Top tips for mums and dads who are returning to the workforce

Whether you have been out of the workforce for 6 months or one year, it can feel like a lifetime since you were last at work. With new priorities comes new responsibilities and unsurprisingly, resuming employment might be the last thing on your mind.

It also doesn’t help that we are often inundated with horror stories about leaving big gaps in our employment history and coupled with the rising costs of living, returning to work seems to come sooner rather than later for many.

We know how tough it can be to put everything on halt and jump straight back into work; you have spent all this time taking care of others, so now it’s time to take care of you! We’ve got you covered with a bunch of ways you can make that transition back to work as easy and seamless as possible

1. Make sure you’re ready

Many of us jump right back into work without stopping to consider whether or not we are actually prepared to do so. The last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed, stretched thin or totally drained by your career and personal life. Ensure that you have the proper support framework in place, such as a child care provider, before you dive into something new.

2. Update your CV

If you are seeking new work, the chances are you haven’t updated your CV since your last job.  We’re not surprised, babies are pretty cute and they do demand a lot of your time. When you are updating your CV, make sure you focus on any new skills or experience that you have acquired, including a great summary of what you achieved in your last role. If your circumstance permits, aim to contact your previous employer for a referral or even a few friendly pointers on how your industry is progressing. Bringing us to…

3. Wise up!

You’ve probably been out of the game for a while, so staying abreast of changes in your industry is crucial. Whether you work in IT, hospitality, retail, finance or childcare, checking up on what’s the latest across your field is an essential part of re-entering the workforce. Spend some time asking past colleagues and peers, read up on industry news and immerse yourself in relevant articles. A sure-fire way to make the transition back to work a lot harder is feeling like a foreigner to the industry you once knew back to front.

4. Go to your interview prepared

It’s been a while since somebody has asked you, ‘so why do you want to work here?’

Interview questions are tough to answer if you haven’t done your research! It doesn’t take much research either, just hop online and within seconds you have company information at your fingertips. Find out the company values and see how you can align to them. Remember, many people have the skillset to carry out the same work as you. The distinguisher will be your capacity to also be the best cultural fit. Make sure you know why you want to work at the company and show them why you will bring value to their organisation. If you’re daring enough, you can even pitch an innovative business idea or two during your interview (without being too critical of the current structure – go easy).

5. Get book smart

If you have had some time off and googling the latest in your line of work isn’t cutting it anymore, you can join other parents returning to the workforce and upskill. Australian vocational education providers are experts at helping everyday people get the most out of a course so that they may advance their careers, even despite the gap in between jobs. As much as an extensive career history shines bright on your CV, your educational background is another way to show recruiters that you are committed to ongoing development and learning. The best part is, there are courses for various industries, so if you’re looking for an entirely new experience altogether, you can easily do that too. To see a whole range of courses available to you Click here.

6. Find the perfect balance

A workplace that is parent-friendly is one that will accommodate your new requirement for a less than orthodox working arrangement. Somehow, the 9-5 you used to easily conquer on any given working week is now a thing of the past. Find out if there are flexible working arrangements available for you, including part-time, casual or contract work to help you balance both your worlds.

Although getting back on the old horse can feel scary, there is a whole range of options available to those who have been out of work for extended periods of time.

If you have been out of the game for a while, we can help you make your next career move, upskill or brush up on your current know-how. With qualifications in a variety of industries, we will get you job ready in no time. Click here for more information.