Time Away From the Workforce? Tips to Break Back In.
If you have been out of the workforce for a while and are interested in going back to work, you may find the job-search process frustrating. Getting back into a professional field after taking a hiatus can be a challenge, as employers may be wary of giving you a chance since they may think your professional skills are rusty.
The good news is your job search can be a success even if you have taken time off. Some tips to help you get back to work after being out of the game include:
- Being prepared to explain your absence from the workforce. Employers want to know why you left the workforce, and you should be prepared with an honest and concise answer. Don’t ramble on, and don’t try to make up far-fetched explanations about how your time off to care for family or travel the world helped you develop the skills the employer is looking for. Instead, give a brief and clear reason why you left the workforce; then turn the conversation around to explain how your relevant professional experience makes you the ideal candidate for the job opportunity.
- Renewing professional credentials and showing you’re up-to-date. A big reason employers are reluctant to hire someone who is going back to work is because they fear skills may have been lost. If you can renew certifications or take a brief course in your field, you can show employers you are still up to date on developments in your industry.
- Considering temp work to build up to your ideal position. If an employer is not willing to take a chance on hiring you full time, consider temp work through a staffing agency. Temp work will allow you to refresh your skills and get recent work experience on your resume. A temp job may also turn into a full-time position through temp-to-hire opportunities once you show an employer that you are still at the top of your game despite a break from the workforce.
SmartTalent has helped many job seekers in Kirkland, Fife, Renton, Lacey, Lynnwood, Everett and surrounding areas go back to work after a break. Breaking back into the workforce is a lot easier with assistance from a skilled staffing service, so give us a call today to find out how we can help with your job search.
