Searching for a job is stressful even if you have been in the work force for years. When you have been absent from the work force, the stress level increases exponentially. You may feel like you do not have the necessary experience or that you have been away from the workforce so long that no one will even consider your applications. Rest assured, you can find a job after being a stay-at-home mother and if you follow some simple steps in preparation of re-entry into the workforce, your job search may be easier than you expect.
Step 1
Explore employment possibilities. Before searching for employment you need to figure out what kind of work you want to do. Consider your interests and past experience and explore possible careers based on those factors. If you decide to re-enter an industry you have previous experience in, an article on the Forbes website recommends considering what you liked and disliked about your previous position and trying to find job opportunities that most match what you enjoyed. You may find yourself looking in a new industry that applies what you most liked about previous employment.
Step 2
Arrange short-term and long-term child care. You must arrange any child care before beginning your employment search to avoid having to cancel any possible meetings due to an inability to find care for your child, according to EmploymentDigest.net. You should also begin exploring long-term child care options if you will need such arrangements when you return to work. If you have a plan arranged before you interview, prompt starting dates will not cause you the stress of having to find child care quickly or attempt to push back a starting date.
Step 3
Network. Maybe you kept in touch with former co-workers or maybe you know someone who might have ties to an industry you are interested in working. Whatever the case, get your name out there and let everyone you can know that you are searching for employment. An article on the Forbes.com website advises mothers returning to the work force to create a profile on Internet networking sites and talking to parents of your child's friends. EmploymentDigest.net suggests that you have a conversation planned out, including what kind of job you are interested in and what qualifies you for such a position.
Step 4
Volunteer. Even if you do not have a solid employment history you can gain skills and improve your resume with volunteer experience. An article on the Good Morning America website recommends avoiding numerous short-term volunteer experiences and focusing on long-term volunteer opportunities with a few organizations you are passionate about. Long-term volunteer opportunities show that you are dedicated, loyal and responsible which are traits an employer likes. Volunteer experience in the field you are entering may be particularly valuable.
Step 5
Keep up-to-date on industry trends. The industry you were once knowledgeable about may change significantly during your time as a stay-at-home mother. If you anticipate going back to work eventually, an article on the Good Morning America website advises that you should keep up with industry trends. Following the trends of your desired industry throughout your absence from the field will help you have a better handle on trends and challenges than trying to find and decipher all the information just before an interview.
Step 6
Apply for positions. Once you have done all the necessary preparation for job seeking, all that you have left to do is apply. Hopefully you received some great tips from your networking but even if you did not, the networking you did may have uncovered some valuable references. When applying for jobs make sure to fill out application correctly, include a resume unless the application specifically asks you not to and advise any references that hiring managers may be calling.
