Does re-entering the job market feel intimidating or exciting? Both? Looking for a job when you’ve been away from the workforce can feel daunting, especially at first. You are not alone!

Increasing numbers of people are heading back into the job market after long absences - some by choice, others out of necessity. Having stopped because of childbirth, illness, divorce, eldercare, premature retirement or business difficulties, many have vanished from the employment radar. Now once again looking for work, they are facing a host of questions and normal insecurities.

Today the world of work and its technologies has changed. In addition, this challenged economy has increased competition. Those re-entering the workplace, whether to look for a supporting job or to resume a career, must have a keen sense of themselves and their goals. They must now use more creative work search strategies and develop strong psychological supports.

You can re-enter the job market fully prepared and confident. Knowing where to begin an effective job search is the first step to a strong, positive start. You gain self-assurance by first understanding your motivations, fears, and preferences. Take some time to understand why you are re-entering the job market. Are you seeking income, healthcare benefits, need to feel more connected to people? Take a closer look. What do you want to do and in what kind of work environment?

Your self-assessment can be done as informally as first brainstorming, then prioritizing your strengths and preferences. You can ask trusted friends and family to mirror back with helpful feedback. Formal career assistance is also readily available - at career centers and a myriad of sources online. Regardless of the method you choose, your goal is to identify your areas of knowledge, skills, abilities, strengths, weaknesses and attitudes. The first leg of the journey is self-discovery, not the job classifieds.

Now prepare your action plan with your tasks, goals, milestones and timeline. Make yourself accountable and committed to weather this process until you’ve found a situation that works well for you. Ask for support from loved ones. Do you need additional training for the opportunities you seek?

Prepare a resume. Not just a tired litany of past job titles, it should proudly showcase your accomplishments and announce your capabilities for future work. Differentiate yourself - the skills and the talents you offer.

Take advantage of the new technologies. Networking through social media, such as LinkedIn, is a must for today’s work search. Be sure to research prospective employers thoroughly. Tap online information; visit your library, read the local business media. Explore the many work style options open to you - full-time, part-time, contract, and temporary work. Stay positive. Be flexible. Persist.


Beth Witrogen is a writer, speaker, and consultant on spirituality, caregiving, and renewal at midlife. She is a double Pulitzer Prize nominee, one for her book, Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal (Wiley). Beth’s new resource guide, Re-entering the Workplace: Seven Questions You Must First Ask and Answer, poses critical questions that help you structure thinking and clarify direction for a successful work search. Order online - Night Owl Companion Publishing, www.NightOwlCompanion.com. Reach Beth through http://www.witrogen.com.


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