5 Things to Do Before Getting Back Into the Workforce

 If you are planning to go back to your career after a long absence for childrearing, or any other reason, it can be daunting. Women who have been out of the workforce for a year or more may feel like they’re completely starting over when they are ready to return to work again. The good news is that you can find success after a long absence from work. Here are five things you should check off of your to-do list once you’ve decided to return to work.

1. Update Your Resume

First, pull out your resume from before you had kids. You’ll need to update it to reflect your current goals and past experiences. You’ll most likely have a gap in your resume for the years you spent at home with your kids. Instead of creating a job listing for your time as a parent, focus on other activities and experiences you had while staying at home, such as volunteer work or school organizations.

2. Master New Skills

It’s also important to learn new skills before you apply to any jobs in your field. If your absence from work was more than a few years, you may need to take some classes to learn some of the newest digital technologies in your industry. It’s smart to plan to take classes well before you begin applying to new positions and maintain career skills throughout your absence from the workforce.

3. Establish a New Network

Networking is another important part of successfully landing a new position in your career field. If it’s been years since you’ve talked to some of your former colleagues, it’s time to reach out again and attempt to establish those relationships. If your former colleagues are all working at the same organization, try showing up to some of their social events, such as parties or happy hours. Then, you can start asking your contacts about potential opportunities in your field.

4. Research Salaries

A long absence from work also makes it more difficult to pinpoint an appropriate salary once you get a job offer. Start the process by conducting your own research into average salaries in your field for someone with your qualifications. Look for companies that are committed to paying women equal pay, such as the commitment to wage equality at Hired.com. When you know your worth, you can demand a salary that you deserve.

5. Practice Interviewing

Finally, the last thing to do before going out there and getting back into the job search is to practice interviewing. The interview process may have changed since you last worked, so it’s important to get details about what the new trends are. Video interviewing is becoming more common, which can be a great way to schedule interviews at home for convenience. You’ll also need to address the gap in your work history and explain what you’ve done during your absence to ensure you’ll be a great employee for the company you want to work for.

When You’re Ready To Return To Work . . .

Getting a great job and returning to work after raising your children is entirely possible if you make a plan of action during your job search. If you are thorough and informed, you could get back into your career quickly and start your journey back to success.