Returning to work?

Tips to streamline your transition back into the workforce!

Admit it, you may not be sure how to start your job search, or what are the most effective job search techniques. Sometimes you aren't even sure exactly what career or job you want to do now. Many women want to restart a career after beginning a family, but with years out of the workforce they question their own worth and whether anyone would hire them. The job search process seems downright scary causing many women to stay on the sidelines. Sure there are pitfalls, lots of advice both good and bad, plus plenty of competition vying for the jobs.

Having a workable action plan will take away some of your uneasiness. To get started:

• Soul Search. Career happiness is a result of aligning your skills, your values and your interests. Do some self-analysis. Define the skills that you can offer an employer. Be sure to note any volunteer work you have performed that will be greatly valued by employers. Consider: What do I want to do? Where? Part-time or full? Narrow down the career options that seem ideal for you. Employers hire you to do a specific job and expect you to be able to define exactly what you can do to fit their need. Applying for everything and anything only wastes time--yours and the employer's. It's better to identify your top strengths and assess your abilities and experience (paid and volunteer). Consider what interests you most and focus on how to best apply your talents in a career in which you have a passionate interest. Research the potential job options available and select one or two interesting job titles to pursue.
  
  
• Be ready to work. Employers hate working parents who don't show up and have proven to be undependable. Be prepared to clearly illustrate that you have solid, dependable daycare and a reliable backup plan so you won't skip out every time Johnny gets a runny nose. Consider setting up a co-op arrangement with other parents or neighbors to cover for you when your kids are sick. Anticipate any overtime requests, travel, and commute time too, when selecting a daycare which may have very ridged hours of service. A positive, "I will deliver the results needed" attitude will go along way to aid you in landing a job.
  
  
• Know where to find good leads. According to a recent study from the Society of Human Resources Managers, 86% of employers use online recruitment advertisements for open jobs. The Department of Labor stated that less than 4% of job seekers found their job on the Internet, and most of those were posted on the employer's website. According to the Department of Labor, networking accounts for 63% of all jobs filled. 63%! Start with everyone you know. Ask for referrals – people they know whom you should contact, anyone who might help pass your resume inside their company, or ask for names of other companies you should investigate. It's better to be direct and say, "I'm job hunting. Do you know anyone over at XYZ company?" versus, "Heard of any jobs? I need one."
  
  
• Write a winning resume and cover letter. Employers give resumes less than a 15-second glance so a vague resume gets trashed immediately. Demonstrate results! A one-page resume stressing actions and noting results, such as increasing revenues, decreasing expenses, saving time or improving production are most influential. Use action verbs. Start each sentence with a powerful, descriptive action verb — such as established, managed, organized, etc. Proofread! Employers cited spelling and typographical errors among the top mistakes job hunters make. Cover letters are influential–use them. Apply FAST! Employers call the strong early-birds first, often leaving hundreds of resumes unread.
  
  
• Be armed and ready for the interview. Employers make snap decisions. They state that most people lose the job in the first minute of the interview. Inappropriate attire is the worst culprit. Dress professionally. To be ready for the tough questions, practice writing out good answers to potential questions ahead of time. Role-play an interview with a friend to better prepare and eliminate nervousness. Keep answers to less than one minute, and use specific examples from your past experience whenever possible. Display a positive, eager-to-learn, enthusiastic attitude. It is a key trait employers want. And finally, always send a handwritten thank you note-- emails are too quickly forgotten.

Need more assistance? Robin's The DreamMaker audio coaching program can help! It is your ideal career decision-making tool to direct you into a better career and brighter future.

The DreamMaker audio coaching program includes everything you need to help you uncover your passion and make a positive career change. Based on Robin Ryan's popular career book, "What to Do with the Rest of Your Life," her workbook, and coaching CDs, the program will help launch your new career FAST. Don't waste another day hoping things will change! Get The DreamMaker and let your new life begin!

© Copyright 2008 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.

Need more assistance?  Robin is available to help you achieve your goals and dreams with individual career counseling. Click here to learn more.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil and is considered to be America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of : "60 Seconds & You're Hired!," "Soaring On Your Strengths," "What to Do With the Rest of Your Life," "Winning Resumes," and "Winning Cover Letters." A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: http://www.robinryan.com

Reprints release: Newspapers, magazines, online websites are granted permission to reprint this in part or whole but are required to credit the author including author's bio, book credits, and include author's website information (with link if online); PLUS email author at robin@robinryan.com and state when and where reprint publication will occur. Questions: contact author at robin@robinryan.com or 425.226.0414.