Job hunting is ANNOYING! (Anyone agree?) Especially when you’ve been out of full-time work for over 6 months. When I first stopped working, I was so excited to move into my new place with my husband that I didn’t think about when it was time to go back. BLAH. While my dream job is to have my own business, I need money now! So, I guess it’s time to start putting in applications.
A few weeks ago, I pulled up my resume for the first time, (in a really long time lol). Immediately, I was stressed because the gap (maternity leave) from employment. I told myself not to stress about it and just do what I can. AND THEN, I thought about having to write a cover letter. It was a bittersweet feeling for 2 reasons. 1. I have to write a cover letter lol and 2. I would be able to explain the gap in my resume AND how I’ve been doing other things since then.
A while back I wrote a post about how going back to work can be a bit stressful as a new mom. The purpose of this blog post is to give (not just mamas) tips for the actual applying process after taking time off (for baby, school, traveling, sickness, etc).
Tips listed below:
1. Feel free to explain the gap in your employment (Tell the employer in a unique way what you’ve been doing – mommying, traveling, school, whatever during your time off)
2. New skills/things you’ve learned (Have you gotten a new certification? Licensed? Took a course? TELL THEM!)
3. Have someone look over/proofread your resume and cover letter (Well because, an extra set of eyes is always helpful!)
4. Network! (Anybody you know personally hiring? Ask people! You should also update your LinkedIn profile – or Sign Up for one)
5. Don’t limit yourself! If you see a job you’re not sure about (hesitating because you don’t think you qualify) APPLY ANYWAY! The worse they can do is say no right?
My motto is: Get The Interview. Do what you can to get in front of the employer. Once you make it through that phase, OWN IT! Tell them why THEY NEED YOU! The best interviews are when you’ll simply having a conversation.
Something to remember: Don’t apply for positions that will make you miserable! Yes, finding your dream job may be hard but that doesn’t mean you can’t work in a position that will at least be doable (for now) AND allow you to gain other skills. Money is money but not when it’s interfering with your happiness! [This goes for anybody, any age. As long as the world is moving, there’s something out there for ya! So don’t settle.]
A sidebar before I close: If you can’t multitask or you can find some time for this process when baby is NOT around DO IT THEN! As you can see, Ry always have to be involved and it took me a bit longer to write this post then it would have. LOL!
Good luck with your job search! As always, comment, share, subscribe!