Job interviews are tough for most people, and it can feel especially daunting to go on an interview after you’ve taken a break from the workforce. Depending on the length of your career break, and how long you were working before you stepped away, it has probably been a long time since you’ve been the subject of a job interview. The good news is there are specific steps you…
It’s commonly mentioned that the work that women do outside the paid workforce when they’ve taken a pause for caregiving gains them skills and experiences that are valuable in the professional environment as well. But it’s less common to find good advice on how to translate those experiences in a way that recruiters and hiring managers will understand. The better you are able to articulate how your experiences have gained…
In my house, the “Back to School” checklist for fall starts before my kids have even finished the current school year. When I notice the sneakers are worn out, the sweaters have all gotten too small, and that backpack strap has finally given out on us, I know it’s time to start planning for September. And with a fall game plan ready to go in June, I can enjoy the…
One question that I’m frequently asked is “Does anyone read cover letters? And, if not, do I need to bother with one?” The short answers are it depends and yes. Talk to a bunch of recruiters and pretty soon you will hear the same thing: they don’t read cover letters. But you still need one, and it needs to be customized for each job. The reason is simple: A great…
One question we are often asked is how do I write a resume when I haven’t worked, professionally, for years. And it’s tough because most “how to deal with a resume gap” advice is aimed at people who have been out of work for several months, not years. So here’s a high level guide to writing a resume when you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time and…
I was very inspired by a recent Claire Zillman article in Fortune about the mayor of Sonoma, California. Partly, I was inspired because I believe it is good for our civic life when more women – across all sides of the political spectrum – run for and serve in public office. But Rachel Hundley also inspires me because hers is a wonderful reinvention story. And, a story of diving in…
Informational interviews are casual meetings where you scope out potential jobs and learn activities in your industry. Depending on the connection, you may be able to get advice on your career path. The important thing about informational interviews is you’re letting people know you’re on the job market and you’re looking for details to help you in your search. So you’ve scored an informational interview with an amazing person who…
I love January. Despite the cold I find it the most exhilarating month. While I do believe that September is the new January, and that New Year’s resolutions can be tough to keep, January still represents a fresh start. It’s a chance to pull up, review what’s working and refresh your goals. If you’ve set a goal of restarting your career this year, you’ve come to the right place. Of…
Everyone knows that networking is the way to get ahead in the world. Everyone also knows that networking, for most of us, is hard. There is a ton of great advice out there about how to network without networking. It’s worth seeking out. But one tactic that has worked for me is making fabulous introductions. So let’s start with a basic principle: connecting begets connections. When you connect two people for…
The internet revolution has been a boon for moms in so many ways. We can use a variety of platforms to connect with each other across states and time zones and also find other moms right around the corner. The internet has also made working from home possible in a whole new way. And for those looking to restart their careers it is now possible to launch a full-fledged job…
