Are you wondering how to return to the workforce after some time away and want to reinvigorate your career? Looking for the fastest, most efficient way to find a job and return to work? We have compiled some tips from our expert career services managers on how to return to the workforce.
There are countless reasons why individuals would need to leave the workforce, and returning to the workforce can be either planned or unexpected. Whether you are planning on returning to the workforce or your hand has been forced, it is important to understand what employers are looking for and the best strategies for competing against an increasingly competitive pool of highly qualified candidates.
Leverage Your Existing Network
One of the quickest ways to return to the workforce after some time away is to leverage your existing network of contacts. Start off by contacting former employers who have experienced your quality of work and know you as an individual and employee. By reaching out to people that you have worked with in the past, you are looking to achieve two things: either land a job with a former employer or see if your contact can assist you in your search for an opportunity to return to the workforce.
Acquire Skills During Your Time Off
Potential employers are always looking for skilled candidates that are continuously learning and finding ways to increase their knowledge to add value to the company. This is no different for candidates who are returning to the workforce after some time away, especially with an increasingly competitive pool of talent available to employers.
Being able to showcase that you acquired some additional skills while away from the workforce will make your transition and return to the workforce much easier. Taking courses, obtaining certificates, and increasing your knowledge while away from the workforce shows initiative and ambition, two things employers are always looking for in potential employees.
Identify areas of weakness in your professional profile, or take classes in areas of business that will make you a top candidate, as growing your knowledge base is always a great strategy before returning to the workforce.
Work On Your Resume and Interviewing Skills
Competing against the modern applicant pool for the opportunity to return to the workforce is not going to be easy. Ensuring that you possess a killer resume that is formatted correctly for the industry you are looking to return to is extremely important. But equipping yourself with a great resume is not the only thing you need to worry about when thinking about returning to the workforce. You may not have experienced job interviews in some time too, so practicing and preparing to ace your job interview is another aspect of the process that needs to be addressed.
Preparation is key when it comes to explaining the time away from the workforce. Any hesitation can be detrimental to the interview. As you prepare yourself to answer questions concisely and thoughtfully regarding your overall experience, it is definitely just as important to attack the employment gap the same way. This is a great way to win over potential employers and increase your chances of returning to the workforce.
Be Patient and Open-Minded
Returning to the workforce, looking for and landing a new job, after time away is a difficult and time-consuming process for everyone. It is important to be patient and open-minded during the hunt. If you are returning to the workforce after some time away, it is almost inevitable that you will receive some rejections. However, stay strong and continue pursuing your next opportunity.
It is also a good idea to remain open-minded to new industries and positions, too. Returning to the workforce, with your added skills and acumen, could mean that you are now qualified to take on roles and positions at companies in industries that you haven’t worked in before. Determine whether you are willing to take an entry-level position just to get your foot in the door. Keeping an open mind will be a big advantage in your pursuit of returning to the workforce.