By : Donette Philips
GET RID OF RESUME "WRINKLES" - 5 Strategies for Moms Returning to Work
Alright, you know it and I know it. Leaving the workforce to raise kids has wreaked havoc on your career, your confidence and your competitive edge. No two ways about it, if you're re-entering the workforce after more than a two year absence it's time to take a good look at what you have to offer (besides chicken nuggets on a Friday night!) Getting back into the work force in today's economy is tough, but not impossible. We are moms after all. We can leap tall buildings in a single bound and still have dinner on the table by 6:00. We work 24/7, and multi task like nobody's business. We never take sick days (because we can't), we work for much less money (try none) than we're worth, and we care much more than the average employee about the job we are doing.
Ladies, dust of your business suits, empty the dried raisins and candy wrappers from your pockets and listen up!
Step One: Know what you are looking for.
I have heard a lot of women say "I'll take anything as long as it comes with a pay check." There are a lot of reasons that this is likely not the best strategy, but most importantly you should know that it is more difficult to find ANYTHING than it is to find SOMETHING SPECIFIC. This is the golden rule of any job search. The more specific you are about what you want, the more targeted you can be in your search, the more prepared you can be in your approach, and the more likely you are to connect with the right network.
Step Two: Examine your resume for features and flaws.
Reviewing both the positive and negative aspects of your past work experience will help you put an action plan in place to find work. Begin by writing down anything that you feel proud of from your past experience. Do not forget about your volunteer work. The key is to make a list of accomplishments and not a list of past responsibilities. Think about what you did that benefitted the person or organization. This is what employers are looking for. Next, write down anything that worries you about presenting your current resume. These are your dreaded work "wrinkles", and are what is holding you back and affecting your confidence. The best news is, naming them is the first step to eliminating them.
Step Three: Make a plan to eliminate "wrinkles".
It's likely that your resume review turned up some problems - a gap in experience, outdated references, a desire to work in a field where you have no previous experience. As long as you can see the problems, you can fix them! There is, however, a reality. If you have not kept up with past employers and continued to develop skill sets, then your plan to return to work will take more preparation. Begin addressing each of your concerns. Get in touch with people of the past, update your skills through courses or volunteer work, and find ways to attach yourself to networks in the areas you desire.
Step Four: Take time for yourself as a transitioning exercise for your family.
As moms, this is one of the hardest things for us to do-set time aside when the only needs we are meeting are our own. Preparing to go back to work and find a job is a job in itself. Time must be set aside to focus on what you need to do. This stage is how we help our family transition from having our undivided attention. This is a trial for you, and for them. (Better now than when you have a boss to deal with!) Don't worry if the first few weeks are difficult. This does not mean you shouldn't go back to work. Use the time to see where your family requires support in order to be independent, and where you need to let go, so that they can.
Step Five: Maintain perspective.
Have you ever noticed how it takes twice as long to get in shape than it took you to get out of shape? Searching for a job feels like this. Once you're out, you have to work twice as hard to get back in! Persevere and keep a positive attitude. You made a choice as a mom to put your kids first. This is something to feel proud of. You will find work. It will take time, energy and commitment, but as moms we are experts at this!
Donette Phillips is a Career Specialist and the President of Life Course Learning located in Northern California. Donette is an accomplished speaker, facilitator and trainer. She has directed the operations of employment development agencies and has led the hiring, staff development and leadership training for numerous organizations. She has facilitated workshops and seminars for more than 15 years on topics of employment, entrepreneurship, career development, and leadership.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
GET RID OF RESUME "WRINKLES" - 5 Strategies for Moms Returning to Work
Alright, you know it and I know it. Leaving the workforce to raise kids has wreaked havoc on your career, your confidence and your competitive edge. No two ways about it, if you're re-entering the workforce after more than a two year absence it's time to take a good look at what you have to offer (besides chicken nuggets on a Friday night!) Getting back into the work force in today's economy is tough, but not impossible. We are moms after all. We can leap tall buildings in a single bound and still have dinner on the table by 6:00. We work 24/7, and multi task like nobody's business. We never take sick days (because we can't), we work for much less money (try none) than we're worth, and we care much more than the average employee about the job we are doing.
Ladies, dust of your business suits, empty the dried raisins and candy wrappers from your pockets and listen up!
Step One: Know what you are looking for.
I have heard a lot of women say "I'll take anything as long as it comes with a pay check." There are a lot of reasons that this is likely not the best strategy, but most importantly you should know that it is more difficult to find ANYTHING than it is to find SOMETHING SPECIFIC. This is the golden rule of any job search. The more specific you are about what you want, the more targeted you can be in your search, the more prepared you can be in your approach, and the more likely you are to connect with the right network.
Step Two: Examine your resume for features and flaws.
Reviewing both the positive and negative aspects of your past work experience will help you put an action plan in place to find work. Begin by writing down anything that you feel proud of from your past experience. Do not forget about your volunteer work. The key is to make a list of accomplishments and not a list of past responsibilities. Think about what you did that benefitted the person or organization. This is what employers are looking for. Next, write down anything that worries you about presenting your current resume. These are your dreaded work "wrinkles", and are what is holding you back and affecting your confidence. The best news is, naming them is the first step to eliminating them.
Step Three: Make a plan to eliminate "wrinkles".
It's likely that your resume review turned up some problems - a gap in experience, outdated references, a desire to work in a field where you have no previous experience. As long as you can see the problems, you can fix them! There is, however, a reality. If you have not kept up with past employers and continued to develop skill sets, then your plan to return to work will take more preparation. Begin addressing each of your concerns. Get in touch with people of the past, update your skills through courses or volunteer work, and find ways to attach yourself to networks in the areas you desire.
Step Four: Take time for yourself as a transitioning exercise for your family.
As moms, this is one of the hardest things for us to do-set time aside when the only needs we are meeting are our own. Preparing to go back to work and find a job is a job in itself. Time must be set aside to focus on what you need to do. This stage is how we help our family transition from having our undivided attention. This is a trial for you, and for them. (Better now than when you have a boss to deal with!) Don't worry if the first few weeks are difficult. This does not mean you shouldn't go back to work. Use the time to see where your family requires support in order to be independent, and where you need to let go, so that they can.
Step Five: Maintain perspective.
Have you ever noticed how it takes twice as long to get in shape than it took you to get out of shape? Searching for a job feels like this. Once you're out, you have to work twice as hard to get back in! Persevere and keep a positive attitude. You made a choice as a mom to put your kids first. This is something to feel proud of. You will find work. It will take time, energy and commitment, but as moms we are experts at this!
Donette Phillips is a Career Specialist and the President of Life Course Learning located in Northern California. Donette is an accomplished speaker, facilitator and trainer. She has directed the operations of employment development agencies and has led the hiring, staff development and leadership training for numerous organizations. She has facilitated workshops and seminars for more than 15 years on topics of employment, entrepreneurship, career development, and leadership.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
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