Getting back into the work force after having been home for several years with your children can be a scary thing, and for many, a huge challenge. Remember, you are the same person now as you were before you had your baby. You just need to be able to show this during interviews. So, here are some interview tips to help stay-at-home mothers who are returning to work.

1. Update Skills and More

If you have been out of the workforce for a long time, you will greatly benefit by updating your skills. With today’s technologies, things in the job place are changing all the time. You need to be prepared for things that have changed since you last worked. You will need to look into updating your skills, jargon, office culture skills, and your wardrobe.

2. Consider a Career Change

Many stay-at-home mothers find that they do not want the same careers that they left before they had children. Their goals are different, as well as their wants and needs. Now is the time to sit back and think about what you really want in your life, who you are, what your values are, and the type of career that is best suited to you and your family.

3. Utilize Your Network

You have a network of friends, family members, former employers and co-workers, etc. Use this network to help you prepare for a job interview. Talk to people you know who are interviewers, or those who have been going to interviews themselves to find out what employers are asking. That way, you will be ahead of the game at interview time.

4. Use Outplacement Services

If you need help transitioning back into the workforce, outplacement services can help. These organizations offer a variety of things that will help people who have been laid off, out of work, etc. to find jobs that are best suited to their skills and needs. They will often offer one-on-one and group sessions, career guidance and evaluation, resume writing help, interview preparation, and more.

5. Practice Interviews

Before you go out to an actual interview, it is a good idea to do a few practice interviews. While every interview is different, there are questions that are common to most interviews. Learn these questions, and how to answer them in a way that is going to impress the interviewers. It will also show that you are willing to learn, which is what they want in an employee.

6. Ask Questions

When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions, they are not just asking to hear themselves speak. They want to see that you have done your homework about the companies you are interviewing at. Have a list of questions ready to refer to during the interview. Potential employers will be quite impressed that you took the time to be really prepared for them.

7. Work on Your Resume

You need to have a killer resume, and one that can show you haven’t just been sitting around doing nothing for the past few years. You might want to take advantage of some resume writing services. They can create a resume that is going to help you get the job of your dreams.

8. Try Volunteering

When you want to upgrade your skills without having to spend money going back to school, consider volunteering. There are many organizations that need your help, and there are all kinds of jobs that you can do for them. Often, they will train you to do various jobs, and you can add these new skills to your resume.