How to Prepare Yourself for Getting Back into the Workforce

Making the decision to get back into the workforce after being away for a few years can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for when the time comes to start looking for your next career.

Build Up Your Network

Networking may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You already have a network in your life--your relatives, close friends, the parents of your child’s friends, and even acquaintances from your parenting groups, or even group exercise classes. Networks don’t have to feel forced-- sometimes, it can be as easy as reaching out to those around you who either have had similar experiences or work in an industry you’d be interested in! Let them know that you’re looking to get back to work and set up a casual coffee/lunch or an afternoon walk to informally talk through anything. Chances are, someone you know can connect you with someone you need to know.

Working with Red Hummingbird will also allow you to naturally build up your network by connecting with like-minded women who are in the same position as you--coming back to the workforce after taking off a few years to raise families of their own.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

According to LinkedIn, there are over 610 millions of users in over 200 countries and territories globally. While it’s important to connect with people face-to-face and build your network through traditional means, there’s no denying that a digital presence is crucial in this digital age. Knowing and utilizing this importance is especially crucial if you are applying for a job in the digital marketing or technology industries. You’re not only contacting businesses, recruiters, and HR professionals, but you’re also proving that you are familiar with the platform.

Don’t stop at just creating a profile though--be sure to upload a professional image of yourself, update the bio, experience, and education sections, and utilize it as more than just a digital version of your resume. Actively seek out connections, interact and engage with other users and thought leaders in your intended industry, and, if you have the time, publish original content that’s relevant to who you want to be professionally.

Clean Up Your Social Media Accounts

While we don’t want to dwell on your digital presence, it’s important to note that more often than not, a potential employer will do a quick Google search on you. While this may lead them only to high school athletic profiles or digitally published college group projects, there’s always a chance that they stumble upon something that might not paint you in the most professional light.

Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

Since you’re already updating your LinkedIn and other social profiles, you might as well work on updating your hard-copy resume and cover letter. Much of what you put on your resume can go on LinkedIn, and vice versa, but you want to ensure you’re tailoring your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for during your job hunt. Each position will expect something different from you--even if you’re applying for the same position at two different companies. Every company is different, so you’ll want to speak to the decision makers of each one in a way that aligns with their company’s tone, voice, and brand.

If you haven’t worked on your resume or cover letter in years, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or acquaintance who recently went through a career shift. You can also contact a former mentor for advice or find an individual or company who writes resumes.

Give Yourself Time (and Grace)

While it’s good to be confident and hopeful, don’t forget that applying for jobs is a job in and of itself. You won’t find the perfect position for you overnight--in fact, you’ll likely apply for dozens of jobs before getting an offer that you can’t refuse. A job interview isn’t just to see if you’re a good fit for the company--you also need to make sure that the company is a good fit for you. Is the pay within your desired range? Do they support a work-life balance? What is the vacation policy? What are the benefits? And, when it comes down to it, do their values align with yours? Getting back into the workforce is a big deal, and you should choose a job that makes you excited to work again.

Let Red Hummingbird Match You with the Right Role

We make finding careers for women easy by partnering with successful companies who are looking for determined and driven women (YOU!) to fill open temporary, part-time, full-time, and project-based positions. Submit your resume, and let us do the rest.