Job Search Tips for Returning to Work After a Break
If you’ve taken a break from the work world, finding a job can be daunting. The job search landscape has changed in the years since you first embarked on your career, and what worked in the past may no longer be relevant. Here, we lay out the best job search tips and strategies to help you return to work after a break with confidence.
Polish Your Resume
Start by getting your resume ready. Use up-to-date language, highlight transferrable skills and highlight any achievements, qualifications or positions you’ve held while away. Think about what specific talents you bring to the table, and how those abilities make you the perfect match for the position you desire. Tailor your resume for each application, and highlight the points most relevant to the position.
Learn About Professional Development
Continue learning and developing your professional skills. Use the time you’ve been out of the job search arena to update your skills in areas relevant to the industries you’re considering. Consider taking courses related to the jobs you’re targeting, or consider pursuing certifications that will make you a more attractive candidate.
Conduct a Personal Inventory
Take the time to evaluate what skills and experiences define your professional and personal identity. Identifying your unique values is the first step to forming an overarching career strategy. Think about which years of experience, education, achievements, and abilities make you a worthwhile candidate. Finally, become familiar with the language and expectations of the industry you’re targeting so you can communicate more effectively.
Perfect Your Interview Skills
It’s difficult to gauge exactly what the interviewer is looking for in an applicant, and you will rarely know the outcome until after your interview. Once you’ve established a strong presence in the job search landscape, focus on preparing for your interviews. Being confident and polished during your interviews will reassure employers that you’re ready to get to work.
Maximize Networking Opportunities
Stay current on industry trends, and explore conferences, expositions, and boot camps related to the industries you’re targeting. When you visit networking events, maintain a professional presence. Try to connect with HR professionals, mentors, and recruiters who might help get your job search off the ground. Keep in touch with them after the event, and let them know when you’ve landed a job.
Exploit Social Media for Job Search
Utilize the latest social media tools to find job postings and be found more easily by employers. Use platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, set up profiles on job boards, or research groups devoted to specific career fields. Be careful to project a professional image on social media, and be sure to curate your posts in order to appeal to employers.
Tap Into Your Existing Connections
Reach out to existing connections like previous colleagues and supervisors, mentors, and trusted relatives or friends. Such contacts may be the key element to helping you break into the job market. Let them know what type of job you want, and be ready to market yourself as the perfectly fit candidate.