Have you been unemployed and considering re-entering the workforce? There are a litany of reasons why someone could be out of work ranging from a personal illness or caring for a family member with an illness, to raising a family, or taking time off to get a degree. No matter what the reasoning, getting back “in there” can be a challenge. Here are some practical ways to navigate the steps of re-entering the workforce after a period of unemployment.
In order to set yourself up for a successful career relaunch you should start with some of the basics such as: revising your resume, updating your skills, and start putting yourself out there.
Revising Your Résumé
There are a few options when refreshing your résumé. Some jobseekers decide to camouflage their work gap by reorganizing their résumé to show off work skills and accomplishments rather than the traditional chronological list of employment. Others decide to be upfront about the employment gap and mention it in a cover letter, as well as explaining methods that have been taken to bridge the gap such as classes, training, or volunteering in a field.
Updating Skills
If you are trying to jump back into the job market, you know you will need to update some skills, not the least of which may be computer or technology skills that probably changed since you were last employed. Show how you have taken steps to catch up through classes, training, online seminars or interning in a specific area.
Putting Yourself “Out There”
This can be the most frightening aspect of getting back to work. Start telling friends and anyone who is interested about what you are looking for and ask them to spread the word. Get your business card with your name, email, and phone number printed up so you can attend networking groups, coffee talk, or job fairs where you can hand out your contact info.
Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to start sending out those résumés. Give copies to friends and family members who may have contacts that could help you get an interview. Unfortunately, sending résumés may not get you an interview in today’s market. You may need to start attending job fairs, networking events, and even calling HR departments for the companies advertising job openings.
The North Shore Career Center and MassHire North Shore offers many workshops where job seekers can brush up on their skills, practice interview techniques, and gain valuable insights on industry trends. Check out our calendar and consider coming in to speak with our team to find out some great strategies to land you the job you desire.
