Time to Get Back to Work. But How?

Gloria Hernandez
For The Hudson Independent

You have spent the last few years at home raising the kids and now you’re ready to get back to paid work. Or maybe the economy has hit your spouse’s employer and you need to get back into the workforce to feel more financially secure.

But your resume is a little dated, your wardrobe consists of jeans and T-shirts and you think Blackberry refers to marmalade. You decide you need a little help before you dive back into the 9-to-5 world. So, you Google “workforce re-entry” and find there’s a lot out there. You start clicking and pretty soon all the Web sites, books, news articles, etc., are making your head spin.

It really boils down to some basic types of resources.

If you need some moral support, choose a Web site that also serves as an online community where you can chat with others going through the same process. News items often give you links that can lead you to the help you want. Books are good if you have the time to read more than one – it’s unlikely just one will offer the exact information you need for your particular circumstances. 

You will find there are workshops out there with a very wide range of prices. It may be your own alma mater’s counseling or graduate program that’s offering a re-entry program. Before signing up, consider if you are getting everything or at least most of what you need. Get a copy of the workshop agenda. Does it look like you will be sitting in a room with dozens or hundreds of others listening to speakers who will tell you how they succeeded? Will you get a customized action plan so you can succeed too? What are the “take-aways” being offered? Will you finish the workshop with an updated resume and good tips on how to write a cover letter? Will you be able to role-play an interview with an employment expert? If you need to update your computer skills — and learn about that Blackberry — will you have hands-on training? After the workshop is over, can you still get help to take the next step? Ask questions before you commit your time and money.

Now the job search starts. But unemployment is up and you’ve heard that it’s “who you know” that gets you the job. You need to network but you’re not sure how to do that. Consider a career coach. A good coach will take time to get to know you and the kind of work you really want to do.  S/he will help you gain networking skills so you won’t have to rely solely on want ads. Your coach can also advise you on how to update your wardrobe to make a good impression at your interview and to dress appropriately for your new position.

Last but not least be aware that returning to work will undoubtedly add stress to your life so make sure you reserve time for your favorite form of exercise, learn some relaxation techniques and schedule some “me” time in your appointment book.

Sleepy Hollow resident Gloria Hernandez is director of operations at Interfacet in White Plains.

Comments

[Deb Volberg Pagnotta]

Gloria humorously and accurately identifies how to start moving back into the paid workforce. She omitted to note that she herself is a skilled career counselor, and the Director of Operations at Interfacet, Inc. (www.interfacet.com). Interfacet provides career transition resources and training for employees past, present and future. We welcome you to talk with us in person, attend an upcoming open house on January 6 (6:00 to 7:30 pm), or if too much is already on your plate to leave the house, attend our webcast that same day at 10 to 10:45 a.m. (and you can wear your jammies!). Contact us at 914.997.8889 or info@interfacet.com to register for either open house.

Deb Volberg Pagnotta, CEO
Interfacet, Inc.
81 Main Street, Suite 300
White Plains, NY 10601