Five Career Re-Entry Strategies

No one seems able to predict when unemployment numbers will return to the more tolerable rates of five to six percent or when this global recession will end. We do know that January 2011 had an unemployment rate of 9:0%, a drop of 0.4% from the previous month. Although this means that many Americans are still competing for fewer jobs, it should give hope to the unemployed or anyone who is considering career re-entry.

We hear a lot about laid off workers. However, we don't hear much about those workers who weren't recently laid off, but have to re-enter the workforce for financial reasons; maybe because a spouse or other family member has been laid off.

If you are a career re-entry worker getting back into the job market, here are five tips to help with career re-entry.

Career Re-entry Strategy # 1 - Get your resume ready

You cannot possibly execute a successful career re-entry strategy in a competitive job market without a professional resume. By the way, a professional resume doesn't have to be written by a professional resume writer. You may be able to do this yourself especially if you have the time to put into resume development. Check out free resume writing advice on career blogs such as BullsEyeCareers.

Career Re-entry Strategy # 2 - Network and spread the word

Tell everyone you know that you are working towards career re-entry. People can offer tremendous support and you will benefit from people "looking out" for you. Network and connect with people you don't know. Visit your local library, scour the internet and find groups to join, meet-ups and job clubs. You will be expanding your circle and hearing about new opportunities.

Career Re-entry Strategy # 3 - Cast a wide net and consider your options

As you consider career re-entry, be willing to cast a wider net, in terms of type of work you are willing to do. Think about transferable job skills and what other jobs you could do. You are not tied to returing to the same job or industry you were in before you left job market.

Career Re-entry Strategy # 4 - Stay positive

This is super important. You need to know that career re-entry is possible and the more positive your attitude the more open you are to learning new things and meeting new people.

Career Re-entry Strategy # 5 - Brush up on your interview skills

Depending on how long you have been out of the job market, you may not be aware of some of the latest techniques companies are using in interviews.