Resume Overload-trying to cram too much into your resume is a definite blunder. Tighten your resume up. Yes, a two-page resume with cover letter is still all employers want to view. Don't worry about capturing all the details. Highlight specific accomplishments, stats, #'s that demonstrate specifics of how you helped make a difference and that will jump out on the page. Your cover letter should only bring attention to those most important skills and accomplishments for the job you're applying for.
Resume Retro-not counting skills learned while off the job and only pointing up your former career history in your resume is a definite blunder. For example, many women don't know how to verbalize their time off raising children as a skill to mention in their resume. To communicate with children and teenagers you have to use persuasion, negotiation, anger management/patience, non-stereotyping approaches, and more. Write down all of your skills and emphasize these in talking about your time away from the office.
Non-paid Isn't Non-Work-you might be neglecting some of your best work. If you've volunteered your time, i.e. helped organize a program or project for your children's school, managed your ill parent's doctor care needs and medication schedule, wrote and sent out an agenda for a PTA meeting, made travel arrangements for yourself and family or other family or friends, sponsored an event of any kind...these and more are all valuable skills. Think about all the many roles you've played and capture those you enjoyed and excelled in to feature. Remember, these show your talents of commitment, loyalty, follow-through, a dedicated work ethic and your ability to set goals and follow through on them.
Unclear Work Parameters-though you may be anxious to work again and would like to enter or reenter a certain field, consider how available you want to be. Do you know the work demands for the job you're interested in? How much time are you willing to spend outside the home now? If you're an older worker, you may prefer part-time, but find yourself attracted to a position that requires fulltime work. Double think this and don't act too quickly as later you may be so exhausted you'll question your decision to return to work at all.
A Change in Pay-It's not always true that you'll have to take a pay cut. It will depend on how long you've been out of work and how much you've kept your skills up while absent. But be clear in advance what you actually need for money versus the benefits of a new opportunity that may pay less than you were earning before, but would add a positive dimension in your life that you yearn to experience.
Not Tapping Contacts- Most folks don't realize the breadth of contacts they have at their fingertips. Make a call sheet with as many current folks you know, whether or not you think they'll have a lead for you. Make your calls with a determination to leave each call with a direct or indirect referral or recommendation.
Forgetting to Practice Your Interview-It should be no different than a public speaker who prepares their talk ahead of time than it should be for you to practice your interview. Role play your interview with a trusted friend or coach. There are excellent question and answer books on interviewing to assist you. See my Resources page at my website for some of these.
Relax, you have the upper hand. Even if the economy is forcing you to return to the workforce when you'd rather continue to manage your household, you have a wealth of experiences that back you up. You're not a fresh starter as a college student with little work history, nor are you so senior you'd be best to volunteer your expertise to help younger workers, through organizations like the American Association of Retired Professionals. Take a deep breath, come at your job search prepared, and surrender to the interview process of "no, no, no, no, no, yes we're interested" steps of the process. Preparation and a willing, positive attitude will help see you through to results.
Laurie_Sheppard
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