Back to work?
Are you ‘home alone’ this September after your youngest has started school? Many Mums will be delighted at the prospect of some ‘free’ time after years of hard slog. But if you’d like to go back to work but lack confidence and don’t know where to start, then read on…
Many women feel that they are ‘unemployable’ after so many years at home. “It’s simply not true. Don’t under estimate the skills you’ve learnt as a mum,” says Gillian Nissim, founder of www.Workingmums.co.uk, a job site for women. Most women will have skills gained from working before having children and they will also have built up a huge skill set as a parent such as multi-tasking and organisational expertise. “Communicating and negotiating with an irate toddler is probably more challenging than sitting in a management meeting!” suggests Nissim. So remember as a parent you’ve picked up a good many skills that are transferable and invaluable in the workplace.
Don’t be put off by the current economic climate. Companies are still keen to offer working parents flexibility in spite of the recession, adds Nissim. “Research suggests that flexible working improves employees’ morale and loyalty and gives businesses the chance to save money too.”
1. Be sure you are ready to go back
“It may sound obvious but you need to be sure that you are ready to go back to work,” says Nissim. Make a list of the pros and cons of returning to work and only embark on looking for work if you are 100%-sure you are ready.
2. Be clear about what you want to do
Do you want to go back into the same line of work you left before you had kids? Or perhaps you can use the break in your career to have a complete change and try something new or set up your own franchise or company. Bear in mind that your dream job may not be the first one you find. “Many women who’ve been at home for a number of years find that it can be less daunting to use their first job back as a stepping stone.”
3. Do your homework
Use the internet to research companies, check jobsites and networking sites such as www.dubaimumsclub.com. This is something you can easily do when the kids are at school or in bed. Tap into your network of friends to find work that you like and that fits in with your family. “Ask people at the school gate where they are working. If you like what you hear find out more and apply,” adds Nissim.
4. Ask for advice
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on anything from how to write your CV, dressing for interviews to interview technique. You can get tips from job websites like www.Workingmums.co.uk but don’t forget to talk to your friends who’ve done it already. “Your friends will tell you straight,” says Nissim.
5. Practice makes perfect
Be sure to get a couple of people to read your CV before you send it off. “Don’t worry about the gap in your CV. Write it to show your skill sets instead of focussing on chronological order,” says Nissim. If you were involved in the PTA, fundraising for a playgroup or organising the Christmas Fair then be sure to put them on your CV. They are valid points that show you are a good organiser, communicator etc. Get friends to give you practice interviews and think of good questions to ask your interviewer, adds Nissim.
6. Get your childcare in place
There’s no point in spending lots of time writing your CV and going for job interviews if you don’t have your childcare sorted. “Knowing you’ve got it in place means there’s one less thing to think about,” says Nissim. “And don’t even think about working at home without adequate childcare – you’ll end up annoying your employer or if you’re starting a business or a franchise you certainly won’t be able to give it your best shot.”
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