Women in Business Reentering the Workforce - Your Career Intel

Women in Business Reentering the Workforce - Your Career IntelTaking a professional hiatus to care for children or ailing family is a reality for many women. But doing so doesnt have to mean career suicide. For some women, reentering the workforce may even propel their careers to greater heights than before they left. Your ultimate success when reengaging a career depends on how you bridge the gap and the manner in which you reenter.While You Are AwayContribute your time, with planning and purpose, in a tangible way that can be expressed on your resume. I always recommend staying active with your industrys leading professional association. For example, I joined my local chapter of the American Marketing Association and served on the Board of Directors for five years as the VP of Career Development. This volunteer work helped me expand and reinforce my presence as a recruiter who specializes in placing marketing executives. A number of my colleagues in the association were also able t o utilize their high-profile involvement in order to bridge the gap when they were between jobs for extended periods.By networking regularly with knowledgeable and connected industry professionals, youre more like to have access to opportunities and to be hired when you do choose to return to work.Using Social Media to Your AdvantageOne of the main reasons women reentering the workforce struggle is that they dont keep up with industry trends while they are on hiatus. In todays digital world, theres no excuse. Know the companies that are driving change and success in your industry, and key into local companies that are part of that growth. Follow those companies on LinkedIn. Stay high-profile, contribute to the comment stream, and continue to post related industry articles to your LinkedIn profile.Employers today invariably jump to your online presence when reviewing your resume. Choose a photograph that represents you in a business environment, as a respected professional avoid fam ily or casual photos. Seek references on your LinkedIn profile from former employers, clients and colleagues.When you are ready to return to work, you will be able to show prospective employers that you are still deeply involved in your industry. This commitment to remaining active in your industry, even during time away, can differentiate you from other candidates in the saatkorn position.The Big Social Media DontIm a strong advocate of keeping your social media public profile professional. Everyone should be thoughtful about using social media at all times. But its even more critical for women returning to work. Review your public profile Facebook and Twitter before you apply for any job. Eliminate the frivolous. Take off anything you do not want a potential employer to judge you by. Just because youre not currently at an office, doesnt mean youre not a professional.Going back to work after a break can be enriching to you and your career. With the correct approach, reentering th e workforce can be a very rewarding experience.Im interested in your thoughts. How have you successfully reentered into the workforce? What actions did you take during your hiatus to make reentry easier?

7 Ways to Impress Your Interviewer in the First 5 Minutes

7 Ways to Impress Your Interviewer in the First 5 Minutes If youre on the interview circuit, meeting with potential employers can be daunting. Fortunately, theres a cheat sheet to instantly get on an interviewers good side. Here are 7 ways to impress an interviewer in the first five minutes of your interview1. Be inquisitive.At the end of most interviews, the interviewer asks the applicant if they have any questions. But you dont have to wait for that moment to voice your opinions or show off your inquisitive mind. Instead, arrive with prepared questions at your disposal. Asking specific things that demonstrate your attention to detail and confidence shows that youre interested, have spent time thinking about the company and are excited to learn mora.2. Arrive early.As the saying goes, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. Keep this in mind when it comes to deciding when to arrive to an interview. Avoid being super early, as getting there over 20 minutes early could conflict with other meetings or interviews. Arriving just in the nick of time can make it seem like youre cutting it too close and not making the interview a priority, so arriving about 10-15 minutes early sends the message that youre invested but also considerate.3. Make the most ofbody language.Before you open your mouth, the way you hold yourself says a lot about you. If you have to wait when you arrive, be mindful of your body language while you sit. Try not to convey nervous ticks, postures that can make you seem standoffish such as folding your arms, or staring ahead. When potential coworkers walk by, dont be afraid to exchange a friendly nod. Most importantly, eye contact is key. People who shift their gaze back and forth can come across as being unfriendly or dishonest, while those who stare at the floor or away from the person speaking can appear unconfident.4. schirm kindness.Be on your best behavior from the moment you arrive. Maintain a friendly attitude toward any assistants or receptionists you interact with. Obviously, this is a good practice for moving through life in general, but its especially important when it comes to interviewing for opportunities. Thank everyone who assists you.5. Bring multiple copies of your resume.You may not know how many people will be in the group that interviews you. Even if all present have your resume in hand, arriving with a few copies demonstrates that you had the forethought to come prepared, which can put you ahead of the game.6. Mention something you have in common.If youve done your homework on who your interview will be with, youve likely picked up some tidbits about them. Use this information to your advantage. If you know that the two of you interned at the same company, attended the same college or have volunteered at the same organization, work it into the conversation. People tend to more easily trust others when they have something in common, so calling attention to any similarity can start the interview off on a high note.7. Build rapport with small talk.While it may be tempting to demonstrate your professionalism right from the jump, lean into moments of casual conversation. Allowing yourself to be seen as a person as opposed to only an applicant can allow the interviewer to think of you in a better light. It allows you to build a connection that isnt often established by straight business talk alone.--Kayla Heisler is an essayist and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. She is a contributing writer for Color My Bubble. Her work appears in New Yorks Best Emerging Poets 2017 anthology.