If you have taken significant time away from work – whether by choice or by chance – re-entering the workforce can be a daunting challenge. Learn how to make your transition back into the working world a little easier by reading our advice below:
1. Try Temping:
- Temping is a great option for re-entry workers. Working temporary assignments is a great way to sharpen your skills and transition back into a work routine.
- Temp agencies commonly work with re-entry workers, so they won’t be as wary of the gaps in your resume as a hiring manager looking to fill a permanent opportunity would be.
2. Network:
- Re-entry workers typically have a lot more networking opportunities than a recent graduate or young professional.
- They have already spent several years working, so they have developed business contacts within their industry. These contacts are great networking tools and can be used to help them get their foot in the door with a great organization.
3. Freshen Up Your Resume:
- The rules of resume writing have probably changed since the last time you were looking for work, so make sure you update your resume accordingly.
- If necessary, speak with a job counselor or career center for assistance. Make sure your resume best presents your developed skills and experiences, and also adheres to modern resume rules.
4. Put Together a Portfolio:
- Before you even have a job interview, you should create a portfolio showcasing some major projects or presentations you completed earlier in your career.
- Providing a visual representation of what you have to offer a potential employer can help you show them the value you could bring to their company.
5. Update Your Knowledge:
- Re-entry workers should make sure that their technical skills and industry knowledge is up to date before applying for new positions.
- If necessary, seek technical classes in order to update your computer or software skills. Also, research your desired industry to make sure you are up to date with current events and changes.
6. Gather References:
- If possible, try to get recommendations and references from your former supervisors and coworkers.
- Submitting great references and letters of recommendation with your resume can help prove to potential employers that you are worth interviewing.
