Going Back to Work After a Long Time at Home

N.,
It was funny that I ran across this question. I am returning to work after 17 years at home. About 1 1/2 years ago i got a call from a company called tentiltwo.com. i had forgotten that I had put a resume online 2 years prior. It is a company specifically for professionals that stayed home for a while. It is a placement company for permanent part-time jobs--the employers and employees both know this to start with. I worked a job for 9 months. It was great--getting my "feet wet" again. After 9 months I was laid off. It has taken me a bit to find another job--but I am going to work full-time in two weeks. The way I got this job was knowing somebody. They overheard someone talking about a position that wasn't even posted yet. I sent in my resume via email--and viola!
Networking (tapping into the people you know) is your best way to find a job after a long time. You have acquired some amazing skills while "being off"--and keeping current is a HUGE plus! Let people you know know that you are "seeking employment"--and what it is you are looking for. You will be shocked at how many positions are out there. Don't waste your time looking online and in the paper. Most of those are already gone before they're even posted. Word of mouth is your best bet. Also, have someone who is in the field go over your resume and critique it.
Good luck! If I can do it--you can too!!

N.,

You are so wise to have kept up your credentials. Submit your resumes to companies that you think would be a good fit for you. When you have interviews, don't even talk about (it's a LONG time) since you worked in the public sector. Instead, make sure you have studied the companies that you are interested in and in a professional manner, let them know that you feel you are qualified for the position and although you opted for the job of motherhood, you still kept current in your field.

I would also ask potential employers if they could give you a tour of their facility prior to the submission of your resume. The reason I suggest this is most large companies won't accept a walk-in person asking to submit a resume. If you ask for a tour, you can get the feel of the workplace and also the person giving the tour will have the opportunity to meet you face to face and will give feedback to HR.

How do you ask for a tour? Check out the company website and see who the managers of various departments are. If the websites provide the email addresses of the respective executives, send a message asking for a tour. Perhaps the Facilities Manager or the manager of the department and/or field you are in.

Even in this day of what we use to call "The Super Highway" (meaning the NET), I still believe that a FACE to FACE will get your foot in the door.

Stay strong and confident! Let us know when you LAND the job....also don't be afraid of asking for $$$.....you can check out salary information online to see what to going rates are.

Blessings.....

It sounds like you're doing the right things by taking classes and volunteering... that will look great on your resume! My mom just got a job yesterday after being unemployed for 2 years. She had been struggling to find something until she used the job board at the community college where she was taking classes. The college helped her update her resume and "fix" her cover letter. Then she posted them on the college's job board and was suddenly called for a bunch of interviews and ultimately offered 2 jobs! So, see what your college offers and take advantage of it. Good luck!

I started my own internet franchise so that I never have to go back to work. I work my own schedule and can still be around when the kids need me. I absolutly love it. I give you a ton of credit. I don't know if I could go back to a traditional job after being out for so long. Good luck in your new adventure.

How old are your kids and do they need day care?