Women Re-Entering the Workforce Presented By: Rachel Creasy Recruiting Program Manager Staffing Solutions Enterprises

Where do I start? Prep Work  What should I do to gear up for the job search? Job Searches  How have job searches changed and where do I look? Interviewing  What does my Interviewer really want to know?

Preparing for a Job Search

Ask Yourself These Questions… Why did I leave the workforce?  Whether it was to travel, to take care of children or ill relatives, or to focus on getting your education, your time away from work does not make you less valuable or less competitive.  How would I explain my time out of the traditional workforce? Don’t get too personal

Why am I returning? What can I commit to?  Am I ready to commit to the challenges of working in a professional environment?  Should I consider part time? Full time? Contract Work?  What type of work fits with my lifestyle?  Do I need a position that will allow me to have flexible work hours or allow me to work from home?  Would I be more comfortable in an environment that would allow me to gradually transition? Source: Defining Success Report by Accenture More than 80% of women say having a flexible work schedule is significantly important. 85% of women say flexible work hours would reduce their stress.

Has the industry or job changed?  Do I need continuing education?  Does my industry now require a certification?  Is there a new version of important software used on the job?  Consult someone currently working in the profession you want to pursue

How will I market myself?  Resume Consider Functional vs Chronological  Highlights skills and experiences rather than career progression Focus on transferrable and “soft” skills  Time management  Attention to detail  Ability to communicate with varying levels  Did you hold a temporary, contract, or seasonal job outside of your field?  Volunteer work

“ The 5 “C”s of Resume Writing”*  Current  Working telephone numbers, deliverable addresses  Consider a new address, just for job searching  Clean  Consistent  Complete  Correct “Resumes – Get to the Point”*  Paragraphs vs. bullet points Check out our Blog at for the full articles written by experienced Recruiters!

 LinkedIn or other social media profiles Appropriate picture?  No avatars, family or pet photos, selfies, blurry photos  Use a traditional headshot Consider privacy settings  If there are things on your public pages that you don’t want others to see, be sure your settings only allow those you’ve connected with to review your profile Up to date information Ask for endorsements or recommendations Stay active on LinkedIn to be top of mind for potential employers  Post industry related articles  Comment on updates

The Search

Major Website Job Boards Monster, CareerBuilder  Keep resume current  Set up search agents Do you know about Indeed.com?  Job board aggregator Target company’s Careers Site

Web Search Tips Switch up key words when searching CSR – Sales Support – Account Management Keep searches broad Target specific skills or software

“The definition of networking has changed substantially over the years; it’s about networking creatively and strategically. You don’t have to put on a power suit and attend a sometimes awkward business luncheon or cocktail reception in order to collect business cards and contacts anymore. Some of today’s best networking takes place at the soccer field with parents of your children’s friends, over Twitter and Facebook with other working parents' groups, and while volunteering in your community. Cast a wide net in order to set yourself up for as many leads as possible, and let your network know what you’re looking for with a prepared elevator speech.” –Allison O’Kelly, Founder and CEO of Mom Corps Network * Network * Network

Use your Connections LinkedIn  Follow the companies you are targeting  Connect with Recruiters or Department Managers at those companies  Don’t forget friends and family Put yourself out there  Have a 30 second elevator pitch prepared for those run-ins with potential job connections at soccer games, PTA meetings

Get More Access Job Fairs  Check with local colleges or job placement agencies Consider a Staffing Company  Unpublished job openings, hundreds of contacts, access to decision makers

Interviewing

More Preparation Know your resume Focus on accomplishments during time away  Prepared complex travel arrangements for a month long European vacation  Navigated health and insurance plans and set up 24/7 scheduling for health care providers for aging parent  Managed a school sports league or organized a book fair for your child’s school

More Preparation Ensure your interviewer knows why you want to return and how you’ve prepared for your return What have I been doing and why is it relevant? Don’t apologize for or defend your time away  Be proud and confident

Questions/ Comments Rachel Creasy Recruiting Program Manager Staffing Solutions Enterprises (P): (E):