The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job After a Baby

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By George Anderssen

If you have recently had a baby, then there is nothing wrong with taking some time off to bond with your child. The reality is that newborn babies need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours for the first couple of months of their lives. As a result, this makes it nearly impossible for someone who is breastfeeding to return to work. Nevertheless, there is going to come a time when many parents are going to want to get back to the career grind. At the same time, they might be starting from Square One. The good news is that there are ways for people to resume their careers or start a new one after having a baby. They simply need to know where to start. That is where this ultimate guide can help.

Assess Your Priorities

Before you start sending out applications, you need to assess your priorities and figure out what you expect from your job. This is because the job you work before having a baby might not be the right career for you right now. For example, if you used to work a ton of overtime hours, you might not want to do this with children. If you used to work the night shift, this might not work for your child care obligations as well. If you had a job that required a lot of travel, you might end up missing one of the most important moments in the lives of your children. You may not want to do this either.

Therefore, you need to figure out what you want from a job before you start sending out stacks of applications and resumes. If you are thinking about changing fields, then you may want to work with a career consultant. This will help you assess your priorities.

Learn More About Your Target Field

Once you have a good idea for the hours and type of job do you want to work, you need to research that field. Figure out what your options are. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Instead, aim for several choices that might meet your needs.

For example, if you used to work in the high-powered world of executive finance, then you might be looking for a similar position with a smaller company that will help you strike a better work-life balance. Now, there are lots of companies that are offering flexible positions and work-from-home opportunities. These could be more attractive to you.

Plan Your Job Hunt Meticulously

Once you have identified a few opportunities, you need to make a plan and stick with it. List a few specific goals that you were going to have for your job hunt. Then, try to come up with a calendar. Have some deadlines and place and hold yourself accountable. It is a good idea to set up profiles on a few job search sites such as LinkedIn. Then, refresh your knowledge of the industry and make sure that you are able to put your best foot forward when you receive interview offers.

Keep in mind that technology has changed significantly as well. You may want to brush up on some of the new tools in your field so that you can make sure you are ready to go once you get a job offer. You may even want to create a home routine that is going to mimic your potential work hours. Of course, during this time, you also need to make sure that you have a plan for your child care. This could include your spouse, a relative, or even a daycare.

The First Impression Counts

If you have been out of the working world for several months, or even a year, then you need to make sure that you make a solid first impression. You might also be worried about the gaps that are present in your resume. In this situation, it is a good idea to work with a recruitment specialist. You need to make sure that you address gaps in your employment in your cover letter and a specialist can help you do this. You need to make sure that you make a statement that simply specifies you were taking time off to take care of your children. Most employers are going to understand this.

It is also a good idea to set up some practice interviews. If you haven’t had an interview in a while, and you need to be prepared for the questions they are going to ask. Be sure to highlight items during the interview on your resume that you believe warrant more attention. This will help you make the best first impression possible.

Elbow Bump

Finally, remember that a job opportunity can come from a variety of locations. In many cases, networking can help you land a perfect job. Therefore, try to get out there and bump some elbows . Make sure that you keep in touch with your former co-workers and try to develop a new network of people around you who you might meet as a parent. Try to attend social events, school functions, and more and see what is available. Ask other people about their professional backgrounds and see if they have any connections in your chosen field of expertise. This will help you uncover new opportunities that you might otherwise have overlooked.

Return To Work as a Parent

These are a few of the most important tips that you should keep in mind if you are trying to return to the working world after having a baby. Sure, there are going to be lots of new challenges that come with trying to work while taking care of children. At the same time, these are also exciting opportunities for you to find fulfillment in multiple areas of your life. It is possible to return to work as a parent. Remember that you do not have to go through this alone. Lien on your support structure and do not sell yourself short.

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