parents handle the roles and responsibilities of childcare, household management, and finances. You may find this challenging if you come from a dual-income household and are adjusting. Aside from that, work-life balance can also be difficult because, as a single parent, you’re on a solo flight to make sure your child is taken care of. There may be less time for leisure and rest to be a caregiver and to complete work requirements.

How do single parents work full-time?

Single parents rely on their village to help care for their kids while they go to work. You might hire a nanny to care for your young children or send them to daycare if they are not yet eligible for school. You might have parents living with you or take charge of school drop-offs and pick-ups.

At work, single parents are open about their situation, so their employers are aware of why they are declining work opportunities or travel. If this is the case for you, make it clear to your manager that you put your children’s needs first while still dedicating time and effort to the job.

5 Job Search Tips Single Parents Should Keep In Mind

Job searching can be tough, especially when you’re busy caring for your family. Take note of these tips to learn how to find a job as a single mom or dad.

1. Identify companies near you with family-friendly policies and flexible hours.

Employing a focused approach in one’s job search is important regardless of your marital or parental status. In the case of single parents, this strategy is even more critical. It ensures you are not wasting your time and effort applying to the wrong companies. Make sure you carve time in your schedule to find work. In the same way, you make time for self-care and your child; you should also dedicate uninterrupted time to job searching.

Look for companies with offices near your home or your child’s school or daycare centre. Working near your child can save you travel time before and after work when it’s time to pick them up. You can browse for jobs in a specific location here.

Doing due diligence on a company’s work culture will tell you a lot about its values and approach toward employees’ work-life balance and general well-being. When you look at a listing on some job boards, there may also be a link to the company’s reviews. That’s a good place to start since you’ll find feedback from past and current employees of the organisation.

2. Explore remote or freelance work opportunities.

The Internet has completely transformed the way we work and live. Employees are now empowered to work remotely, with more flexibility and autonomy to manage their careers. Look at jobs that have a hybrid work setup or are fully remote. These types of work setups allow you to spend more time with your child. In the case of hybrid work setups, these provide you with some wiggle room regarding household management and childcare.

You can also explore freelance work. Working as a freelancer is less structured, giving you more control over your time to take care of yourself and your child. Your freelance work can turn into a full-time business in the future!

(Read more: Considering Freelance Work? Here Are Some Tips to Get Started )

Do remember to be safe when exploring job opportunities! Do your research when looking at these jobs, most especially because you won’t meet them in an actual office. If possible, get recommendations from your network, so you know which companies and clients are trustworthy.

3. Network and build your support system.

Reach out to former colleagues. Join networking events if your time allows it. As with job hunting, it helps to let people know you are actively exploring new opportunities. You can mention that you’re looking at work that will allow you to care for your child. Your network can pass you on to someone they know who can help you.

Connect with other single parents who can share tips on managing work and family life. They may also have suggestions or know of job openings that may be a fit for you.

4. Keep your skill set and knowledge base updated.

Be more competitive as a candidate. Stand out by staying up to date with your skill set. For example, if you have experience in project management, make sure you know the latest trends and the more recent project management styles. If you’re a software developer, understand the current best practices in the industry. If there’s a new programming language, you can be familiar with it by taking a crash course. Back up your profile and show that your resume demonstrates that your skills and competencies are on par with other candidates.

Being updated with industry standards not only levels you with other jobseekers but also enables you to showcase your skills. After all, you want the interviewers to note what you can bring to the company.

(Read more: 5 Steps to Successfully Create and Manage Your Skills Inventory )

5. Be open and candid about your job expectations.

It might be tempting to hide your single-parent status from a prospective employer during an interview, but that would be the worst possible thing to do. The truth will eventually come out, and this will just backfire on you. Not only do you break your trust in your potential employer, but you may also get in legal trouble for withholding information if you get a job offer.

Before you interview, be ready to explain your childcare plans to the interviewer. It will most likely come up when you share that you are a single parent. Having a ready answer to this shows that you are keen on getting the job while still making your child a priority.

Be honest and transparent about your situation – employers appreciate honesty and will respect you more for it. Explain your situation and what you hope to gain from this job. Your interviewer will ask if you have questions about the company. Use this time to ask about their programmes and policies to support single parents.

Despite the stigma attached to single parenthood, we can take comfort in that technology is redefining the future of work, making job opportunities far more accessible now than before. Knowing how to find a job as a single mom or dad is just the first step for you to look for work that will best suit your career needs while caring for your child.

Find work that best suits your needs as a single parent and #SEEKBetter work now! Update your profile at JobStreet and find the work that aligns with your passion and purpose.

For more expert tips and advice on job hunting and work-life balance, check out our Career Resources Hub.