Whether by choice or necessity, you're a mom who is planning to re-enter the workforce, and you're apprehensive about how the business world has changed since you've been gone.
It's true that re-entering the workforce can be a challenging initiative, especially if you've been out of the job market for an extended period of time raising a family.
Many women who thought they would have a few more years to spend at home with their kids are now scrambling to find jobs.
Clearly, the longer you've been out of the workforce, the more time, focus and planning is required to re-enter.
Regardless of the situation, returning to work is a struggle - even in a strong job market.
As with any vital initiative, you don't just wake up in the morning and decide you're going to find a job without a plan.
Be proud of your acquired skills Full-time moms undertake a multitude of noteworthy positions.
They're skilled counselors, protectors and volunteers.
As the nucleus of the household, moms re-entering the workforce should underscore their expertise and skills, which may typically include managing household budgets and serving in volunteer positions in the community and PTA school groups.
If you're serious about re-entering the workforce, be methodical, organized and, most importantly, realistic with your expectations before diving in.
Time for training Now is the time for a close self-assessment to identify the tools and expertise that you can offer to a potential employer.
As a starter, the staple requirement listed on the majority of job descriptions is experience in Microsoft Office.
When is the last time you used Word, Excel or Power Point? Sorry, surfing the Web or viewing your emails doesn't count.
There are ample resources available to refresh or acquire new skills at your local library, BOCES or college, or you can pick up a guide from any bookstore.
Build your professional network The contacts and connections you've made while at home with your children are invaluable.
Now is an opportune time to set up a profile on LinkedIn and capitalize on the vast array of tools available to connect with friends and professionals you know to seek out job opportunities.
Through networking, you build your online presence so you can be found more easily.
You also increase your chances of finding potential opportunities before they hit the job-search engines.
What about your resume gap? Raising a family is an asset, not a liability.
Moms tend to make a bigger deal than prospective employers about their absence from the workforce.
It's not a mystery what you were doing or why.
In your resume profile, emphasize the fact that you're a "returning-to-work mom with foundational experience in office management and administration.
" Don't be obsessed with the fact that you have a gap in your resume.
Don't dismiss temporary work Temporary employment is an opportunity to bolster your experience and skills in jobs that may meet your interests and qualifications.
It provides an excellent platform to network and may evolve into a full-time position.
Another option may be telecommuting - a virtual office position working directly from home.
Reality dictates that a job search will require time and a genuine resolve to be successful.
Maintain a confident outlook, and step-by-step, you'll attain your goal.