Simple tips on how to return to work this Spring!

Blog

Published on Tuesday, 29 January 2013 09:00

Last Updated on 29 January 2013

Monica Costa

0 Comments

Great tips on how to return to work this Spring provided by Lila Veltze and Sarah Archer, co founders and Career Coaches at CareerTree, an organisation that helps people make positive changes to their working lives. They are both mums and between them they have over 15 years experience helping other mums back to work.

The thought of returning to work can seem really daunting if you’ve been away from the workplace for a while, even more so if you’ve been away for a few years or more. A lack of confidence in your skills, and worries about how you’ll cope with the demands of motherhood and work are common concerns for many mums. But don’t despair; here are some simple tips to get you started.

1. Be clear about your career direction. Your most important step is clarifying your career direction. You need to decide whether to return to your previous job role or to consider career change. Think about your previous job role – was it a good match? Were you using your best skills? How interested or passionate did you feel about what you were doing?

o If your last job was good match, make contact with people still working in your industry and meet them for a coffee with a view to gathering information on the current job market.

o If you are considering career change, it’s important to set aside some time to work out possible career options. A good starting point is to explore your skills, talents and interests, and to think about who your role models are and why.

2. Make a life plan. Think carefully about your commitments and priorities in life, and then work out how many hours or days per week you can realistically work and how you can organise childcare around this. Start investigating local nurseries, after school clubs or child minders now.

3. Rework your CV. A well-written CV still remains your best marketing tool when you are seeking work. Keep the CV targeted and relevant to the type of role you are applying for. Don’t forget to mention any voluntary work you’ve done during your break.

4. Plan your job search. Ensure you are familiar with your chosen industry’s preferred methods of recruitment. Do they use agencies? Which web sites or publications do they advertise in? Consider applying directly to organisations that interest you.

5. Networking and collaboration. Networking can be one of the best ways to find work. Try networking with friends, family and other mums to start with. You can use networking to research job ideas, to find out about local job vacancies, and to spread the word about what you’re looking for.

6. Practice your interview skills. It may be many years since your last interview. Don’t waste the opportunity of a real interview to practice your technique; practice before hand. Write down possible questions, and ask someone you trust to do a mock interview with you. Ask for honest feedback at the end.

Spring is arriving, so start following our simple tips so you’re ready to take positive action when the first leaves unfurl…

To book a free 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss how you can return to work this Spring, click on: www.careertree.org.uk/contact.

As a special introductory offer, quote ‘London Mums’ to claim your 10% off any Career Coaching if booked by the end of February 2013.