This is your chance to prove on paper that you have the skills, background and personal qualities to do the job you're applying for, in spite of your time out of the work force. You want your resume organized so potential employers understand your time away hasn't negatively affected your skills and ability to contribute. If possible, you'll want to demonstrate that you actually developed additional skills during this time.  

A strong resume makes a good first impression, and that's why it’s important to spend time building the best resume you can. An employer may see dozens or even hundreds of resumes every week, You will want your resume to stand out, but also to be organized so that an employer can spot pertinent information right away. Here are the basic elements of a good resume:

• A header. Include your name, address, phone number and email address.  A common method for applying for jobs and communicating with potential employers is through email.  Free email addresses are often available from internet service providers and search engines.
• An objective. Describe the type of job you are seeking.
• Abilities and accomplishments. By highlighting functions you have performed throughout your employment history in a timeline, you can emphasize your abilities and non-work experience rather than the time between your last job and the present.
• Work experience. List employers, job titles, the dates worked and a description of what you did, including significant accomplishments. Include volunteer work as if it were a regular job.  Your list of work experience should start with your most recent employer first.
• Education. List the most recent diploma or degree you have earned or are working toward, the date of graduation and your field of study. Include continuing education or refresher courses you may have taken.
• Skills. List computer and language skills or other skills that may be relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Honors and activities. List awards you have received, clubs or organizations you belong to and activities you participate in. But don't get carried away. It's more important to have a small amount of strong information, well presented, than a long list of irrelevant activities.
• References. Include the notation, "References available upon request." You should be prepared to provide the names, phone numbers and emails of at least three people who can attest to your ability and character.  Be sure to tell your references ahead of time that you may be using them, so they are not caught off guard when an employer calls to ask about you.