Have you had a baby and you want to get back to work? Depending on how long you have been out of the work force, it may or may not be easy to be able to jump right back into the work force. You may have to spend some time looking for a new job, and you may even have to upgrade your skills. One of the first things you need to do is learn how to make a resume. Your old one isn’t going to cut it any longer, and you need to have one that is going to wow potential employers. Once you have your resume, you can use these tips to help in your employment search.
1. Scheduling
As a parent, you are going to have needs that differ from that of those who do not have children. One thing that you need to consider when looking for employment is scheduling. These days, there are a variety of scheduling options, including flexitime, reduced hours, compressed hours, staggered hours, job sharing, and working from home.
2. Be Flexible
It may be that you aren’t ready to return to work full time, and that you are only looking for part time employment right now. But, don’t close your mind to full time employment all together. If the right opportunity arises, you need to grab it while it’s available, or someone else is going to snatch up the position.
3. Action Plan
Once you have decided the type of scheduling you are looking for, and you have a resume, it is time to start creating a plan of action. Look at careers that you are interested in, and make a list of the skills, training, etc. you can offer potential employers. Take some courses if you need additional training.
4. Networking
Now it is time to start networking. You never know where a job opportunity is going to arise, and the more people you know, the better your chances are of getting the job you really want. Try to get to know people who work in the industry that you are interested in, and talk to them about your skills, and that you are looking for work within that industry.
5. Get Back into the World
Going back to work after being away for several months, or even years, is scary. Take time to reconnect with former professional acquaintances, including coworkers, clients, and employers. You need to be able to reconnect with your professional side in order to feel ready to get back to work.
6. Use Your Mom Skills
You might be surprised to learn that the skills you have learned as a new mother can serve you well in the work place. After all, you have really learned to think on your feet, and you are better able to handle just about any sort of emergency. Embrace your mom skills, and don’t be afraid to let potential employers how these skills can relate to the workplace.
7. Expand Your Job Search
Don’t limit yourself to one or two ways of finding employment. It may be that you solely rely on hand-delivering resumes to various companies. Don’t be afraid to do online job searches, ask former colleagues about opportunities, and visiting your local employment center.
8. Start Applying
There is nothing stopping you from applying for jobs, so you may as well get started. The sooner you begin, the sooner you are going to be able to get back into the work force. When you get called for interviews, prepare yourself so potential employers would be crazy not to hire you.
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