Returning to work after “time off” can be an extremely daunting challenge. Whether you took time off for childrearing, a leave of absence, health reasons, or educational endeavors, re-entering the workforce can bring with it both emotional and logistical barriers that must be overcome. Pesky, emotional questions may flood your mind like “who will hire me, what am I truly qualified to do,” and “where do I begin?” Logistically, you will likely need to assess your current skills, write a resume, build your network of contacts, purchase appropriate interviewing clothing, and brush up on your interviewing techniques. You will also want to consider your interests, work values, salary needs, and short and long term goals.

Lipstick Wisdom is dedicated to helping you with this challenge! We have scoured the web for the best information that we can find on re-entering the workforce. We know that with a recession upon us, many people are facing extremely difficult times. In fact, recent headlines note that more people are now unemployed than any time since 1994. Competition for good paying jobs is fierce, so we want to help you be as prepared as possible in your job search. Now is NOT the time to fly by the seat of your pants. You want a well organized, thought out approach to finding a job.

Here are seven key steps to prepare you for finding a job:

1) Determine your value in today’s marketplace.
Consider your strengths based on the activities you have managed and the lives you have touched since you last worked outside your home. In other words, heading the PTA, coaching your daughter’s soccer team, running the school’s annual auction, are all jobs that required some of the same types of skills that you will need in the workforce. Figure out how best to present these skills both on your resume and in an interview to communicate the VALUE that you will bring to an employer.


2) Assess your interests, education, and skills.
Is your education up to par with the types of jobs you want to do? What are your interests and what skills do you currently possess? Do you want to work outdoors, indoors at a desk all day, night shift, holidays and weekends? These are the many questions that you need to review in order to figure out what type of job makes the most sense and will work in your life. You must decide if further education or training is needed for what you want to pursue.

3) Write your resume and focus on your transferable skills.
Approach writing your resume with a positive mindset, determined to highlight the many skills that you offer even though you may have “gaps” in your career history for the time that you took off. What skills did you perform during this time off that will translate into the working world? Such skills could include problem solving, budgeting, negotiation skills, event planning among many others. Include these skills on your resume, listing the volunteer activities that you handled in your time away from the workforce.

4) Research companies, organizations and potential jobs.
Research companies and organizations online, by visiting individual company websites to read their press releases, mission statements and other key information. Job search websites such as Vault.com, Wetfeet.com, and Quintcareers.com also feature information on companies and organizations nationwide. Read business journals and local newspapers to track industries and companies and familiarize yourself Want Ads so you can see what types of positions may be available. Take an assessment test such as Myers Briggs to determine what kind of jobs may be the best fit for you. Conduct informational interviews with people who are working for a company you want to work for or who are doing the kind of job that you desire.

5) Refresh and/or build your network of contacts.
Networking is absolutely key to finding a new job. This is the time to reconnect with old colleagues to let them know that you are planning to return to work. Women’s networking organizations and associations are a tremendous resource for connecting with professional women. There are usually at least a couple of these in most cities and towns. Attend networking events and job fairs in order to meet people and let them know what types of jobs you are seeking and to find out what opportunities may be available.

6) Practice your “elevator pitch” and interview skills.
Preparation, preparation, preparation! Be sure that you have your pitch down so you can succinctly state what type of job you are seeking, why, and what skills and attributes you offer. Practice your answers to interview questions with the numerous resources online, both written and video (www.interviewstream.com for example). Make sure that you have appropriate interview clothing and spruce up your appearance. Here again there are numerous books and online resources that spell out what’s appropriate.

7) Set goals and maintain a positive attitude.
Finally, set short term and long term goals for yourself with regards to your job search. What will you get done today, tomorrow, this week, this month? Consider the amount of time you will spend on networking, shopping for interview apparel, writing your resume, etc. Develop a timeline that you will attempt to follow to keep you on track. Be determined to maintain a positive attitude during what could be a lengthy job search. Join a support group of others searching for work, speak regularly with friends and family about your job search, and reach out to others who may be able to mentor you (church members, members of professional organizations, etc.).

We have compiled a series of videos, articles, and websites that we believe will be helpful in your job search. Hopefully the tips and suggestions here will improve your job prospects and offer helpful shortcuts. KEEP THE FAITH and before you know it, you will be heading off to your new job!!