Returning to work can be daunting
Many women who take a break from their career to bring up a family are daunted by the prospect of going back to work. They are often highly qualified, experienced women yet they feel apprehnsive about going back to work and often struggle to find interesting family-friendly jobs.
Parents returning to work usually want flexible or part-time jobs that provide a good work life balance. The problem is often finding an employer who can see past the career gap in a C.V. or is prepared to offer genuine flexible working hours.
Finding Flexible Employemt
Fortunately, there are many employers who offer flexible work as they recognise that returning parents make skilled, loyal employees. Many employers offer freelance or project based work as well as full time jobs.
Knowing what type of Job to look for
For many returning mothers, the key is to establish what is important to you now. You need to consider what you value and what your needs are as these can change considerably due to the changes in your life.
e.g.
- Money could be the driver
- Regaining your identity
- Learning new skills
- Something to fill in the time while the kids are at school
- or finding a meaningful and fulfilling career
How to write a winning CV
Spend some time carefully thinking about your work skills as well as the experience you have gained during your career break looking after children. Think of the things you’ve done during this period that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’ve been helping out at a playgroup, this demonstrates organisational skills. If you’ve been a member of a school committee which raised money for new computers this demonstrates fundraising skills and team work.
Your CV is not the place to be modest. State your achievements clearly and give examples of achievements or when your solved a problem.
Ideally a CV should be tailored to each job you apply for. It must be well laid out and easy to read. It should include contact details but does not need to include your age or marital status.
Here are a few links that will help you brush up your CV writing skills so you can land the job you want and get back to work.
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