Researchers say being a working mom can actually work against you. It’s called the motherhood penalty.

Studies suggest that working mothers are perceived to lack commitment and that comes at a cost with moms getting paid five percent less per child than childless women doing the same jobs.

Beth Roalstad puts in more than 40 hours at the office as the executive director at the Women's Resource Agency. “I feel like I have my dream job now," says Roalstad.

After work, she picks up her two daughters to go home to her other full-time job. “The best I can do is end at five o’clock on most days and get home and go into mommy time. I help with homework, make dinner, read stories and put them to bed, so we can do it all over the next day."

She knows what the motherhood penalty is and has seen it in action. “I have a girlfriend who is a paralegal. She took the minimal time off when she had a baby because she felt her job may be in jeopardy if she took full 12 weeks off."

In a study released by Cornell University, researchers sent out fake resumes from equally qualified candidates. Some of those resumes had words on them that hinted that the applicants were mothers, like being part of a PTA. The result: the childless women got twice as many interviews.

"It’s not fair, but it is a reality,” says Amy Cohen, a career coach. She says the number one way to get your foot in the door if you’re looking for a job, is to network. Tell your friends you’re looking for a job and don’t forget about on-line social networking through Web sites like Facebook.

“No longer is it an asset, but actually a detriment to the job search," Cohen says about working mothers. Her advice: keep the resume professional and mommy-neutral. For example, Cohen recommends not listing volunteer experience that would include the PTA.

Cohen also says many mothers who are job-hunting right now may have gaps in their resumes because of the time they took off to stay at home with the children. Cohen suggests making a functional resume instead of a chronological one. It should list skills and experience and you can leave the dates off.

During the interview, if the employer asks about your children, Cohen recommends to stay professional. “You need to have a plan in place.” Tell the interviewer about what you would do if your kids got sick. Cohen says it’s about proving that your kids won’t interfere with work.