In my work as an Executive Coach I meet a lot of women that are in, what they perceive, a “Career Crisis” upon reentering the workplace after a short period of time away. This could be 6 months, a year, two years etc…Some of the realities that trigger the need to leave the workplace include:
· Taking time off to have and raise children through the early years.
· Leave a job to support and care for an ailing or elderly parent.
· Unhappy with the growth opportunities at the current job or the environment.
· Wanting to fulfill a education goal like a Masters or Doctorate
When women that have experienced these personal hurdles want to reenter the workplace and cannot find employment immediately the crisis mode sets in and the panic of finding a job right away becomes overwhelming.
Let’s start by saying these simple words…”Be calm and don’t panic.” If you have the credentials, experience, desire and a positive attitude then there is job for you. With help from your personal network you will find a way to make things happen.
Second, get really clear on what you want to do for a living. I always suggest to my clients to write an “ideal job description.” What does that mean? Take out a piece of paper or sit at the computer and write at the top of the page: “If I could create an ideal job for me that I would start tomorrow what would it include?” Then answer these questions:
· What is my official job title?
· How much would my salary be?
· What are my core responsibilities?
· What would typical day feel like?
· How would I define success?
· What would my happiness level be?
· Miscellaneous questions?
If you don’t know what you want to you will never find the right job or career for you. Employers respect, admire and HIRE individuals that are clear on their career goals.
The third step is a tough one. Create a resume and your career story. Why were you out of the workforce for 2 years? Put it in your resume and let them know upfront. Most people, men or women, can relate to aging parents or raising children. They will admire you continuing your education. Don’t assume that people won’t understand…they will. Be sure to make create a resume that makes you STAND OUT amongst all other candidates. The key is to create a summary statement that is powerful and makes them want to read on. In your “Summary or Objective” at the top of the resume page use your “ideal job description” to craft the statement. There are many formulas for resume writing. Find one that fits you or send your resume to me and I can provide feedback to you and some ideas, free of charge. My email is donna@lifequest2000.com. I do this because the #1 rule for networking is “helping others.” The key principle of resume writing is to “SELL YOU!” This is not a time to be modest ladies, which we love to do.
Fourth, make a list of all your connections. Your friends, family, past colleagues, past co-workers, neighbors, etc…Send a personal email with your resume to those individuals and ask for their help in finding the perfect job for you. Be open and ask them to forward your resume on to anyone that might have an opportunity for you or executive search firms they deal with personally. Ask your Doctor, Massage Therapist and Dentist. This is not a time to be timid and worry about bothering someone. People genuinely want to help you and make a difference for in your life! You have a huge and powerful network, so use it. Remember the average person has 350 people in their personal network. So that means every time you send a note to someone in your network you have access to 350 more people…do the math, it is powerful!
Of course, always use the traditional modes of looking for a job: newspaper and internet sites…but remember 85% of all jobs are found through personal networking.
So with that said….turn your “crisis into priceless!”
Coach Donna