7 Steps to Starting Your Job Search After Being a Stay at Home Mom (or Dad)
It can be tough to start your job search after being a stay at home mom (or dad) for a while. You may feel like you're behind the curve or that you don't have the right skills, or worse that no one would hire you because you took some time to stay home with your child. Don't worry - we're here to help!
In this blog post, we will outline seven steps that will help you get started on your next chapter. Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to finding the perfect job for you!
Step 1: Update your resume.
If you've been out of the workforce for a while, it's important to update your resume. Start by including any relevant skills or experience you have gained during your time as a stay at home parent. You can also include volunteer work, hobbies, or coursework that is related to the job you're interested in.
If you're not sure where to start, check out this guide or download one of our resume templates. Of course, we can always help with resume writing services as well!
Step 2: Consider your options and make a plan.
Step 2 is to make a plan for your return.
Talk to your partner or loved ones and make sure you're prepared to support each other in your return to work. Consider your childcare options, finances, and account for the stress that having both parents working can contribute to your lives. Making sure that you have strategies in place will make for a smoother transition.
If your children are on the older side, you may want to involve them in the decision as well. You could be asking for additional help with household tasks such as grocery shopping (if your kids are teenagers), cleaning the house, and other things you previously managed as a stay at home mom. Make sure that everyone involved knows what to expect.
You'll also want to identify what kind of work you're looking for.
If you're unsure of what job you want, consider talking to a career advisor. They can help you identify your goals and make a plan to achieve them.
In making a plan to join the ranks of working moms, here are a few things to consider:
What type of work you'd find interesting and rewarding
What kind of income you need or want to make a living
What kind of work schedule makes sense for your personal situation
What qualities you want (and don't want) in a workplace, including benefits
Take all of these factors into consideration in making a plan to return to work. Don't focus solely on financial concerns. If you think you may need to miss work sometimes when school is out, for example, make sure that you're looking for a position that gives you the flexibility to balance work and family life.
This will help you feel more in control of the process and prevent you from applying to jobs that would ultimately not be a good fit for you.
Step 3: Review job listings for job titles similar to what you're seeking, and familiarize yourself with job descriptions.
Once you have an updated resume and some ideas of what you're looking for in a job, take some time to look at job postings online. See what types of jobs are out there and if any look like a good match for your skills.
If you're not sure what job title to search for, look at job descriptions for positions that interest you and see what skills and qualifications are required. This will give you a better idea of the types of jobs you should be applying for.
Also research companies and industries that interest you. If there are certain companies or an industry that you're particularly interested in, read up on them and familiarize yourself with the latest trends. This will help you stand out when applying and interviewing for jobs.
Step 4: List your key skills, including any you've gained while staying at home with your kids.
If you've been out of the workforce for a while, you may feel like you don't have the right skills or experience. An important step is to make a list of skills that you have from your prior work experience, as well as any you've gained while at home (for example, from part time work or volunteer experience.)
Some examples of skills you may have include:
customer service
data entry
project management
event planning
marketing
social media
If you're not sure what skills you have, ask friends or family members for their input. They may be able to think of things that you haven't considered.
Once you have a list of skills, compare them against the skills required in the job descriptions you found earlier. Do you have any gaps? If so, keep reading.
Step 5: Brush up on education or credentials, if needed.
If you have any gaps in your skills, there are a few things you can do to close them.
First, consider taking some courses. There are many online courses or even community college classes that can help your professional development. Additionally, having recent education on your resume never hurts either.
You can also look for volunteer opportunities or part time work that will give you exposure to new tools or technology that wasn't around when you were last working.
If your chosen field requires a formal credential and yours has expired, consider renewing it and / or taking additional training. This will show that you are serious and committed to your return to work.
Finally, if you know someone in a similar field, ask if they're willing to mentor you or provide advice on what would help to make you a more attractive candidate.
Step 6: Begin intentionally networking.
Reach out to previous contacts and colleagues and let them know that you're planning to return to work. Often colleagues who remember the great work you did before being a stay at home mom will not hesitate to refer you to an open position.
This can be a great way to break back into the workforce, and most employers will be happy to hire someone who comes with a great referral to back them. Smart employers will see the value of hiring former stay at home moms, so don't worry and stick to your plan.
If you can't find someone to refer you or your network has gone cold, you will need to do some intentional network-building. Make a list of companies, jobs, and people you would like to work with. Search on LinkedIn to find people doing the kind of work you're looking for, or working at your dream company, and either reach out or ask for a common connection to put you in touch with that person.
The goal is to get your name and face out there, so that when people think of someone with your skills and experience, they think of you. If you need some help building your networking plan, book a consult today.
Step 7: Apply for jobs!
Now that you have an updated resume, a list of skills and experience, and have been networking like a pro, it's time to start applying for jobs.
While you can always search jobs online through a job board or website, the best way to find jobs is often through your network. Ask people you know if they're aware of any job openings, or if they know someone who might be hiring.
Another way to find job postings is by searching online. Also make sure that your LinkedIn profile show that you are open to jobs, so that recruiters know to contact you.
Lastly, practice interviewing. Be sure to tell the truth about why you want to work again - it shows you're motivated and responsible. If you need some help with interview preparation, we can help with that too!
Takeaway
Finding a job after taking care of kids full time can be hard, but you can do it if you have a plan and are open to new possibilities. We hope this guide will help you to get back into the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent.
