Monday, January 17, 2011

Moms – How to Prepare for the Job Hunt When Reentering the Job Market



Ask any mother and most will tell you that being a mom is the best job in the world. But at the same time, women long for a meaningful career, not to mention the need for a steady income of a job. And let’s face it, in today's economy it’s challenging – many are facing months if not years of unemployment.

The result of all this is many moms are now streaming back into the workforce after a few years at home. So, after deciding to head back to work, you now have the daunting task of landing a job. But do not despair – there are simple things you can do to get ready.

Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for the job hunt:

Identify what you are looking for in a job.
Before you start applying for jobs, sit down and ask yourself what you are looking for in a potential job. What criteria is important to you? Maybe it's the type of work, the schedule, the compensation, or a combination of a few different things. This will help you narrow down where to search. When you find something that works for you, you will ultimately have greater job satisfaction.

Beef up your résumé. Keep it simple! The employer will be looking at content not design, so don't worry about all the bells and whistles. A simple, straightforward approach is much more appealing. Gear your résumé around the type of job that you are applying for and the skills you have that would complement the job. Use key words to describe the skills and functions that you are capable of performing.

Brush up on your interview skills. Ah, the dreaded interview! The key to passing your interview with flying colors is to prepare in advance. Investigate the company and its values. Research frequently asked interview questions and work up simple answers. Another great tip is to have in mind specific examples to highlight your skills. Speak honestly and confidently. When you go on the interview, dress appropriately! That can't be stressed enough. What they see will be their first impression of you, so choose wisely.

Recognize your value. It may have been a while since you have been in the workplace, but you still have value. If you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard, you future employer will also see that in you.

Once you find a job, you may need help juggling all your old and new responsibilities. If you live in the Silicon Valley area, contact us at Simplify so we can help you achieve the perfect balance in your life.

No comments: