Whether you stayed home with your kids for a few months, through their school years, or something in between, the idea of returning to the workforce can be intimidating.
For those who stepped away through a leave of absence and will be returning to their existing job, making arrangements for childcare and building a routine is tough enough.
For those who stepped away from a position and will need to begin their re-entry with a job search, the process is even tougher.
It is easy to get discouraged when searching for a job. The best way to ease the stress of the situation and preserve your mental health is to set yourself up for success. There are several things you can do to make your job search more productive.
Earn a Degree
Without a college degree, your job search will be much tougher. Before transitioning back into the workforce, consider getting that degree you have dreamed about. This allows you to begin a career that you are passionate about and that offers solid compensation.
If the cost of attending school is a concern, consider looking at private student loans. Taking out student loans through a private lender allows you to shop for a great rate and terms whether you are taking out loans for yourself or as a cosigner.
Look at Staffing Agencies
Taking on temporary positions through a staffing agency is a nice way to transition back into the workforce. They will provide you with training and send you to job assignments that are a good fit for your skills. These temporary assignments often transition into full-time positions.
Utilize Volunteer Opportunities
As a mom, there is no doubt that you have your hands full. However, if you can take some time to volunteer you will gain recent experience that you can add to your resume. You will also have people who you can use as references, which can be challenging if you have been out of the workforce for some time.
Work on Your Resume
One thing that will draw negative attention to your resume is a large gap. The easiest way to sidestep this issue is to write a functional resume. This style of resume allows you to summarize your skills at the beginning. You can then go into more details below, using examples to back up your list of skills.
When writing your resume, be sure to insert keywords that will help catch the attention of the screener, whether it is automated or a human. Reading the skill requirements of the job description should help you hone in on the keywords you should include.
Keep Your Skills Up to Date
Depending on your field, stepping away for even six months can be enough to make you feel like you are far behind when trying to land a job. While your priority is spending time with your family while you are home, make time to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. This is easier than ever with the plethora of inexpensive online courses and access to free reading material online.
