How Do I Go From Homemaker To The Workforce?

Many women take time out of the workforce to go home with their children when they are young and then endeavour to return to the work force later. Having hired a number of such women, I offer the following tips to help you in your transition (these ideas will generally work as well for men who’ve been playing the role of a stay-at-home father):

1. Take heart. Don’t worry. You haven’t forgotten how to work nor are employers especially anxious about hiring you.

2. Build a great resume. After being out of the work force for a few years, you may want to hire a professional to coach you on preparing your resume. Shining the best light on your community involvement over the years you’ve been at home will be indispensable to have a resume that reflects your capabilities well.

3. Be confident. Whenever you talk to anyone about a position, exude confidence that you can do the work. Assume that people will always want to hire you.

4. Start with former employers. It may have been a long time since you worked for a former company or boss, but start with those folks. In 2009 I hired a woman with whom I’d work a decade earlier; she’d been home raising kids for that entire time. She was a substantial addition to the team.

5. Get involved. Chances are you’ve been involved in your school community with a focus on helping your kids. Perhaps you’ve been coaching teams or volunteering with the PTA. You have an obligation to apply that same spirit to the broader community, in places where you are liable to meet more people interested in hiring you. Join a professional association, service organization like Rotary or other club where you can meet successful people.

6. Work your network. Do not forget to let your friends know you’re returning to work. You may not know any more all of the spouses of your PTA friends do, but some might be in positions to hire you. A friend from a volunteer organization can refer you as powerfully as a former colleague.

7. Work your social network. Your LinkedIn account may have cobwebs on it. Dust it off; freshen it up. Let your Facebook and Twitter friends know you’re returning to the work force and need to know exactly what you want. It isn’t helpful to tell people you want a job; tell them what job would be perfect. You’ll get more help no less with this approach.

8. Don’t be discouraged. Finding work takes time. Make finding a job to your job until do not leave a job. Stand up and work at it with the same effort you’d work at a job. It won’t take long before you have something you want.

Going back to the work force after a decade at home can be scary for anyone. The fact is, employers are always trying to find talented and capable people. If you were employed before, you will be again if you want to become. Be patient and optimistic.