So you want to get the ball rolling and get back to work. To help you from feeling overwhelmed, here are four valuable ways stay-at-home parents can start preparing to return to work. My recommendation for you: Complete the first two items first (and in that order) before beginning to chip away at the next two bullets.
1. Update your résumé – Be ready to go when the opportunity presents itself – have printed copies and email versions ready to go. Consider a web résumé as well.
2. Manage your online presence – Job searching today is not just confined to your résumé. It’s also about your web presence. Begin “professionalizing” your online presence now. Take notice of what your LinkedIn profile says (or take the time to create one). Reconsider what’s included on your Facebook page. Google your own name to see the results. It’s a real part of today’s job market. Be ready.
3. Develop your network – Start keeping an eye open for networking events. Begin reconnecting with old contacts and connecting with new ones through online resources such as LinkedIn. (I’ll talk more about LinkedIn in next week’s post.)
4. Put the word out – Start spreading the word to family, friends, former colleagues, neighbors, other parents. You never know from where your next opportunity might come!
And lastly, be open-minded. It’s important to remain flexible about where your best fit may be – in terms of field, industry, department, position. You are not the same person you were five years ago – you have new skills and abilities. Your strengths may now lie in a different area. You’re entering a new phase of your career. That’s exciting! Be open to the opportunities that come along with that.
Look for an upcoming post that will share tips for updating your résumé after staying home full-time.
