Working Back Into the Workforce
Getting back into the workforce is somewhat of a challenge for anyone who has been out for an extended length of time. I am talking about individuals who voluntarily left the workforce or had to exit for reasons other than being laid off or fired. For instance, mothers who left the workforce to raise a child, those who have had a medical illness that has kept them out or someone who just took some time off (couldn’t we all be so lucky?!?!). But times are tough now and many people who have been away from the daily grind need to get back in.
Returning to work can be even more difficult than getting your foot in the door for the first time. When you originally started working your biggest problem was your lack of experience. Now employers may feel you lack up-to-date experience and question your potential longevity.
The good news is there are some reinforcements that can help you in your uphill battle.
Stay active. You may have left the workforce, but be sure not to cut yourself off from all activities. Volunteer work is looked upon favorably by employers and is usually considered as relevant experience. Pick a charity or action group within your community that interests you and start volunteering. This will help fill the gaps on your resume, demonstrate your continued drive, and will give you the opportunity to meet new contacts that could come in handy for your job search later.
Keep your skills fresh. This is probably the most important thing to do if you think there is even an inkling of a chance you will return to the work force. If you can show an employer that you maintained your knowledge base and stayed current with skills and trends in your industry it will speak volumes. This kind of forethought tells an employer that you did take some time off but your interest in your field and intent to eventually come back to work were always on your mind.
Mind the gaps. When it comes time for you to apply for a job, leverage the value of a cover letter. Employers are going to be very skeptical of why you left the workforce. They will wonder if you are lying about the reason, what your commitment level is, and whether or not you have plans to leave the workforce again. A cover letter can tell your story. You still need to be mindful that it should be your story as it applies the job with which you are applying. But put yourself in their shoes for a moment and answer the questions you think they would want answered before giving you an interview. You are going to need to sell yourself, but make sure to be honest.
Network. Hopefully by now you have a pretty good network since you met people through your volunteer work and have stayed in the loop through social media. Now use this network to help get your foot in the door. Ask them to keep you in mind for potential opportunities.
June 24th, 2009 at 1:08 am
nice work
June 29th, 2009 at 7:51 am
As again this is very well written. Straight to the point and full of information. I am a fresh MSc. graduate with no work experience but I find this article very Informative as chances are that I would find myself in such a situation some day and thanks to this articles, I am already developing ideas on what to do.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I found this article to be very well written and extremely on target for my situation.
I left my position voluntarily, and in the same day my Mom had a very severe hemorraghic stroke which extended my time away from the workforce.
Getting back in has been more difficult than I can tell you and staying on track with topics, seminar attendance and networking is key.
I have to laugh at the “exclusive” category of being employed.
And as far as explaining the situation, it pays to be honest.
Thanks!!! this provided me with some enthusiasm for my Monday morning job search.
June 29th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
It is not necessary to have left the workforce. A major change such as going from a traditional job to establishing and growing a business can result in an extended gap in the employment history. It can be very difficult to briefly explain just what you were doing and the efforts involved as many different skills and situations can be involved.
I have a very good education with a Bachelors is Engineering, a MBA and a long career in running many construction projects. Then I spent almost twenty years establishing, growing and then transitioning myself out of a business. There were other diverse things too. I still am a registered P. Eng. Try explaining what you have been doing for the last twenty years completely and concisely.
The other very important thing is….I need a reasonable work/life balance and I still have enough committments to amount to about 1/2 time. It is not possible to retire and do absolutely nothing…..got anything which interests me????
A major transition. It does not fit neatly into a corporate structure.