Returning to work after a break can be scary and overwhelming. The fear of entering a new workplace, meeting new people and performing well enough to deserve the salary makes most of us uneasy.
And so we have some handy tips on returning to work.
Life skills are work skills, too
While out of work you’ll have developed skills that have value to an employer. For example, if you’ve taken time out to bring up a family, you deserve credit for balancing family responsibilities, managing the household budget and organising everyone’s diary.
Employers rate these ‘soft’ skills (initiative, adaptability, organisation) very highly. Ask family and friends what they think you’ve got to offer an employer if you aren’t sure.
How do I get this across?
Don’t go it alone
You’ll find the whole process much easier if you seek support from friends and family. It’s also a good idea to talk to people who are going through what you are.
Jenny Daisley, chief executive of Springboard Consultancy, suggests starting up or joining a local network – with so many online social networking opportunities now out these, this is easier than ever.
Talk to us and other jobseekers on the Totaljobs.com Facebook page
Get your CV up to scratch
If your CV hasn’t been touched since you last found a job, it’s going to need some work.
We have done the hard part for you with our handy unemployed CV template
Make a fresh start
If you weren’t happy with what you were doing before, treat this as a fresh start. Think long and hard and carry out plenty of research before making a commitment to a new career path.
What job can I do?
Get back into the work habit
Get used to working with other people and at someone else's pace again. Voluntary work, whether it’s helping out at a school, charity or church, will get you back in the habit of being at a certain place at a certain time.
Experts who work with the long-term unemployed often say the most essential skill for getting back into work, and keeping a job, is the discipline of setting an alarm clock.
Get networking
Never undervalue the power of talk. Forget waiting patiently for job vacancies to come up – networking is the best way to find a job. If you have contacts in the sector you would like to work in, approach them for advice.
You may think you don’t know anyone useful but put the word out to family, friends, ex-colleagues and acquaintances – you could be surprised by the doors that open.
How to network to find a job
Believe in yourself
It’s easy to doubt yourself and lose momentum. But remember, every time you speak to a new contact, fill in an application form or research opportunities in your local area, you’re heading in the right direction. Believe in yourself and you will succeed!
