People leave the job market for a variety of reasons. For some it may be due to an injury, illness or personal matters. For others pregnancy and childcare may force professionals to put their careers on hold. Time away from the workplace will vary according to the individual and the reason for the break, but it can last anywhere from two weeks to two years.
During this time people may become disconnected from the business world, lose their confidence and returning to the workplace can seem like a scary step.
Here are some tips to better prepare you for re-entering the job market.
Update your skills
The marketplace and working world is constantly changing and employees must have the skills to match the new and ever-changing demands of their industry. It is a good idea to work on your skills before you enter the workforce to avoid feeling left behind. Read relevant material, keep up-to-date with research or changes in the industry, attend seminars and complete short courses that will help you prepare for the job you want to do.
Define your brand
It may be tempting to apply for every job opportunity you come across, but according to the experts it is better to focus on a particular type of position or occupation and hone your skills and gain confidence in that area. As a prospective employee you should look for employment opportunities that are suited to your abilities and skills. Ask yourself, “how can your skills best create value for an employer”.
Create a functional CV
A functional CV format places the emphasis on skills and experience whereas a chronological CV focuses on the order and period of employment. Research the job description and highlight skills that match the requirements of the advertised position to make your CV stand out. A functional CV highlights your skills and abilities, rather than prior work experience, which is very beneficial if you've been out of the workforce for awhile.
Do you want to go back to work? Visit the Skills Portal and check out our list of training courses to tweak your skills.
