How to Plot Your Return to Work After a Break

How to Plot Your Return to Work After a BreakHow to Plot Your Return to Work After a Break6Taking a break from the workforce, whether for a few months or a few years, can leave a bit of a void when it comes to making the decision to return. If you are wondering how to plot your return to work after a break, the below steps can help guide you and make the transition go more smoothly.Here are four steps to plot your return to work after a breakStep One Discover your wants and needs.Deciding to return to work is a big decision all on its own, but not the end of the process. Once you decide that you want to reenter the workforce, there are several other things to keep in mind. Here are some topics to think about before setting out to start your search.What do you want to do when you return to work after a break?Do you want to have the same career or a different one?Is a full-time schedule or a part-time schedule better for you?Are you looking for specific flexible options or benefits?Do you need to work from home?How far are you willing to commute?Do you need to find care for your children?Are there any issues that could make your return to work more difficult?Step Two Create a plan.After contemplating the above questions and having a firm grasp on your familys needs, you can start making plans. The following are some things to do when planning for your return to work after a break.Set goals for the search and networking mark them on your calendar.Update your resume and portfolio.If you are looking to gain new skills or experience, make a plan to volunteer, take a class, or look for internships.Connect with professionals and conduct informational interviews.Seek out and verify job search services that can help.Prepare your elevator pitch, personal brand, and five-word job description.Step Three Start your search.Now that you know what you want to do, have goals set, and have your professional documents ready, prepare for your job search. Here are a few things to ke ep in mind as you get started.List out and use keywords that will help you to narrow your search.Consider looking at flexible companies.Dont limit your search based on your perceived industry.Using job titles as keywords can be useful, but dont let that limit you. Consider using partial job titles.Look for jobs close to home, as well as jobs that are not location dependent.Step Four Manage the search and prepare for interviews.Once your search is up and running, you have to continue to juggle the job search balls you have in the air. To be a successful job seeker, it is important to consider the following tips.Continue to tailor your resume, portfolio, and cover letter for EVERY application.Reach out to your network to find any unadvertised opportunities and for support and guidance.Practice your interviewing skills so that you feel comfortable when you get a call back.Make a template for a basic thank-you letter so it is ready to send out quickly.Remember that each job search is ve ry personal and will vary based on your location and the type of work you are looking for. If you find yourself struggling, try reaching out to those in your network, other job seekers, or professional job search services to help you be successful on your return back into the workforce.Readers, are you looking to return to work after a break? Share your story with us in the comment section below