Back to the Grind: A Step-by-Step Guide to Re-Entering the Workforce

Expert Advice for Homemakers, Post Retirees, Divorcees & for Anyone Else Re-Entering the Workforce

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Whether you have been out of the workforce for a couple of months or twenty-five years, returning to work can be daunting.  Allowing yourself enough time to make the correct preparations is essential for the success of your return.

You should take the time to determine what it is that you want out of a job, update your skills, and be willing to wait for a position that is best for you. 

Reasons Why People Leave the Job Market:

• Marriage

• To raise children

• To pursue a hobby or other goal

• Early retirement

• They no longer need to work

Reasons Why People Return to Work:

• Divorce

• Children grow up

• Financial strain

• The death of a spouse

• The need for personal fulfillment

• Boredom

Updating Your Skills

Even though you may have plenty of education in your field, you should think about taking a refresher course before heading back to work.  

Here are some things to consider:

Are you computer literate?  Most jobs today demand that you have basic computer skills.  Outdated technology skills are a top concern of employers hiring reentry professionals, and they are the leading reason for a failed return.  If you are lacking in this area, you should think about taking a course or two to learn about basic computing, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, the Internet, and the ins and outs of various social media platforms.

Do you have licensing requirements?  The licensing requirements, job standards, or regulations in your occupation may have changed drastically since you left the workforce.  Try to talk or network with others in your industry before your job hunt and see what seminars they have to offer.  You can also visit your local community college. 

Are you changing your job focus?  If so, you should talk to a career counselor at your local community college to decide which coursework you will need.  Please know, you don’t always need a complete degree program; a few pertinent courses should suffice.  

Before You Start Your Job-Hunting

1. Take Stock of You.  People who have been out of the workforce have a unique ability to reflect on who they are and what they want and need out of a job.  So, before you start answering ads and sending out résumés, ask yourself these key questions:

   
   

   1. What do I need in a job?  This is critical to your return.  Is it because of money?  Maybe you need flexible hours?  Or perhaps you feel the need to do something interesting or fulfilling?  Be honest with yourself, so you don’t settle for a job that doesn’t address the reasons why you returned.  

      
      

   2. What do I want in a job? What is it that will make you look forward to going to work every morning?  Is it a job that will challenge you mentally?  Do you want the opportunity to meet and work with the general public?  How about an outside job?  Do you want a job that allows you to travel?  Take your time to explore all the possibilities. 

      
      

2. Take a Skills Inventory.  What skills do you have?  Honestly assess what you have to offer and then write it all down.

   
   

   1. Evaluate the skills you have already used in the workplace.  Are they relevant to the job and career you want to obtain now?  Do they need to be updated? 

      
      

   2. Translate non-paid experience into paid skills.  Have you done any volunteer work?  Perhaps you have helped a friend, spouse, or other family member launch a business? Or maybe you have been active in other pursuits?

   3. Research the marketplace and decide what skills you do need.  Now would be a good time to take some online courses or classes at a local community college to update your skill level.

      
      

3. Develop a Plan of Action.  After you decide what kind of job you want and have updated your skill level, you are now ready to put together a job-hunting strategy.  Here are some of the steps you should include in your plan:

   
   

   1. Write Your Résumé.  Did you know that a functional résumé works best for those re-entering the workforce?  This is because it de-emphasizes chronology and instead focuses attention on skills, abilities, and accomplishments. This is a huge plus for you! So, when you are writing your résumé, make sure to include any of the skills you have acquired during your time away from the workforce (You should have already done this from step 2b above). If you need or would like professional help to write your resume, you may want to hire the Resume Writing Group.  They are experienced in working with all skill levels, and they also guarantee employment in 45 days or they will give you your money back.

      
      

      

      Networking is an effective way to successfully reenter the workforce.

      
      

   2. Network. Many people returning to the workforce find networking to be especially effective, and it is estimated that 70% to 85% of people find their jobs this way.   If you can, reach out to former colleagues, friends, and relatives about your goals and the type of job you are trying to obtain. They make invaluable resources.

   3. Use Social Media to Engage Professionally.  You most likely already use social media, but are you using it to stay connected to your professional contacts, to expand your network, to join professional groups, to follow bloggers, to research companies, to stay current on industry trends, and to contribute to the conversation?  LinkedIn is a “must” for all, but there are also a growing number of social media platforms used by business owners and recruiters. As much as possible, you should explore and engage so that you will be “in the know” when new platforms arise (and they will arise).  

      
      

   4. Be Assertive.  Even if a job opening seems impossible for you to obtain, don’t automatically assume that you might not get it.  You will be surprised at what a few years of maturity add to your marketability.

   
   
   
   

Tips for Interviewing

• Practice.  Ask for the help of a friend in the workforce to take you through a dry run or two so you can practice interviewing before your big day.  YouTube videos can also be extremely helpful.  This will enable you to prepare for any trendy interviewing style or questions.  More importantly, it will help alleviate any anxiety you may have.  

  
  

• Prepare for Any Questions About Your Time Away.  You might be asked: Why did you leave your last job?  What have you been doing since then?  Why do you want to return to the workforce? You should prepare yourself for these questions.

  
  

• Support Your Statements.  Don’t just say that you are a good manager, but give examples of how you have successfully managed people in the past.  Discuss the challenges you have faced and how you were able to overcome them.  This will give credibility to your character and demonstrate how your time away has not impacted your ability to handle the job.  

  
  

•  Research Salaries.  You must know what the going rate is for your occupation before walking into a negotiation. If you go by what you once earned, you might just shortchange yourself. CareerOnestop.org is a good online tool to use.  Networking is also a good way to get insight into salary expectations.  

  
  

• Follow Up.  You should always send a thank-you note after the interview. In addition, if you have not heard anything back one week after the interview, give them a call and check for an update.  This lets them know that you are still interested in the position.  It also provides the opportunity for you to clarify any misunderstandings or for you to highlight any additional relevant skills, increasing your chances of landing the job!

  
  
  
  

Additional Tips for Homemakers & Post-Retirees

Homemakers

If you are returning to the job market years after raising children, your situation may be different, but not difficult.  More than likely, fear may be your only obstacle.  Just take things slow and build up your confidence with proper strategic planning. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Take advantage of any resources offered at your local community centers.  These community-run facilities usually offer a number of services, including career counseling, résumé services, support groups, personal skills workshops, job training, and referral services.

  
  

• Schedule an appointment with a career counselor at your local community college and take some courses.  This will not only help you develop your skills, but it can also help you improve your sense of accomplishment outside the home. You can also try some of these skill-enhancing jobs:

  
  

  • Temping.  This can offer a multitude of benefits: refreshing your skills, building your resume, and exploring different career paths. 

    
    

  • Seasonal positions.  Some companies hire in bulk during their high seasons, and they are less stringent about your previous experience.  A good time to get back into the job market is during the holidays. 

    
    

  • Part-time positions.  Working part-time or 20-hour weeks can give you time to adjust to the work-life while you still gain experience and professional references. 

  • Performance-based jobs.  Sales positions in advertising,  at a retail store, in pharmaceuticals, and in real estate are not only easy to get, but they are also easy to keep if you excel in them. 

  • Volunteering with a purpose.  This can help you to sharpen a skill (or learn a new one), explore an industry, grow your network, or fuel a passion that would later become a career. For instance, does a local organization you support need someone to help with strategic planning, fundraising, graphic design, digital marketing, grant management, content management, or financial management? Think of any skills that you have - and love to use - or that you want to acquire, and offer your services free of charge. This can further you professionally. 

The Post-Retiree

Many people want to retire... until they do.  One out of three workers will return to the workforce less than two years after their “final” day on the job. But before you do, here are some things to consider:

• A career change.  This may be the time to finally pursue all those dreams you have stored up, buried deep, or tucked away for a rainy day.  However, if you decide to go this route, you should be prepared for the criticism, self-doubt, and a few setbacks along the way. Even though change can be good, rich, and very rewarding, it is seldom easy. In fact, during my journey, God has taught me that: “You never grow in comfort.”  So it's important for you to look at any challenges that you may face as blessings in disguise. 

  
  

• The Entrepreneur’s Life.  You may want to consider starting your own business or becoming an involved or active partner.

  
  

• Consulting.  You might be surprised to learn that many firms are willing to pay you for your wisdom. To find consulting jobs, check online job boards, company websites, and freelance platforms.  You can also do what I do from time to time and cold pitch. Cold-pitching is when you send an email to a company offering (“pitching”) your services or expertise to them.  

Conclusion

Depending on how soon you want to get back to work, you should set time aside every week or month to do some professional development. Just like planning for a special event or for a vacation, you should mark it on your calendar and make sure to be consistent with it.  

Use these tips to make the most of the time you have set aside for yourself and find a mentor or a friend to help you.  

Getting back to work may not be easy, and it may take some time, but your hard efforts will be well worth it in the end.  

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Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston

Isabella Boston is a Wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio. She is well-versed in copywriting, articles, research, and medical content writing with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), autoimmune disorders, and inflammation within the body. She is also a diarist and the author of Passion of Flames.

When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, fashion, learning new languages, and spreading God’s Holy Word.

References

1. I want to re-enter the workforce. (n.d.-c). https://careersourceheartland.com/wp-content/uploads/ReEntering_the_Workforce105.pdf

   
   

2. 9 tips to help you re-enter the workforce with confidence. (n.d.-a). https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/top/advancement/general/FY18/files/ReEntry%20Tips.pdf

   
   

3. Salary finder | careeronestop. (n.d.-e). https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx