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Deciding to stay home for the family is a big one, but returning to work after being a stay-at-home parent can feel like quite the transition. But with the proper preparation, some personal investment and a confident, realistic outlook, you can make the return to a gratifying career.

In this article, we explore career tips for stay-at-home parents returning to work, the importance of preparation and best practices on how to re-enter the workforce.

Preparing for re-entering the workforce

Preparing before re-entering the workforce helps you focus on a job search, gets you ready for an opportunity when it presents itself, and establishes realistic goals. It also can reduce anxiety, boost confidence and concentrate your energy.

Finding a job after being a stay-at-home parent is more common than in years past. Companies can find talented candidates in those returning to work, though it’s important to recognize the transition. A lot may have changed in your profession, and while gap years between employment are not rare, it requires a thoughtful explanation.

Even if your field saw dramatic changes or you no longer hold licenses or certifications, your highly transferable skills can apply to other professions, roles and perhaps even a career pivot. Re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent can be a time to align your new interests with a career change, which may even prove more rewarding than your previous line of work.

Advice for re-entering the workforce

Focusing on what kind of job to pursue and how to best present yourself to follow it is a task in itself. Consider this career transition guidance for returning to work and see how it can help you navigate finding the right role:

1. Discover what you really want

List out your needs and wishes—the clearer you are, the easier it is to narrow down the number of job openings and focus on those that match your wants. Start by asking yourself what kind of company and position you’d like. For example, you might be interested in a corporate role with room for growth and higher-level opportunities, or you might desire a low-key role that contributes valuable work without intense demands or additional time.

If you’re unsure, use career self-assessment tools to understand your interests and uncover new skills. Consider asking yourself these questions:

• Would I like to work part-time or full-time?
• What kind of career growth am I seeking?
• What are my financial goals with re-entering the workforce?
• What are my passions, skills, training, education and experience?
• Do I want to find a job, or is there an opportunity to be my boss?
• Am I able to do consulting, contract or freelance work?
• What roles fit with the rest of my schedule and responsibilities?

2. Revise your materials

Updating your resume is a given with any job search. If your employment gap as a stay-at-home parent is long, consider a skills-based resume outline rather than a typical chronological one. Add important causes and accomplishments that call attention to your strengths!

Read More: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/reentering-the-workforce-after-being-a-stay-at-home-parent

Whether this is your first job interview or your hundredth, I can guarantee there’s one question you’ll want to prepare to answer. And that’s the standard “Tell me about yourself” interview question. The good news is, you’re the expert on you! But it’s always a good idea to have a plan for how to answer any question related to “Tell me about yourself.” We’re going to walk through why hiring managers ask you to do this and how you can respond with confidence and clarity…and set yourself up for interview success.

Why Do Interviewers Say, “Tell Me About Yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common job interview questions. But interviewers aren’t listening to your personal elevator pitch because they want to know where you were born, what you do in your free time, and what your Enneagram or Myers-Briggs results are. What they really want to learn is how you present yourself under pressure, if you’ll mesh with the company culture, and a little bit about your background and why you’re interested in this opportunity. Think of this as a chance to practice your sales pitch before the rest of the interview questions start rolling in. Answering “Tell me about yourself” well is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression and get the interview off to a good start.

Other Versions of the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question

When you’re preparing for an interview, keep in mind that interviewers might ask this question in different ways. But even if the question changes, they’re looking for the same information: Are you well spoken? How do your skills match up? Do you have a good understanding of the job? Here are a few ways an interviewer might ask you to share who you are and what you’re all about:

“Walk me through your resumé.”    

“Why do you want to work here?”

“Tell me about your previous experience.”

“What’s your story?”

“What brings you here today?”

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview

Okay, so you’re interviewing for a great job opportunity—or a role that’s one step closer to the career you’d like to have. Now, how do you prepare to answer this question? There are a few things I want you to keep in mind so you’re ready with the best possible answer. Not only will this impress the hiring manager, but it’ll ease any feelings of anxiety and set you up for confidence in the rest of the interview.

1. Keep your answer related to the job.

I know you’re proud of them, but now is not the time to gush over your pets or your son’s recent baseball tournament grand slam! You’ll have time to share your personal interests later in the interview. For now, keep your answer focused on your professional interests and what you appreciate about the company.

Read More: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/tell-me-about-yourself

So, you’ve done your part to find the CRE job you want and land an interview. You’ve networked and connected with the right people to get the job you want. They have your CV. And they want to talk with you.

Now it’s just time to shine.

No sweat. You’ve got this. But before you show up, you need to make sure you’re prepared. Interview prep is often overlooked or minimized. But if you want to stand out, feel at ease, and make a positive impression, proper preparation is crucial.

Below are 10 key interview prep steps you can take to help you get that job. You’ve done so much to get you this far. You’re in the home stretch. Now, just follow these steps to cross that finish line:

Step 1: Research Your Company

Research your prospective employer thoroughly. Know their history, culture, and industry position. Understand their products or services. This knowledge shows your commitment and genuine interest in the company and helps convince them you’re the right hire.

Step 2: Prepare Your Questions

Craft thoughtful, relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your engagement and helps you gain insights into the role and company culture. But don’t plan on discussing salary or pay – those negotiations come later.

Step 3: Get Your Story Straight

Prepare concise, compelling stories, anecdotes, and responses to set yourself up for success. Highlight your skills. Discuss your experiences. Point out your alignment with the job requirements. This helps you present yourself effectively as a good fit during the interview.

Step 4: Practice Common Interview Questions

Rehearse responses to common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This helps you articulate your qualifications and build confidence.

Step 5: Mock Interviews

Go the extra mile. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or career counselor! Receive feedback and refine your interview style.

Step 6: Body Language & Etiquette

Practice strong body language – a firm handshake, eye contact, and attentive listening. These non-verbal cues may need rehearsal, but they help you come off as more natural and relatable, enhancing your professional image during the interview.

Step 7: Dress Appropriately

Choose attire that aligns with the company culture and the role you’re applying for. Especially in the CRE field, professional appearance is crucial for making a strong first impression.

Step 8: Bring Necessary Documents

Part of the best pre-interview strategy is simply to gather, prepare, and organize all essential documents. These likely include your resume, cover letter, references, and identification at a minimum. It goes without saying that being prepared ensures a smooth interview process.

Step 9: Study the Job Description

Thoroughly understand the job description and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences match the role’s requirements. Your knowledge of what the company is actually looking for helps you show them you’re the perfect fit.

Step 10: Follow-Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude and reaffirming your interest in the position. This courteous gesture can leave a positive lasting impression and put you ahead of the competition to get the job.

It’s that simple!

With a little interview prep under your belt, you’ll be more confident in meeting with the hiring team and landing the job you want. And when you connect with them, answering all their questions smoothly and getting the answers you want, the interview will be far more enjoyable, too. Yes, CRE can be a competitive field, but now you’ve got the edge.