After years — sometimes decades — away from the working world, many women are trying to start a C.A.K. (aka Career After Kids.) I find myself coaching and counseling lots of them on their back-to-work worries:
- “Where do I find a part time job as an attorney?”
- “How can I compete with other unemployed people when I have such a huge gap on my resume?”
- “Is it really possible to juggle work and personal responsibilities?
These are just some of the concerns of hundreds of thousands of women who are looking for a purpose, needing the income or ready for reinvention. Here are
6 Essential Back to Work Secrets that I share!
MAKE A GAME PLAN: As a stay-at-home mom, you have many vital responsibilities that need to be addressed before you go back to work. From the onset of your job search, you and your partner must work as a team and discuss strategies for dealing with your absence from the home. Who will responsibly care for children, drive carpools, homework and meal prep? Can you rely on family and friends? Will you need to hire in-home help?Agreements need to be reached up-front about how you will deal with planned and unplanned school absences, sports games and recitals, school productions and other events that a parent is expected to attend. Cooperation, compromise and creativity are the key to making these situations work.
CREATE A NEW YOU: From your appearance to your online profile to your resume, all of YOU needs to be evaluated and updated for success. Let’s start with your email address… Luvmykids@email.com is NOT very professional. And if your voice mail message features your singing 4-year old, change it.Does your resume have gaps? FILL THEM. Did you participate in any volunteer work? Described the experience in business terms and specify or quantify any financial successes (raised $250,000) or goals reached (launched the organizations web site). Did you advise or mentor any colleagues during your time at home? Congratulations, that makes you a consultant!
Others may disagree however I must make one other comment: You can’t sell yourself with your success as a home maker. Yes, it is one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in the world. But a hiring manager needs to be assured that you are professional, reliable and have the skills to do the job. Discussing your balanced home budget or your car pool juggling ability is NOT recommended.Finally, if its been years since you took off your yoga pants, take a good look at your wardrobe and evaluate what you will need for interviewing and later, for working in a new environment.
NETWORK: We all have the capacity to change our lives and this change is often made possible via the relationships we’ve developed. Not everything you want to accomplish in your life is within your power to complete alone; no matter how self-sufficient you are. So develop a concise elevator pitch or story that explains your new career goal, connect with old colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile and explore and engage in LinkedIn Groups. Meet new people at industry and networking events. And keep in mind that the best way to nurture your network is to help others! Learn more about it in my book, Networking Karma.
VOLUNTEER If you haven’t been doing it, start today! Providing your professional skills and services to a charitable organization is a smart way to bridge your resume gap, enhance your professional network and do some good! Plus, keep in mind that your prospective employers are going to ask you for up-to date-professional references who can vouch for your dependability, work ethic and skill. Those associated with the organization you volunteer for may be the perfect ones to convey this vital information.
IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL JOB: Evaluate your situation honestly and try to look at it from an employers’ perspective. How do you look on paper and in person? What are your interests and skills? If you can identify how you “fit” into a role, personally and professionally, it will be easier for you to sell yourself and you’ll have a much better chance to score the job. But, be warned. There is no such thing as the “perfect” situation, so have an open mind and be willing to take chances if an interesting opportunity presents itself.
BE REALISTIC: Let’s face it. The economy is still shaky and the competition for jobs is fierce. Your job search will be challenging. It may take a while. And rejection is sure to be part of the process. Keep your spirits high by surrounding yourself with people who are like-minded and positive. Join a local working mom’s group for support. Practice interviewing. Consider temporary or consultative jobs, which may be easier to come by and often offer more flexibility. Explore Returnship programs. These temporary opportunities–like internships–are cropping up through some progressive corporation and are geared especially for people re-entering the workforce.
One final word: I advise coaching clients (as well as those I coach virtually, via my Dream Job Search System) that getting your foot in the door is more important than waiting for the dream job that my not exist. But using good judgment, working hard and of course a little luck may lead to big things down the road.
The best way to re-enter the work force is to make a plan as you are leaving. Pave the way for your eventual return to work. Actively engage in your industry, with your colleagues and your skills, even while you are raising your children.
Do you have any advice for moms returning to the work force? Please share…