How to Get Back Into the Workforce After Being Off
An Article by Marc Belaiche, TorontoJobs.ca

You’re ready to go back into the workforce after being off for a while, whether as a return from an extended maternity/paternity leave or sabbatical or other situation. Your skills might not be as sharp as before or the last time you went for an interview was several years ago.

Here are some tips to get you back into the workforce:

Update Your Resume
Make sure your resume reflects all your experience. Have a Resume Writer, friend and/or Coach review your resume to make sure it’s written in the appropriate format. Formats change over time so the resume you wrote 5 years ago may be in a format that is not common.

Step Back
Be prepared to take a step back in the type of position that you obtain. The longer you are off the more of a step back you may need to take. The world and technology changes very quickly.

Network, Network, Network!
One of the best ways of getting back into the market without taking too far a step back is by networking. For some tips on networking see: https://%20www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101040. Tap into your network as much as possible.

Don’t Fudge Dates!
Make sure your resume shows exact dates of when you last worked. Don’t underestimate what people can find out about you.

Use A Coach
A coach can be very helpful in helping you set goals and giving you some advice on your reducing your search time. For some Tips on Coaches, see: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101740&lang=en_CA.

Show No Regrets
Showing no regrets that you made the decision to be off will show recruiters that you are confident in your decision-making and will send a positive message to them.

Consider Contract/Part-Time Work
Looking at an opportunity that is either part-time or on a contractual basis will allow you to get back into the workforce at your pace and keeps your options open for other opportunities that might come up as time goes on.

Save Time in Your Search
Familiarize yourself with ways of making your search as efficient as possible. You can find some tips in a previous article I wrote at: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101360.

Be Honest
In covering letters, be honest as to why your resume doesn’t show recent work experience. Explain your situation and what you’ve been doing over the period that you’ve been off.

Volunteer Experience Counts
Make sure your resume includes any volunteer experience you have.

Use Recruiters
Recruiters will help you get opportunities that you might not otherwise know about and will be able to update you on current experience requirements and compensation trends.

Current Compensation
Be aware of current salaries for people with your experience. You might need to factor a discount given your time-off and the fact that a new employer may have to train you to catch up on industry or software issues.

Practice Interviewing
Again, a coach can help you here. Be aware of what types of questions are common in interviews as interviewing techniques change over time.

Upgrade Education
There may be some courses that you could take to make sure you are ready for the current market requirements.

Prepare Mentally
You’ll need to get used to the hours and perhaps overtime required in your new position. Being mentally prepared for this change will help ease your transition.

Set Goals
Setting goals (e.g. when you want to be working, what kind of pay, industry, etc.) will help you focus in your job search.

Support Mechanism
Having family and/or friends help you with your transition will help make life easier for you. Have someone you can confide in to share any difficulties you are having.

Employment Networking Groups
There are many networking groups available that you may be able to join. This will help in your transition.

Consider Your Own Business
This may be the right time to start your own business. Choose something that you are familiar with so you can set your own hours as you transition back into the workforce.

Conclusion
Although it is natural to have fears and/or certain expectations about returning to the workforce, the more you prepare for it the easier the transition will be. By following some of the steps above you should be able to get a great start at your new position.

TorontoJobs.ca is the on-line recruitment website where you can post your resume, search and apply to 100’s of jobs in the Greater Toronto Area. You can also get career, interviewing and resume writing tips all at no cost to you. TorontoJobs.ca also provides recruitment services. Since 2002, TorontoJobs.ca has been a local leader in job postings in the GTA. Check out www.TorontoJobs.ca or email your resume to resumes@TorontoJobs.ca.

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