Help a Reader: Going Back to Work

Here's a question left here by a reader:

I've just started to look for a job after 5 years staying home to care for my babies. Recruiters called me about jobs that met my skills, but they all shied away when I tell them that I've been staying home. Besides going back to school, which I planned on doing, what else can I do to improve my chance of getting a job?

Any suggestions?

Comments

[MB]

Maybe you could start with doing some temp work? I don't know what the market is for that right now but when we moved back to the states, that is what I did (I have actually done work for temp agencies in three different countries).

It could at least get you back out there again maybe and some more recent recommendations? It's hard to say, not knowing what your field is.

I also told the temp agency what type of permanent work I was looking for (HR) and when an opportunity for temp work in that field came available, they called me. I was hired to do a short-term project, which then turned into a full time job. I kept that job for 3 years until I left to stay home with my babies. :)

Good luck!

[Rod Ferguson]

MB is right - temp work is the place to start. Many companies use temp workers as a means of "field testing" potential employees, and even if you end up working for a firm that doesn't, you'll have recent work experience you can claim.

[Bob]

Depending on the type of skills and job you are looking for; using your skills as a volunteer for a church or a non-profit organization will give you some experience and a chance to place that work on your resume. What I like about both the idea of a temp agency and being a volunteer is that you get a bit more freedom to pick and choose when you work while you are preparing to go back full time.

[Working Mom]

I went back to work after 5 years of staying home with my little ones as well. One thing that helped my resume look current was a handful on volunteer opportunities I had taken over the years. It really wasn't much, but it put current dates on my resume. In all my interviews, not one person mentioned that I'd been out of the work force for too long, etc.

[DebtFREEk!]

Consider becoming a virtual assistant & possibly still working from home. During these tough times many small businesses are "trimming the fat" and cutting unneeded full-time staff & replacing them with part-time "work from home mom" types.

I actually have in the works a business plan to do just that. I plan to offer IT, Admin Assistant, and Accounting/Payroll services to small businesses, but doing most of it remotely. This way the businesses don't have to pay a full-time person with all the benefits etc.

Think about it.

[Christine]

Self employed - childcare.

[Kelly]

Why tell them you've been out of the work force? Why not just take the interviews and once you've wowed them with your amazing knowledge of your field (hopefully you've stayed current or can get current through volunteering, freelance work, or taking a class or two) then they can ask.

It may mean you make a little less than your counterparts, but as a stay at home parent myself I know the sacrifice is worth it!

Also, consider part-time work. I would assume you don't need benefits and that may go over really well in the current economy. It will also give you the flexibility to get your feet wet before going back full-time (which can be tough with young kids).

Good luck!