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Seven Tips for Re-Entering the Job Market
Re-entering the job force after a break in your career can be a little overwhelming. Where
do I begin? What if there are no jobs? What if there are jobs but no one will hire me?
Yes, looking for employment is always unnerving. But, with a little planning and calm
thinking, you can make job re-entry a positive turning point in your life. Here, then, are a few
steps you might consider while making the move to re-enter the job market:
1. Recognize all your options. Don't be limited by the work you were doing in the past.
Make sure your previous work was something which really made you happy, not just a way
to earn a living. It can be dissatisfying to get a job, be there a few months, and then realize
it's no longer something you want to do. Consider all your options, because, yes, you do
have options. Make sure that resuming your previous career is the right path before
heading back in that direction. Accepting temporary or freelance work would be a good way
to experiment with new fields and opportunities. These days, many temp agencies are
offering more benefits such as health insurance and vacation pay, which makes the
experimenting a lot easier on your budget.
2. Be realistic. If you choose to go back into your previous career, be mindful that
significant changes may have occurred in the industry, making it impossible for you to step
back into the same position. You might have to actually take a step back on the career
ladder. For example, people who were once mid-managers may now need to consider
entry-level positions until the necessary skills are gained.
3. Brush up on your skills. If you've become "outdated," do whatever is necessary to
become marketable again (especially in highly technical fields). Fortunately, there are
enormous educational opportunities out there which will help you achieve this. Many
community colleges, while offering A.A. degrees, also offer certificate programs in many
different fields. Also, various institutions offer online courses, which you can take at your
convenience. Check with the local unemployment office to see what classes they may
offer. Volunteer work is also a way to gain updated skills, although there is usually no pay
associated with such.
4. Be positive and enthusiastic. Yes, there can be obstacles, but it's important to focus on
the advantages. People re-entering the workforce have experience, skills and knowledge
that make them more desirable candidates than those entering the workforce for the first
time.
5. Update your resume. Go through your resume to accentuate the positives. If you have
access to career counseling, take your resume in for an expert's opinion.
6. Prepare for job interviews. Invest in a new suit or business clothes. If there are any
classes on interviewing skills taught in your community, take them. A little preparation
goes a long way in an interview.
7. Use connections. Let's face it; sometimes it's who you know. Often the best way to
re-enter the workforce is to contact former bosses and colleagues, and use networking to
find out where the opportunities are.
Re-entering the workforce can be a challenge, but it's one that can be overcome. Having a
plan and being prepared will help to make the re-entry a successful and rewarding
experience.
Re-entering the job force after a break in your career can be a little overwhelming. Where
do I begin? What if there are no jobs? What if there are jobs but no one will hire me?
Yes, looking for employment is always unnerving. But, with a little planning and calm
thinking, you can make job re-entry a positive turning point in your life. Here, then, are a few
steps you might consider while making the move to re-enter the job market:
1. Recognize all your options. Don't be limited by the work you were doing in the past.
Make sure your previous work was something which really made you happy, not just a way
to earn a living. It can be dissatisfying to get a job, be there a few months, and then realize
it's no longer something you want to do. Consider all your options, because, yes, you do
have options. Make sure that resuming your previous career is the right path before
heading back in that direction. Accepting temporary or freelance work would be a good way
to experiment with new fields and opportunities. These days, many temp agencies are
offering more benefits such as health insurance and vacation pay, which makes the
experimenting a lot easier on your budget.
2. Be realistic. If you choose to go back into your previous career, be mindful that
significant changes may have occurred in the industry, making it impossible for you to step
back into the same position. You might have to actually take a step back on the career
ladder. For example, people who were once mid-managers may now need to consider
entry-level positions until the necessary skills are gained.
3. Brush up on your skills. If you've become "outdated," do whatever is necessary to
become marketable again (especially in highly technical fields). Fortunately, there are
enormous educational opportunities out there which will help you achieve this. Many
community colleges, while offering A.A. degrees, also offer certificate programs in many
different fields. Also, various institutions offer online courses, which you can take at your
convenience. Check with the local unemployment office to see what classes they may
offer. Volunteer work is also a way to gain updated skills, although there is usually no pay
associated with such.
4. Be positive and enthusiastic. Yes, there can be obstacles, but it's important to focus on
the advantages. People re-entering the workforce have experience, skills and knowledge
that make them more desirable candidates than those entering the workforce for the first
time.
5. Update your resume. Go through your resume to accentuate the positives. If you have
access to career counseling, take your resume in for an expert's opinion.
6. Prepare for job interviews. Invest in a new suit or business clothes. If there are any
classes on interviewing skills taught in your community, take them. A little preparation
goes a long way in an interview.
7. Use connections. Let's face it; sometimes it's who you know. Often the best way to
re-enter the workforce is to contact former bosses and colleagues, and use networking to
find out where the opportunities are.
Re-entering the workforce can be a challenge, but it's one that can be overcome. Having a
plan and being prepared will help to make the re-entry a successful and rewarding
experience.