who want to go back to work
and experience that you ’ ve acquired during your time out of work .
Most mums have spent a good deal of time volunteering , whether in their kids ’ schools or in the community . Volunteering is great . It keeps your experience relevant , shows you are proactive , and gives you contacts that can provide references and networking opportunities . Did you raise thousands of dollars for your kid ’ s school ? Serve on a committee or a board ? These are important roles that you should include on your resume as “ Relevant Experience ,” along with the position you held and your job responsibilities .
One great tip from a marketing executive who took 9 years off to raise her kids : During your time out , create a consulting company in which you list all of the volunteer work you do . If you help out the school with their website or do PR for a friend , add these to your resume as “ pro bono ” consulting projects . In this way , you can get credit for all of the unpaid work you have done during your stay-athome years .
6 . Respect your unpaid work
As a stay-at-home mum , you ’ ve probably been hard at work balancing budgets , managing multiple tasks and deadlines , mediating disputes and doing a whole host of other things that have taught you valuable skills that can benefit employers . Allison Kelley , Founder and CEO of MomCorps , advises mums to not sell themselves short . “ It is possible to find a company that will value your experience , both your previous work experience and what you ’ ve learned during your time out of the workforce .”
Mastering the skills you need to run a family can make you a shoe-in for administrative , customer service and many other positions . During interviews , don ’ t make excuses for you time at home . Be upfront that you chose to stay home to raise kids and that you don ’ t regret that choice .
7 . Spread the word
Don ’ t keep your job search a secret ! 70 % of all jobs are found through networking . The same people you ’ ve been working with through volunteering , chatting with at play dates and calling for parenting advice are critical to your job search . Let them know that you are looking for work . You may be surprised by the kinds of job opportunities that turn up when your network is helping you search . After you meet with somebody — be it a former colleague , college alumnus or neighbour – always send a thank you note . Making connections is the name of the game when it comes to job hunting .
8 . Hire a professional
If the idea of rewriting your resume or figuring out what you want to do now seems mind-boggling , consider hiring a career coach or consultant to help you figure out your next step .
9 . Look for mum-friendly jobs
There are a number of websites that help mums who are trying to relaunch their careers , whether they ’ re seeking a traditional 9-5 job or a more flexible or part-time work arrangement . In addition to online job boards , these sites offer back-to-work “ toolkits ” that provide resources like interview and resume writing tips , networking opportunities and webinars with leading careerexperts . MomCorps YOU is a recently launched service which , according to CEO Kelley , “ provides the tools mums need to revamp their resumes , answer tough questions about career gaps and negotiate flexibility .”
10 . Practice interviewing
You wouldn ’ t run a marathon without training , and you shouldn ’ t interview without practicing . If you ’ ve landed an interview , your qualifications must have appealed to the employer . Your next objective is to ensure the interviewer that you are the right person for the job , and also ensure that this job is the right one for you .
Before you interview , learn as much as you can about the company and the person who is interviewing you . Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the position . During the interview , it ’ s your job to explain why you want to work for this company – and why you are the best candidate for the job . This is a time to exude confidence , even if you aren ’ t feeling very confident . Fake it till you make it . It ’ s always a good idea to do a few practice interviews with family and friends before you head to the real one .
11 . Be flexible
Starting out in a new field might mean taking a lower position and salary than what you ’ ve been used to . Don ’ t get discouraged . Remember that these are all milestones as your work towards rebuilding your career and gaining your footing in the work world . You are on your way to your next act , and hopefully a healthier , happier work-life balance .
Sourced from modernmom . com