5 Tips For Landing A New Job After A Maternity Break

Motherhood is a great joy for any woman, but it could derail your career.

Returning to work after maternity leave can be extremely challenging! Most industries today are still male-dominated, and many women sometimes find ourselves working in an environment that is not supportive. A good number of expectant women find themselves quitting even before the delivery date. Others go for maternity leave and learn that their position is no longer available when it’s time to go back.

And then there are those who are tired of their old employers.

Whatever your reason for seeking a new job, you must be prepared to take the gloves off. The following are five tips to help you land a job after a motherhood break.

Table of Contents

1. Polish up Your Resume

Your resume is the most important document when it comes to job search. One common mistake that many people make is to use the same resume for all job applications. Employers can smell a generic resume from miles away.

Most companies today use software that sifts out applications that are not a good match for the advertised position. As such, it is imperative that you customize your resume for each job you are applying for.

Utilise keywords and phrases used in the job description to show that you are the ideal fit. Again, quit the “responsibilities” cliché.

Listing tasks you were doing in your old job does not make you stand out. Instead, focus on your achievements, especially those that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

2. Use Social Media

Social media isn’t just a platform for posting selfies and checking out how well your friends are doing. It could land you a job. Brands today are not shy of announcing vacancies on their Facebook, Twitter or even Instagram pages. Some may even receive applications over those platforms.

However, it is LinkedIn, where you should pitch camp. 89% of recruiters have hired an employee through the social media platform. The idea is to create a great profile to market yourself.

Highlight your skills and expertise, and don’t forget to make it optimized. The use of certain keywords can make you more easily discoverable by would-be employers.

LinkedIn is also a great tool for networking.

3. Put on Your Networking Gloves

It has been said many times that “your network is your net worth”; many companies today ask for recommendations rather than posting their vacancies on job boards.

According to statistics, 17% of job opportunities in Australia are advertised through word of mouth. While the duties of being a mother can cut you off from friends, former workmates, or acquaintances, you have to work hard to keep in touch and build new connections.

Organize coffee dates to catch up with people who work in places you might be interested in working and find time to attend industry events.

4. Take a Short Course

While taking care of an infant is a full-time job, it is still possible to find some time to upgrade your skills. It is no secret that employers are attracted to employees who are willing to invest in self-development; taking up a short course can put you ahead of others.

Again, if you’ve taken a long break from work, it is possible that your skills have lost their edge. You may also find yourself redundant.

The good thing is that you can undertake a variety of courses without turning your world upside down. Most community service courses, for example, are offered online and can be completed without much hassle.

However, before enrolling, ensure that the course you take adds value to you or is relevant to the kind of job you want to take up.

5. Be Great at Interviews

If you can’t nail it during an interview, every other effort you make in a job search is futile.

Without wasting time, it is important to mention that most people fail during interviews due to a lack of preparation.

Once you are invited, take the time to research the company and learn everything there is to learn about it. At the very least, get a solid understanding of their vision, their products, and their competitors.

You must also understand the role you are interviewing for and anticipate the questions you may be asked. Practice in front of a mirror, noting your facial expressions. You want to come across as composed, intelligent, and charismatic.

It cannot be overemphasized that you must dress appropriately. As petty as it seems, a poor choice of attire can cost you a high flying job. Even if the position does not call for it, dress formally and avoid very bright colours.

Always be Optimistic

Depending on your qualifications and the industry you want to work in, among other factors, it may take some time before you can get a job. Be patient with yourself, and do not take rejections personally; it’s part of the process. Always be on the lookout for opportunities and never stop being optimistic.