Last Saturday night, I spent a quiet New Year’s Eve at a friend’s house with 6 other families. The kids hung out, the men settled in for a few rounds of poker and the ladies gathered around the kitchen island for some catching-up.
Our small talk quickly turned into a lengthy chat about the trials and tribulations of stay at home moms trying to return to the work force.
One of my friends excitedly announced that she found a part-time opportunity. After 10 years away from the working world, something new and completely different “fell into her lap” and she was going to give it a shot. Three other women chimed in. One friend enviously commented that she wants to find part time employment but as an attorney, the opportunities are just not there. Another friend expressed concern about the 12 year gap in her resume. And a third friend admitted to feeling overwhelmed with the idea of juggling her home responsibilities with the reality of needing an additional income.
Although I don’t normally mix business with pleasure, I was happy to provide these…
6 ESSENTIALS FOR MAKING THE BACK-TO-WORK TRANSITION
EASIER AND MORE SUCCESSFUL.
MAKE A GAME PLAN: As a stay-at-home mom, you have many vital responsibilities that need to be addressed before you go back to work. From the onset of your job search, you and your partner must work as a team and discuss strategies for dealing with your absence from the home. Who will responsibly care for children, drive carpools, handle laundry, homework and meal prep? Can you rely on family and friends? Will you need to hire in-home help?
Agreements need to be reached up-front about how you will deal with planned and unplanned school absences, sports games and recitals, school productions and other events that a parent is expected to attend. Cooperation, compromise and creativity are the key to making these situations work.
CREATE YOUR NEW YOU: From your appearance to your online profile to your resume, all of YOU needs to be evaluated and updated for success. Let’s start with your email address… Luvmykids@email.com is NOT very impressive to prospective employers. And if your voice mail message has your adorable 4-year old singing, “leave your name and number” change it to sound more professional.
Does your resume have some gaps? Do your best to fill them. Did you participate in any volunteer work? Described the experience in business terms and specify or quantify any financial successes (raised $250,000) or goals reached (launched the organizations web site). Did you advise or mentor any colleagues during your time at home? Congratulations, that makes you a consultant! Others may disagree however I must make one other comment: You can not sell yourself with your success as a home maker. Yes, it is one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in the world. But a hiring manager needs to be assured that you are professional, reliable and have the skills to do the job. Discussing your balanced home budget or your car pool juggling ability is NOT recommended.
Finally, if its been years since you took off your yoga pants, you need to take a good look at your wardrobe and evaluate what you will need to wear for interviewing and later, for working in a new environment.
NETWORK: We all have the capacity to change our lives and this change is often made possible via the relationships we’ve developed. After all, the more positive, mutually beneficial relationships you have, the more support you will have when you need it. Not everything you want to accomplish in your life is within your power to complete alone; no matter how self-sufficient you are. So develop a compelling elevator pitch or story that explains your new career goal, connect with old colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile and explore and engage in LinkedIn Groups. Meet new people at industry and networking events. And keep in mind that the best way to nurture your network is to help others! After all, what comes around goes around…
VOLUNTEER: If you haven’t been doing it, start today! Providing your professional skills and services to a charitable organization is a smart way to bridge your resume gap, enhance your professional network and do some good! Plus, keep in mind that your prospective employers are going to ask you for up-to date-professional references who can vouch for your dependability, work ethic and skill. Those associated with the organization you volunteer for may be the perfect ones to convey this vital information.
IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL JOB: Evaluate your situation honestly and try to look at it from an employers’ perspective. How do you look on paper and in person? What are your interests and skills? If you can identify how you “fit” into a role, personally and professionally, it will be easier for you to sell yourself and you’ll have a much better chance to score the job. But, be warned. There is no such thing as the “perfect” situation, so have an open mind and be willing to take chances if an interesting opportunity presents itself.
BE REALISTIC: Let’s face it. The economy is still shaky and the competition for jobs is fierce. These days, everyone seems to be working harder and taking home less pay. Your job search will be challenging. It may take a while. And rejection is sure to be part of the process. Keep your spirits high by surrounding yourself with people who are like-minded and positive. Join a local working mom’s group for support. Practice interviewing and hone your message. Consider temporary or consultative jobs, which may be easier to come by and often offer more flexibility. Explore Returnship programs. These temporary opportunities–like internships–are cropping up through some progressive corporation and are geared especially for people re-entering the workforce.
One final word: I advise candidates getting your foot in the door is more important than waiting for the dream job that my not exist. But using good judgment, working hard and of course a little luck may lead to big things down the road – your dream job is waiting for you down the road.
Do you have any advice for moms returning to the work force? Please share…
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