8 Practical Tips for Returning to the Workforce
Breaking It Down
There are many reasons why we take a step back from our careers. Health issues, returning to school, full-time parenting, burnout or pursuing our passions are just some of the reasons why we decide to take a break from the daily 9-to-5 grind, whether it be for weeks, months or years on end.
But what happens when you want to restart your career?
On the surface, it sounds easy to pick up where you left off, but it can actually be quite difficult. Job requirements and skillsets are forever changing, and you might not necessarily land the same role or salary you had before the break. Sometimes, your interests change, leading you to apply for jobs in different industries, which may come with its own set of daunting challenges.
What You Should Do
To help you re-enter the workforce, consider these eight tips:
1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
There’s a level of uncertainty that comes with rejoining the workforce, especially after a long hiatus. Instead of retreating from it, you need to embrace it.
Although it can be intimidating, stepping outside of your comfort zone may lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. This mindset allows you to approach new challenges with enthusiasm, rather than with fear.
2. Craft Your Narrative
Most employers will want to know why you took a break or what you did during this time. As such, you should own your time away by framing it positively.
Reflect on the skills and experiences you gained during this time, and articulate how they can provide value to potential employers. Your unique story can showcase resilience, adaptability and personal growth, transforming a perceived obstacle into an asset.
For example, you might say, “During my career break, I took the opportunity to invest in my personal development and explore new interests that ultimately enhanced my professional skillset. I enrolled in online courses focused on [specific skills relevant to the job], which allowed me to stay current with industry trends and technologies.”
3. Identify Your Needs
Before diving into job applications, take time to understand what you want from your next role. Consider aspects like work-life balance, flexibility and company culture. For example, do you want to work full-time, or do you want to work part-time so that you maintain other commitments, such as looking after your children or working on your hobbies?
Having transparent conversations with potential employers about your requirements can help ensure both parties find a fit that meets their needs.
4. Develop New Skills
The job market is always evolving, and it’s crucial to stay relevant by continuously developing new skills.
Invest time in learning skills relevant to your desired field through online courses, certifications or workshops. This can help fill gaps in your knowledge and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
5. Reconnect With Your Professional Network
Leverage your existing connections and expand your network. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events and engage via online platforms such as LinkedIn.
These connections can provide job leads, recommendations and valuable insights into the latest trends and opportunities. If you’re looking to re-enter the same company, these relationships can give you helpful inside information and assist you with any changes.
6. Consider Volunteering
If you’re struggling to find a paid opportunity right away, consider volunteering in your field. This can help you build relevant experience, update your skills and expand your network, all while enhancing your CV with recent work history.
By engaging with different organisations, you can also gain insight into how different sectors operate; as such, you may discover unexpected interests or talents along the way.
For example, if you volunteer for a non-profit organisation focused on environmental issues, you might develop a passion for sustainability that could lead you to pursue a career in that field, such as environmental science or conservation management.
By the same token, if you volunteer for an organisation dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty, you might discover an interest in animal welfare and advocacy. In turn, you could pursue a career in veterinary medicine or animal rights law.
7. Make The Necessary Updates
Once you’ve assessed your skills and accumulated new experiences, it’s time to update your CV and portfolio.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences succinctly, keeping in mind that hiring managers often skim applications that they do not deem as relevant. Provide tangible evidence of your contributions whenever possible.
8. Seek Support
If you feel uncertain about how to navigate your return to work – whether it’s discussing your career gap or managing new commitments – consider approaching a professional career coach. A coach can provide personalised guidance, accountability and strategies tailored to your unique situation and goals.
Make or Break!
It may be daunting, but restarting your career is an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. By following these tips, you can pave the way for a fulfilling job that aligns with your passions and values.
Just remember: embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing that the skills you’ve honed and the lessons you’ve learned will not only enhance your employability, but also enrich your life’s story. The world is full of exciting possibilities waiting for you to explore, so take that leap and see where it leads you. Good luck!