What are the best job search strategies for finding a job after a career break?

Returning to work after a career break involves self-assessment, skill enhancement, networking, and job searching. Start with self-reflection to clarify your goals and preferred roles. Update your skills to match industry demands, reconnect with your network, and enhance your resume and cover letter. Utilize various job search channels, explore part-time roles, and prepare for interviews by highlighting your acquired skills. Stay persistent, consider temporary work, and seek guidance from career coaches or mentors. With a strategic and patient approach, you can successfully relaunch your career.

When I was the VP of Sales at Preparis, one of my best hires was a mom who had been out of the working world for nine years. When she started her request to find a new job, she reconnected with former colleagues and professional contacts. Her networking skills were how her resume landed on my desk. Her resume outlined transferable skills that related to the sales position I was hiring for. She was very prepared for the online interview going to great lengths to research the company, and truly understand what was required from the position and the value that she brought to the table. Your network can get you in the door but after that, you must be able to explain YSWV, You, your Story, your Why, and your Value.

When people return to job search after a career break, I often discover they don't give themselves credit for the unpaid and volunteer work that they did. To do this, I ask them to first list all the activities, big and small (from their perspective). Then they parse out the strengths, skills and behaviors they have in those activities. Based on these lists, some details will go to the top of the resume in a Highlights section, and other will be listed as a Volunteer position, or relevant experience. They then phrase these to show a success or accomplishment, and specific to skills or requirements the employer lists in the job description. Something important to remember: every resume should be adjusted for each job application.

Something I've found helpful when rebuilding a network, is to focus on how you can help or support someone, or what you can offer to that connection. It is important to tell people you are open to work, and expand this by stating how your experience and skills will increase success or enhance the work you are looking for. Too many job seekers focus on the "seeking", and not on the "offering". Spend time looking at the LinkedIn profiles of people who have a similar skillset to you. Notice those with the language of confidence. Take notes of phrases that resonate with you. Rephrase them in your own voice. When your job search focuses on helping others to succeed, your tone will shift, your confidence will build and others will notice.

When someone is returning to work, they discover that looking for work can take as much time as the job they are looking for. Part of this work is to practice interview answers multiple times. There are many resources that show answers to behavioral questions. Save them and rewrite them to match your skills and experience. Ask someone to do mock interviews with you. Set the date and time, and send a video link. When on the video, ask them for feedback on their visual impressions, on the background appearance, and if they hear noises. If needed, blur your background, though it is better to show a bit of where you are working, and how your office appears. Being practiced and prepared will help you complete a successful job interview.

As someone who has taken a long career break, the first and foremost step is to work on your belief system. Many individuals who have been on a break for more than two years might struggle with confidence issues ?Secondly, list out your needs. be clear about your preferences and objectives ??Once you are clear about your objectives, focus on ? Enhancing your skills ?Updating your online profiles and CV ?Add any volunteering, courses, training, or freelance projects you did during your career break to your CV. & ?Start networking. Be patient and prepare yourself.