Getting work after a long absence can be challenging. It’s hard to prove to employers that you’re still a person who can help their organization succeed. As you re-enter the job market, you’ll have to combat age discrimination and prepare to get familiar with new technology.
Fortunately, you can take some small steps to ease your way back into the job market. It’s going to take some work but you can undoubtedly re-establish yourself as a valuable asset in today’s market. This post looks at the different things you can do to re-enter the job market!
1. Give Volunteering A Chance
When you have no money, volunteering can seem pointless. However, giving your time can be an excellent way to make your way back into the job market. Volunteering always looks good on your resume, especially if it’s related to the industry you want to work in. Volunteering allows you to gain tangible experience while helping others.
When you volunteer, there’s always a chance that you’ll be asked to stay on in a paid position. Putting in extra effort is always worth it with volunteer work. Even if you don’t get hired, someone will directly benefit from your effort. You may also get some good references and contacts who can point you towards other job opportunities.
2. See If You Can Get Some Experience With A Small Business
If you’ve been out of work for a while, it’s going to be tough to get a job with a big company. Usually, big company’s want someone to come in and start performing at a high level right away. Small businesses are generally more patient and willing to let you grow into your role. Small businesses also offer competitive rates and quality insurance packages.
Try and see if you can find any small businesses in your industry in your city. You can introduce yourself by phone or even make an in-person visit. Small companies usually don’t have a lot of people competing for open jobs, and they tend not to advertise too much. A company like this may be willing to give you a chance to prove yourself.
3. Be Ready To Explain Your Absence
Eventually, you’ll be asked to explain what you were doing while you were away from work. Potential employers will want to know how you’ve been using your time. Preparing an explanation ahead of time will help put their concerns at ease. You don’t need to make up any elaborate stories, just be honest and careful to exclude any information that could harm you.
If you’ve been away for a medical reason, simply state you made a difficult decision to step away from work and address your health. Being too detailed about your medical condition may cause employers to hold it against you. There are regulations in place that protects employees from having to share sensitive information. Just be as honest and straightforward as you can.
4. Streamline Your Resume
After being out of work for a while, you’re going to need to update your resume. One of the most common mistakes people re-entering the job market make is including everything they’ve done on their resume. Recruiters want a quick, detailed summary of how you can help the company. You don’t need to include your entire professional history.
When redoing your resume, make it easy to scan. It’s worth the extra time to optimize your resume for each specific position and submitting it to a reputable employment agency. Using keywords that you notice in the job post can help your resume pass keyword filter. It takes longer to customize your resume by position, but recruiters will take your application more seriously.
