Figure Out What You Want
Instead of jumping right in and looking for a job, take a little bit of time to think through your options. Try to remember what having a job was like. What were your favourite things about being employed? Reminding yourself of the benefits of having a job should give you the motivation that you need to stay on track with your job search.
Make sure that you are truly ready to go back to work. Have you thought carefully about your decision? Along with remembering what you liked about working, try to remember what you disliked. What were your least favourite parts of having a job?
Think about the future, as well. How many more years do you plan on working? Where do you want to take your career? What are your long-term plans? For instance, if you are going to be part of the job force for an additional 25 years, it is important to take your time and choose your next career move carefully so that it gets you where you want to go. Don’t just jump in and take whatever you can get. Otherwise, you may wind up regretting it later.
If you aren’t sure exactly what you want in terms of a job or a career, working with a career coach can be a good option. Some people have already identified their dream job and know exactly what they want. If you don’t fall into that category, however, a career coach can help you identify how best to put your skills to use so that you feel satisfied, both emotionally and financially.
Approach Your Job Search Realistically
If you have taken a long break in your career, you can’t expect to jump right back in at the same level you were when you left. Marketing yourself to employers after a break can be challenging. If you want to make a change to your career this can be even more difficult. Here is some post-maternity career change advice.
What would make you a better candidate? Are there any classes you could take to brush up on your skills? Could you work with a mentor or do volunteer work to gain some more experience? Jobs today are highly competitive. Many other people applying for the position will have more recent experience than you, which may make them more attractive candidates. Try to find a way to stand out from the pack in spite of the break in your career.
Reach Out For Support
Networking is essential when it comes to finding a job. That means reaching out to people that you worked with in the past, meeting with recruiters, and reading publications from your industry. This will give you an idea of what is currently happening, making it easier to decide on the next steps in your career.
Determine Where You Want To Go
How do you want your career to unfold? What do you want to be doing in five years? Ten years? Although thinking ahead like this can be challenging, it makes it easier to conduct a focused job search. Here are several options you may want to consider:
– Stay in the same position and industry as before. Assuming that your skills are still relevant, getting hired for a similar position as the one you had before is always an option. One hurdle you need to overcome, however, is explaining the gap in your career. Make sure that your resume shows that you have stayed up-to-date with what is happening in the industry.
– Stay in the same industry but start in a lower position. This is one of the easiest ways to reenter the workforce. It gives you a chance to brush up on your skills so that you can begin advancing in your career again.
– Remain in the same industry but choose a different job. Although this is a little bit more challenging than some of the other options, you can use any previous experience you have in the industry to your advantage. Consider obtaining additional training or accepting a position that is slightly lower than before so that you can get your foot in the door.
– Choose a different industry and a brand-new job. With this option, you can completely reinvent your career. Typically, you will need to obtain additional training, locate an internship, or volunteer in the industry. Changing careers can be done. Keep in mind, however, that other applicants will most likely have a lot more experience than you. That means that you may need to be willing to accept a lower pay grade or a lower position when you are starting. If you have a long time left before retirement, however, it is perfectly acceptable to change careers midstream.
Create A Relevant Resume
When putting together your resume, always think about your goals and the requirements of the position you want. Phrase the information in a way that answers any questions that the hiring manager may have. Use a sentence or two to explain the break in your career. Include any information about relevant work you did during your time off.
For instance, if you are searching for a job as a bookkeeper, mention that you managed the finances of the PTA at your child’s school. Just make sure any skills that you include are related to the position you are applying for.
Obtain Additional Training
Taking a few classes can be a good way to expand your knowledge. It also shows employers that you are up-to-date with the latest technology. Classes like these can not only boost your confidence but can also make you a more attractive candidate since they show that you are serious about the position.
Let Others Know That You Are Looking For A Job
You probably have heard the cliché about how getting hired isn’t so much about what you know but who you know. That definitely is true. This is one area where networking can work to your advantage. Let all of your friends and business associates know that you are in the market for a job. You never know if one of them could point you in the direction of the perfect opportunity.
