The Getting Back-to-BusinessChecklist
Tips if you're looking to go from homemaker to moneymaker:
Give yourself at least six months before your desired start date. Take time to review your goals and decide on a feasible plan of action. If your new career requires additional education, then begin even earlier.
Take a look at job descriptions you're interested in and make a checklist of the skills and talents they require. If you have weak spots you may want to consider taking a class at your local community college. If you don't have time to attend a seminar or class (or if money is an issue) another option is to browse and/or ask questions on LinkedIn Answers so you can get the info you need quickly about a myriad of business and professionally related topics.
Read trade publications online and review the changes that are occurring in your industry. Staying on top of current trends and newsworthy events can often make or break an interview.
Make sure your resume reflects the changing times. Eliminate any terms that may have become obsolete. Use power keywords, words of action and words that show accomplishment and achievement - as opposed to words that merely describe what your previous role was. Your LinkedIn profile is like a living breathing resume so ask friends and old co-workers to leave recommendations for you on your profile. That way potential employers can see them. Make sure that you ask references to comment on specific traits that highlight what a perfect fit you are for your new career and remember to thank them afterwards.
Sign on to LinkedIn and do a search for people that already have your dream job title. What positions did they hold beforehand? How long were they in their previous role? Information like this can be a valuable bargaining chip when it comes time to negotiate your salary. Also do search for your desired employer's Company Profile on LinkedIn. Company Profiles show career paths for people before/after they joined a company, recent promotions/changes, most popular profiles and other stats that will help you understand any potential employer (and its competitors) better.
Grab a cocktail with friends who are working and mingle with their co-workers. Have coffee with your old boss. If you've moved to a new location, use LinkedIn to do a search for people that live in your new hometown and work in your desired industry. Offer to take them to lunch near their office so you can ask them about their position, likes/dislikes and other firms in the area. Your friend's co-workers may not work in your desired industry. but they might know someone who is. An old boss may know of potential openings that aren't listed on job sites. New acquaintances help you expand your network giving you a broader reach into the job market. Use the networks of your friends and family since they are your best advocates.
Never underestimate the power that your favorite pair of shoes or a good power suit can wield. The image you portray is part of how you market yourself to a potential employer. This doesn't mean you need to run out and buy a new wardrobe. Just make sure you wear something that that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. You'll be a much happier interviewee if you're comfortable and focused on the interview rather than a piece of ill-fitting attire. Before your interview, check and see if the person who's interviewing you is on LinkedIn. If they are, check for common acquaintances. Having a mutual friend or old co-worker is a great icebreaker and an awesome way to get your foot in the door. It's also worth taking a look at the schools they've attended and what cities they've lived in since that may be another commonality.
A number of communities offer resources for people returning to the workforce. If you think you may be lacking marketable skills, haven't been working for five years or more or have never held a paying job, check with your state's department of labor office. The Internet also offers a plethora of blogs, columns and publications that are geared toward helping you jump start your career so do a search for those as well.
**All tips courtesy of LinkedIn
>> Website: www.linkedin.com
