Ask the Doctor: Maternity Leave
Dear ResumeDoctor:
I am a single parent re-entering the workforce after a couple of
years off. I am also changing my career path to suit the changes in my life, and
have been looking for work for a while without much luck. I have made interviews
and even second interviews, but still no job. I realize the job market has
changed, as have I. The question for you is how do I approach my job search that
would make the search more effective, because I am in the process of changing my
career?
Angela
Renton, Washington
Dear Angela:
You have 2 things going against you:
1. You've been out of work for a while
2. You are changing careers
Both of these issues are enough on their own to make your job search difficult.
You didn't specify what field you are coming from nor what field you plan on
going into so keep in mind this is fairly general advice.
Be sure the gap is accounted for on your resume; at least include a blurb of
why you took a leave. You dont need to go into grave detail; just simply state
you took time off for maternity leave. No employer in the world is going to
blame you for doing so and any employer that does, chances are this is not the
type of employer you want to work for. While you weren't working, did you
continue any means of learning or working? Did you take any courses or seminars?
In any ways, were you able to keep your skills up? If so, you should illustrate
that on your resume.
Be prepared and willing to take a lower position than what you might be used
to for both reasons: the leave, and the career change. If you are trying to
maintain the level of position you were in - that is probably the main reason
why you are having great difficulty in finding a job. Apply for a more junior
role and work your way up, ESPECIALLY because of the career change. If you feel
you are overqualified for a "junior role", than it shouldn't take too long to
work your way up.
Consider the jobs you are now applying for and understand what they are
looking for. What skills do you already have that are transferable to your
desired position? You should customize your resume to what the job is looking
for. You can illustrate your skills and experience to make yourself candidate
for the position.
Last but not least, do NOT be afraid of the phone. Do everything in your power
to make phone contact with these potential employers. It is much more difficult
for a potential employer to brush you off if you call them, than a job seeker
that just sent a resume and was never persistent.
Best of Luck,
The ResumeDoctor
ResumeDoctor.com provides resume-consulting services and FREE resume evaluations
for job seekers in all industries at
http://www.ResumeDoctor.com/ResourceCenter.htm. ResumeDoctor.com also offers
specialized job market expertise and content to media and employers. Send your
questions to
AskTheDoctor@ResumeDoctor.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mike Worthington
Phone: (802) 865-4243
Fax: (802) 860-2876
Mike@ResumeDoctor.com
www.ResumeDoctor.com