Many women have to make a choice between a career and family at some point in their lives. Additionally, being a parent means making adjustments and compromises almost every day. For most women, these sacrifices and hardships are not a choice, but a necessity.
Getting back to work after a career break can be a daunting task, especially for mothers. Recruiters look down upon employment gaps and consider them unfit for corporate responsibilities.
However, with the right mindset and a strategic approach, this situation can be tackled head-on.
Here are a few tips for moms who wish to have a successful career after vocational training.
Own Your Career Break
How you shape the narrative of your career gap plays a great role in getting you back into the workforce.
Be open and transparent about the skills you built up during your time off work. Highlight part-time jobs, volunteering work or any real-life experiences that help the employer see you in a positive light.
Convey that you have matured personally and professionally during the break.
Build Your Professional Network
When you are a mother, it is normal to spend the majority of your time with your children. It gets difficult to attend events and keep in contact with your professional network.
Connect with friends and family and let them know about your plans on entering the workforce. Sometimes, good support makes all the difference.
Be active on various professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiters relevant to your industry.
Reconnect with your old colleagues and engage in forums meant for mothers starting a career.
Be Confident
Ambition, confidence and advocating for oneself are some of the many traits that are discouraged among women. It is easy to feel demoralized when you come across people who judge you harshly for your career gap.
Never be apologetic for prioritizing your family over work. You are just as qualified and capable as any other job candidate.
If you feel an interviewer is being too harsh or reluctant in hiring you because of the gap in your resume, it is best not to work with the company.
Look for a workplace that respects and values your priorities.
Be clear about what you expect from the job and the amount of flexibility you need.
Build a Good Resume
A good resume is a foremost requirement for any job. Make sure your resume uses current industry terminologies to convey your core skills. Choose a functional resume format that allows you to accentuate your strengths and skills, without much detail about your work history or employment gaps.
Optimize your resume by including accomplishments or worthwhile activities that filled the gap years. Include training certifications and internships relevant to your professional requirements.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Rejoining any industry after an extended leave can be intimidating. It takes effort to adapt to a new work environment. Bear in mind that no one, but you are responsible for keeping up with new work trends.
Take the time to examine how market trends have changed and get a hold of recent technological development.
Equip yourself with the most in-demand skills in the field. Join training programs run by institutes that rely on the latest RTO resources and earn certifications that are valued by recruiters.
Update Your Wardrobe
Your appearance speaks a lot about how you view the work environment and how serious you are about a job.
Good attire not only boosts self-confidence but also creates a great first impression on your colleagues.
Invest in outfits that fit you well and are professionally appropriate. If there is a dress code policy, adhere to it strictly.
Conclusion
Mothers are always subjected to the pressure of
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