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Re-entering the Workforce
The only constant in the world is change! The same is true for the job
market. Every day people decide to re-enter the job market. If you’re
one of them, you need to be prepared. People who have been out of paid
employment for some time should follow some of the same guidelines as
First Time Job Seekers.
Here are some simple rules to follow.
Find out who you are and what skills you can offer
Many housewives (and stay-at-home Dads for that matter) say, "I don't have any work skills.
I've only been a stay-at-home Mom." What they fail to see is that they have acquired many skills
including nurse, psychologist, cook, housekeeper, teacher and accountant to name just a few!
Ask yourself what you like to do and what jobs might fit your skills, hobbies and interests.
In addition, schedule an appointment to discuss your employment goals and needs with a staff
member at Hancock County JOBsolutions. This person can assess your needs and possibly schedule
skills assessment tests to determine your employable skills.
Get ready to advertise yourself
Once you determine your skills it is time to advertise your abilities to employers. One of the most
efficient ways to accomplish this task is to create a cover letter
and resume to distribute to
employers. You may have never used a resume before, but more employers today are requesting resumes
from job seekers. Your cover letter and resume highlight your education, work skills, work
experience (including volunteer work and homemaker responsibilities), and accomplishments.
Prepare for the interview
You have been invited into the interviewer's office for an interview. Don't panic! It's natural to
be a little nervous but you will be more at ease if you prepare ahead of time. Try to anticipate
the types of questions the interviewer may ask and have answers prepared. Most likely the
interviewer will want to know why you want to reenter the employment market, what you have been
doing up till now, and what skills you have to offer.
The interviewer knows that you may not have all the skills necessary to handle the job.
However, it's important to let the interviewer know that you are eager and willing to learn.
Those traits mean a lot during an interview. In fact, many interviewers state they desire
candidates who show a good attitude and work ethic rather than actual work skills. You see,
employers can teach work skills but not a good attitude and work ethics. Carefully listen to all
of the interviewers questions and answer them honestly and directly without rambling and you will
do fine during the interview.
Send an After Interview Letter
Always send the interviewer an After Interview Letter. This item is often overlooked by many job
seekers and could give you an advantage if you send one. For your convenience, an
After Interview Letter outline and sample
are available on this site.
Many former homemakers who are re-entering the job market are considered to be Dislocated Workers
and are eligible for a variety of services through the Workforce Investment Act.
You may either apply on-line at this web site or contact us
to schedule an appointment to discuss how we might be able to help you.
There are three levels of services that are potentially available to you at no
cost:
All persons re-entering the job market have access to our services which include:
- Job Search assistance
- Access to the Computer Lab to search jobs on-line
- Access to the Resource Room and employment resource materials
- Access to Job Search video tapes and training materials
- Job referrals
- Listings of job openings
- Resume assistance
You may be eligible for intensive services for one-on-one assistance,
group career workshops, and other assistance such as:
- Assessments of your skills and abilities
- Counseling services
- Career planning
- One-on-One job counseling
Our team can also assist you in obtaining appropriate training services including:
- Occupational Skills Training
- Vocational Training
- College Training
- Skills Upgrades
- GED Preparation
- English as a Second Language
- Math and Reading Training
Here are some links to other web sites for persons reentering the job market:
Tips and ideas for persons reentering the job market.
http://www.fiftysomethingjobs.com/reenter.html
Advise for women seeking to reenter the workforce.
http://www.msmoney.com
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