Women who have been away from the work scene for a while face specific professional issues. While these issues can initially seem insurmountable and possibly frightening, if handled well you can get yourself back on track with a successful career. All it takes is a little preparation.
Some of the specific issues facing professional women returning to work after a long break relate to explaining with self confidence what they have been doing, and catching up with changes in their chosen profession.
It really doesn t matter what you have been doing since you left professional life, whether it be having a family, looking after a family member, or just needing a break. Here are a few tips on things you can do to get ready to come back with the best possible outlook.
Get Your Resume Updated
Many professional women feel daunted by this task. How do you explain what you have been doing since leaving your profession? The answer is to concentrate on any transferable skills you have developed along the way. If your break from work was to have children think about the creative thinking skills you have developed. If you were looking after an elderly parent, consider the skills you may have developed in empathy and patience and dealing with difficult personalities. These things are all relevant.
Update what is going on in your professional field
Spend some time researching the latest developments in your company, or in the particular field you work in. Have there been major changes in policies, someone in the news or anything else you can get hold of? You may be able to get in touch with old colleagues or use the internet to find out these things.
Get back to your network
Get in touch with any people from your network and let them know you are back in town . Networking with people from your past can be invaluable in helping you get back in the workforce. If you didn t have a network, start building one now! Professional women networks like The National Association of Professional Women can be a great place to start networking and finding resources.
Brush up on Interviewing Skills and Techniques
Practice your interview techniques so you are ready for anything. Of course no one will forget the basics of being on time, not coming in with a coffee in hand, making eye contact, having questions ready and knowing about the company and dressing well. If you really aren t sure what to do for an interview ask friends to help you and research interviewing skills.
Take a refresher course if you need to
This is by no means a necessity but some professional women find it useful to brush up on their skills and what is going on in the business through a quick refresher course. It is also something else you can add to your resume.
Getting back into the workforce can be both frightening and exciting. Finding professional women who are in the same position as you or who can help you on your journey is an excellent idea. Trust in your self and the skills you know you have then get out there and market yourself!
Author Resource:
Sylvia Marks is a leading contributor on issues facing professional women in the workplace. She is a proud member of NAPW, The National Organization of Women. You can learn more about NAPW at http://twitter.com/napwinc .
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