Whether you were out of the workforce to be a stay-at-home parent, care for a family member, due to medical reasons, serve in the military, or earn a degree, this is a common situation. Unfortunately it continues to be stigmatized by many organizations and the people who are in hiring positions.

Follow the practical steps below to get started:

• Assess: Think about the work you did before your break from the workforce. Do you want to do the same type of work? Would you prefer to do something else? Answering these questions will help you focus efforts towards specific roles.
• Upskill: If you’ve been out of the workforce for more than a few months, consider earning a new certificate or credential or take online courses. Read job descriptions and the LinkedIn profiles of people already working in the jobs you want, and hone skills that are common across your target roles or industries.
• Network: This is a great time to reconnect with former coworkers, supervisors, or mentors. Ask how they’re doing and about what skills are considered most valuable in their organizations to learn more about what to learn during your search. Depending on your personal relationship, some of these people may be open to reviewing your resume or referring you for open roles at their organization.
• LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn presence and participate on the platform once or twice a week. LinkedIn is an integral part of the hiring process for many companies. This platform can also be a gateway back to the workforce. It’s not uncommon for people to post a short personal essay about being back on the job market, and that’s an authentic way to explain your absence without going into details or pretending you were never out of the workforce.
• Apply: Focus on roles that fit your current life circumstances as much as on roles that you want to perform. You’re likely in a different phase of life than before the break, and what you need from a job today is probably at least a little different than the type of job you previously held.

Getting back into the workforce can be scary. But it can also be exciting and push you to learn more, do more, and meet your true potential. Good luck!

Thanks for reading! Advice provided on this site is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for professional financial, medical, or legal advice.