Whether
you’ve experienced an absence from the workforce due to unemployment, starting
a family or caring for a relative, overcoming bias is a challenge. Below are a few tips on how you can reenter
the workforce in the most effective and expeditious manner;
1. Update your skills
immediately. Don’t wait until after
beginning your job search to update your skills. If you know you plan to
reenter the workforce, begin taking a class, volunteering or getting a contract
job while you’re still unemployed.
Employers want to see that your skills and experience aren’t outdated.
2. Tweak your resume format but
address work history gaps. While it’s
okay to use a functional resume format to emphasize your work experience, it’s
not okay to hide any work history gap especially if it’s a year or longer. Instead, give a simple and undramatic
explanation for any gaps in employment. But use caution when divulging private
information. It’s okay to say, “I was pursuing another degree,” if you were
taking courses while unemployed. But saying “I was extremely ill,” is probably
not a good idea if you were facing health challenges. Instead you might say, “I took a work hiatus
to get some necessary rest and relaxation.”
3. Research how the job market and
industry has changed since you were last employed. If you have colleagues working at the types
of firms you’re interested in, ask them about the work environment and the
expectations employers have for new hires.