As daunting as it is to think about re-entering the workforce, especially after a considerable amount of time away, it’s easier to manage if you think about it as a series of steps. You know the old joke: How do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time. So, here we go…
1. Start by believing that you’ll find a job. When you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, the work world is intimidating, and if you’re looking for a flexible work schedule, the task can feel even more overwhelming. Remind yourself of skills you’ve developed and ways you’ve grown during your hiatus. Those lessons will be invaluable when you return to the workforce. And, if you still don’t feel confident, “fake it ‘til you make it.”
Why? Confidence and enthusiasm are contagious. The person you’re talking to will sense it in the first 30 seconds of your call and be more likely to help you, interview you, etc.
2. Decide what you want to do. Two-thirds of the women who take time off change careers when they return. Take time to figure out what direction you’d like your career to take. Think about your hobbies, what makes you happy, and skills you’ve used on a volunteer basis that you’d like to pursue. Check out our book recommendations or consider hiring a career or life coach to help.
Why? It’s not enough to be willing to do anything. You need to be able to articulate what you’re looking for so that people can help you find it.
3. Confirm that it’s really what you want to do. Now that you’ve decided what job field to pursue, road test it . Conduct informational interviews with people working in the field. Ask about a typical day, the positives and negatives of this type of work, and what it takes to be successful. Attend a networking event to see if you like the types of people who are there. Can you see yourself working with them? Start a conversation, tell them what you’re doing and ask for advice.
Why? It takes a lot of work to find a job. It’s best to find out before you do all the work that the field you’ve chosen to pursue looks, at least from the outside, like one worth pursuing.
4. Put together your resume and brush up on your interviewing skills. When returning to work, there are some specific things you’ll want to address, including the gap in your resume applicable volunteer experience, and shaping your resume to fit the job field you’re going to pursue. Learn how to write a good cover letter, and practice your elevator pitch.
Why? By clearly communicating about why you stepped out of the workforce, what you did while you were away, and why that’s good for the prospective company, you remove any doubts about your abilities and use the time away to your advantage.
5. Network. Let everyone know that you’re returning to work via conversation, email and social networking sites like Facebook, Linked In, etc. Ask for referrals to people already working in your field from friends, friends’ spouses, working moms, etc. Arrange to have coffee or visit them in their office. Always ask if the person you’re speaking with would recommend someone else who might be able to help you.
Why? Many companies find new hires through word-of-mouth and employee referral programs. By tapping into people in the field and spreading the word about your new status, you’re more likely to find job opportunities that aren’t readily available to the masses.
6. Determine the type of flexibility you want. If you’re looking for a full-time job with some flexibility built in, then apply to any job that looks interesting whether its billed as flexible or not. Bring up the subject during the second interview and ask questions to determine the level of flexibility that is common at the company.
If you’re looking for a part-time, work-at-home, or project-based job, you’ll want to apply specifically to jobs that call that out. Look for these jobs at online job boards dedicated to flexible work.
Why? A majority of companies now offer flexible schedules on an individualized basis. Even if they’re not billed as a work/life company, a flexible schedule can often be negotiated. But, it’s much more difficult to get an employer to convert a full-time job into a part-time one once the interview process has begun.
Additional Resources:
http://www.careeradviceblogs.com
http://www.asklizryan.blogspot.com
