6 tips to ease you back into work

At some point in her life every woman who wants children will face a life-changing decision: have kids, take a break from work, and later get back to pursuing her career, or have children and commit herself entirely to the family life. Both options are OK, as long as you are doing what makes you happy. However, for the former type of mothers, going back to work can be a lengthy and demanding process, filled with doubt and even desperation.

That is because many stay-at-home mothers are not always fully committed to job hunting. They are either too scared of going out there and sharing with friends and family that they’re looking to get back in employment, or they think that the household will crumble without them being present 24/7. However, both of these are attitudes that all mums, who have thought about going back to work, have to shake off. So, if you’re worried that your home will wallow in chaos without your touch, you’re wrong. From baby sitters, who’ll take care of the kids, to cleaning services to keep your house neat and tidy, nowadays you can get all the help you need with everything house-related, so why worry? Instead, focus on the matter at hand–namely, finding yourself a new, fulfilling job. Here are few tips on how to get you going.

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1. Find Out What Is It That You Like

The most important thing to do when looking for a job is to find something that you actually like doing. That will motivate you to persist until you have accomplished your goal. So, what do you like? Don’t be afraid to admit that during the time you’ve spent home, taking care of your child, your interests have changed. So continuing your career from where you left off might not be on the table anymore. That is quite normal.

The best way to figure out what would be the next step for you is to volunteer in the field you take interest. That way you can gain a better understanding of what to expect. Connecting with people from these areas would help you immensely. You can pick their brains and ask them all that might be of use to your future career development.

2. Keep Your Connections and Make New Ones

Once you find out your possible career path, it is time you start meeting the right people. Nowadays, you could easily look up a former colleague or a friend who works in your chosen field through Facebook or LinkedIn, and network with them. But bear in mind that face-to-face interaction is what really counts, so try meeting in person.

Don’t be afraid to admit that during the time you’ve spent home, taking care of your child, your interests have changed. So continuing your career from where you left off might not be on the table anymore. That’s quite normal.

3. Update Your Resume and Skills

Dig up your old resume and give it an overhaul. Yes, the gap in your work experience might seem compelling, so the key to success is communicating how that time off helped YOU grow. So, for one, try thinking of the skills you gained during the time out of work. If you have volunteered in that time – great, focus on that.

Another aspect of your resume rebirth is updating your technical skills. Technology is evolving fast, so there is a good chance that you’ve missed on some important innovations while you’ve been away. The way to catch up on what’s new and relevant is to look up some job descriptions and see what employers require.

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4. Tell a Friend

As mentioned earlier, keeping the job hunt on the low is not helping your cause at all. Studies show that as high as 70% of all jobs are found through the good old networking. Needless to say, the more people know what you’re up to, the bigger chance you have someone will help you out and get you in touch with the right people. Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances, and let them know what is it that you’re looking for.

5. Interviews

The thing most people on the job market dread the most. But it is what it is and you cannot do anything about it, except for practising and preparing the best you can. Look on the bright side, if you’ve made it all the way up to an interview, there must be something in you that has appealed to your potential employer. What comes next is convincing the interviewer that you are the person they should hire.

I know it is a bit of a cliché, but try not to think about the pressure, and stay calm. The best way to stay calm is preparation. The more sure you are in your abilities, the better you’ll do at the interview. Start by digging as much information you possibly could on the company you are applying for and the person who’ll interview you. Also, make a list of all questions you’d like answers to.

During the interview, you have to be confident, so put your game face on and don’t show signs of nervousness. As the saying goes, ‘fake it til’ you make it’. To that end, try doing a few mock interviews with your spouse or better yet, with a friend who is in the line of work you’re going for.

6. Be Adaptable

If you have decided to take up something entirely new to you, something you have absolutely no experience in, don’t be surprised if you’re offered a lower position or salary. That’s normal and you shouldn’t feel that your personality and skills are overseen. Don’t be discouraged and stay positive. After all, this is only the beginning of your new career.

Featured Photo Credit: Pixabay

MargaretMargaret Swanton is a marketing associate at Fantastic Cleaners Sydney (http://www.fantasticcleanerssydney.com.au/), and is enthusiastic on topics regarding marketing trends and the media, as well as success stories about the progress and growth of women in business.