Returning to Work Guide for Moms

Stay at home moms who are returning to work and resuming their career after a long stint at home with kids and family are often at a loss how to prepare to return to the workforce and resume a career. Former stay at home moms often site lacking suitable or recent work experience to place on their resume. Or that they have been out of the work-force way too long to find a good paying job. Actually, this is nonsense. Experts believe that there are a few ways to improve their image and resume to attract a companies interest and perhaps overcome any obstacles that block them from acquiring that new job.

Returning to Work Tips

Grooming - Dress for success. This is not the time to show up for the interview wearing casual clothing, jeans and a top, or sweats. Sounds strange, but many women often strike out by wearing inappropriate clothing that screams stay at home mom. And that they are not ready to join the workforce and resume their career. One should remember to dress appropriately. Wear professional looking business suit with appropriate accessories. No large dangling earrings or bracelets. Leave those accessories for another occasion. The hair should be well groomed. Wear minimal makeup. And always carry a briefcase, with laptop, or portfolio to show the interviewer that you are a professional.

Resume - Draft a new returning to work resume or have a professional resume prepared. Stress your best abilities on the resume. Stay at home moms often have good organization skills, managerial skills, leadership qualities, bookkeeping or accounting skills. All qualities that should be stressed on the resume.

The Interview - Show up early for the interview. Shake the interviewer's hand firmly. Look the interviewer in the eye to show confidence and that you are interested in the job. Always let interest show on the face by being very attentive. Show more interest by asking pertinent questions. Also, know as much as possible about the company. End the interview on a polite but confident note. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer for the position. And let them know that you are interested in resuming work and a career. This shows confidence. Something employers look for in the hiring process. Especially from those returning to the work force after a stint at home raising kids. And politely ask the interviewer when the final decision is going to be reached on the job opening. Stand and shake hands firmly. End the interview with thanking them once again and a confident smile on the face.