You may have taken time off to be a home maker, travel, or pursue a lifelong dream. Returning to the workforce may feel overwhelming and almost unachievable in today's rapidly advancing environment. However, don't be discouraged. Here are some tips that can help you avoid common mistakes and shorten the time it takes you to get re-hired.
1. Honesty is best ? Be honest with your new prospective employer when they ask you why you left your last job. It is better to tell them that you took time off to travel, spend time with your family, or pursue a lifelong goal. Be specific and avoid nebulous or false answers. Employers are constantly interviewing will know immediately if you are trying to hide or fabricate facts.
2. Document the time gap ? Your resume should document what you have been doing since you left your last employer with dates. People frequently omit the time gap between their last job and the present time. If it is 2006 and the last item on your resume is with a firm in 2003 this will raise concerns. The reader might assume that you have been doing nothing for the last 3 years. In the worst case a na've interviewer will assume that you had a long gap of no activity and eliminate your candidacy. Document where you have spending your time; such as tax consulting for friends, fund raising for a charity, sitting on a board. This is valuable experience that might be relevant to the organization. Include volunteer work, classes, and degrees.
3. Keep up with Technology ? Proficient computer skills are essential in all industries. If you have been out of the workforce for more than two years you should upgrade your PC, the operating system, and educate yourself on the newest applications and technologies. Many colleges offer classes. Employers will be more inclined to hire someone who is technology proficient so time is not wasted on IT training.
4. Position your expertise ? Companies hire candidates for their proven expertise what s/he can do immediately to help a company improve its profits. If you desire to use the transition to change your career you may need to start at a lower level position. It may be more prudent to enter with your strength and then explore lateral moves to other areas later.
5. Be realistic with salary and title expectations ? If you have been out of the job market for more than a year you may not receive the same title, job responsibilities, or salary as someone who has not left the workplace.
Keep in mind when you interview there will be competition. Most employers prefer to hire someone from a competitor who is currently doing the exact job they are hiring for. Be flexible with your expectations after you are back in the work force your value will increase quickly.
Many people are in the position where they are entering the workforce for the first time. Some of these people may be college students, single mothers, or any one who has taken a long break from work. This transition can become very stressful for these people. As a result, here is a list of techniques on how to manage the stress of entering the workforce.
The first thing a person can use in transitioning to the work force is to go to your local career center and get some help. There are many small profit organizations in your community that can offer low cost services in helping you find a job. These services can offer counseling, resume development services, and how to network. Many people of all ages can go to these centers which will help them when they go into the work force.
It is important to know what you would like to do when entering the employment field. This can help ease the stress of getting a job because you will save yourself a lot of work in applying for jobs that you may not be interested in.
For instance, you do not like to work in the field of accounting. With this in mind, it would be a waste of time to apply for any jobs that deal with accounting. Even if you did get a job that involved accounting, you would probably would not last that long since you would lose interest. Instead try to determine what jobs you do like and apply for those jobs. This will save you a lot of time and will reduce the anxiety of finding employment.
Remember that there are all kinds of jobs that are out there so do not be discouraged when you get turned down. The employment process can be very difficult and stressful. You will get turned away from many jobs. The key is not to let it bother you. You can reduce the fear and anxiety of entering the workforce by realizing that it might take a few months to get a job. What is important is that you do not give up and you keep on trying.
Remind yourself that you are not the only one who is going through this process. Every day there are people leaving and entering the workforce. You should not feel as you are alone and that no one can relate to you. That is the reason why it is important to join a group where job seekers can get together and help one another. Your local church may offer some of the programs for these job seekers. This is a great way to work with people who are in the same boat as you.
Entering the workforce does not have to be a stressful event. There is much assistance available that can get you back on your feet. Try to remain positive and reduce your negative thinking. Remind yourself that you will eventually find work if you keep at it.
Both Manual & Stan Popovich are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.