How to return to the workforce in 2023?
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, the idea of returning can be intimidating.
You might be feeling a bit out of place when it comes to job searching and worried about how to make yourself relevant in the job market again. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people take breaks from their careers for various reasons, and there are steps you can take to get back on track.
If you’re looking to bounce back from a career break, here are just five tips to make returning to the workforce easier for you.
Think about your goals
Before you start your job search, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of your career goals. This will help you focus your efforts and save time and energy. Without a clear target in mind, it will be difficult to effectively market yourself to potential employers.
Advancing your education could be the step you need to make yourself more employable, and distance learning providers such as Anglia Ruskin University offer so many options for online courses.
This way, you can prepare for your future career alongside your other commitments.
Refresh your resume
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, it’s likely that your resume will need to be updated to reflect any additional skills or training you’ve acquired during your absence.
It’s also a good idea to address your employment gap in your resume or cover letter, as this will give the hiring manager a better understanding of your situation.
Prepare for your interview
To prepare for a job interview, practice answering questions about your career break and any skills or experiences you gained during your time away.
Project confidence in your responses to show the hiring manager that you are a capable and qualified candidate, able to juggle multiple responsibilities at once.
Consider part-time work
Returning to normal nine to five-workdays after a break can be a major adjustment, and it’s important to consider how this change may affect you.
If you’re excited to get back to work but worry about the impact on your routine, you might want to consider easing into it by seeking part-time positions or taking on contract work.
Develop your elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief, concise summary of your work experience and your desire to return to the workforce. It’s typically used in networking situations and can be delivered to hiring managers, colleagues, and other professionals in your field.
An effective elevator pitch should include a brief overview of your relevant skills and experience, as well as any unique attributes that make you stand out as a candidate.
Returning to work after a long break can be a challenging and stressful experience. It’s natural to feel like you’ve forgotten how to play the game or that you’re no longer the same person you were before you took time off. However, it’s important to remember that you’re still the same individual – you’ve simply gained some additional wisdom and life experience.
Share your tips for returning to the workforce in the comments below!