The women I have the privilege of working with in this community are nothing short of extraordinary. 

They’re single moms — juggling careers, parenting, and personal growth with grace. Some people would say what they’re doing is “impossible,” but still, they tackle the toughest circumstances with resilience, and a fierce drive to succeed.

Navigating job interviews, career changes, and professional growth as a single mom isn’t easy, but these women are redefining what’s possible.

I myself know what it feels like to have to answer the question “who is going to take care of your kid when he gets sick?” (Yes, I know it’s inappropriate, but it I’ve heard it more than once.)

This article is meant to contain insights for single moms who want to ace their job interviews, showcase their strengths, and build careers that align with their goals.

1. Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief?

We must remember our value. Our stories are ones of strength, resilience, and adaptability. Too many of the single parents I coach have forgotten this.

Interviewers want to hear a compelling story that connects your experiences to the role. Structure your answer with a clear beginning, middle, and end — one that showcases your journey and highlights how your unique background makes you the right fit for the job. Then practice telling the story — to yourself, to a mirror, to anyone who will listen.

Talk about what inspired your career choice, your educational journey, and how your personal and professional experiences have shaped your skills. If you’ve led a significant project, worked through challenges, or balanced work and family life while building your expertise, weave that into your answer.

Example: “I’ve always been driven by problem-solving, and my journey over the last decade has only strengthened that skill. After earning my certification in project management, I took on freelance roles to sharpen my skills while balancing family responsibilities. One project involved coordinating a team of 15 on a tight timeline, and I successfully delivered results 10% under budget. Those experiences taught me resilience and how to work effectively under pressure, which I bring to every role.”

2. What type of work environment do you prefer?

As a single parent, work-life balance might be crucial, but also emphasize how you thrive in environments that align with your personality and work ethic. Tailor your answer to the company’s culture.

Example: “I enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone is aligned toward a common goal. I value flexibility because it helps me maintain balance while remaining productive and focused. My previous role was team-oriented, and I found that working closely with others brought out my best ideas.”

3. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Our lives are pressure cookers. We know this. Employers want to see that you can remain calm and focused under stress. Share a work example where you managed pressure effectively.

Example: “Balancing my various roles has taught me how to stay calm under pressure. In my last role, I managed a marketing campaign where unforeseen challenges arose days before launch. I created a quick action plan, reassigned tasks based on team strengths, and ensured we met the deadline. This experience reinforced my ability to adapt and stay solution-focused.”

4. What did you do in the last year to improve your knowledge?

Even if you’ve taken time away from work, focus on personal or professional growth, such as upskilling, volunteering, or learning new tools. This has become more commonplace since the pandemic.

Example: “I’ve been committed to lifelong learning. Over the past year, I completed an online course on digital marketing, which taught me skills like SEO and content strategy. I also spent time volunteering, organizing events that improved my project management and communication skills.”

5. From your resume, it seems you took a few gap years. Would you like to tell us why that was?

Many single moms take breaks for family responsibilities. Employers understand this. Frame your answer positively by highlighting what you learned or achieved during that time.

Example: “I took a break to focus on raising my family while also taking the opportunity to upskill. During that time, I completed courses in [specific skill] and volunteered in roles that strengthened my organizational and leadership abilities. I’m excited to bring those skills to my next role.”

With some preparation, confidence, and a unique perspective as a single parent, you’ll be able to answer these questions in a way that sets you apart as a strong, adaptable, and capable candidate.