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Re-Entering the Workforce
The only constant in the world is change! The same is true for the job market. Every day people decide to reenter the job market and those who do need to prepare themselves for the changes that will take place in their lives. People who have been out of paid employment for some time should follow some of the same guidelines as First Time Job Seekers. Here are some simple rules to follow.
Find out who you are and what skills you can offer
Many housewives (and househusbands for that matter) say, "I don't have any work skills. I've only been a housewife and mother." What these people fail to see is that they have acquired many skills including, nurse, psychologist, cook, housekeeper, teacher, and accountant to name just a few. Like the First Time Job Seeker, ask yourself what you like to do and what jobs might fit your skills, hobbies, and interests. In addition, schedule an appointment to discuss your employment goals and needs with a Case Manager at the Wood County Employment Resource Center. This person can assess your needs and possibly schedule skills assessment tests to determine your employable skills.
Get ready to advertise yourself on paper
As other job seekers learned, once you determine your skills it is time to advertise your abilities to employers. One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this task is to create a resume that can be distributed to employers. You may have never used a resume before, but more employers today are requesting resumes from job seekers. A resume is a brief type written page highlighting your education, work skills, work experience (including volunteer work and homemaker responsibilities), and accomplishments. For your convenience, a resume writer is available on this web site. The resume writer will guide you through the entire process of creating a resume, even if you have never written a resume before in your life.
Prepare for the interview
You have been invited into the interviewer's office for an interview. Don't panic! It's natural to be a little nervous but you will be more at ease if you prepared ahead of time. Try to anticipate the types of questions the interviewer may ask and have answers prepared. Most likely the interviewer will want to know why you want to reenter the employment market, what you have been doing up till now, and what skills you have to offer. The interviewer knows that you may not have all the skills necessary to handle the job. However, it's important to let the interviewer know that you are eager and willing to learn. Those traits mean a lot during an interview. In fact, many interviewers state they desire candidates who show a good attitude and work ethics rather than actual work skills. You see, employers can teach work skills but not a good attitude and work ethics. Carefully listen to all of the interviewers questions and answer them honestly and directly without rambling and you will do fine during the interview.
Send an After Interview Letter
Always send the interviewer an After Interview Letter. This item is often overlooked by many job seekers and therefore could give you an advantage if you send one. For your convenience, an After Interview Letter outline and sample are available on this web site.
Many displaced homemakers who are reentering the job market are considered to be Dislocated Workers and eligible for a variety of services through the Workforce Investment Act. You may either apply on-line at this web site or contact the Wood County Employment Resource Center to schedule an appointment so we can discuss how we might be able to help you. There are three levels of services that are potentially available to you at no cost:
Core Services:
All persons reentering the job market have access to core services at the Wood County Employment Resource Center. Core services include information and assistance in obtaining such things as:
- Job Search assistance
- Access to the Computer Lab to search jobs on-line
- Access to the Resource Room and employment resource materials
- Access to Job Search video tapes and training materials
- Job referrals
- Listings of job openings
- Resume assistance
Intensive Services:
If the core services do not produce results, you may be eligible for intensive services for one-on-one assistance, group career workshops, and other assistance such as:
- Assessments of your skills and abilities
- Counseling services
- Career planning
- One-on-One job counseling
Training Services:
Training services, like those listed below may be available to help you get a good job. If you qualify, you will have access to a broad range of training services. The Wood County Employment Resource Center Case Managers will assist you to obtain available training services including:
- Occupational Skills Training
- Vocational Training
- College Training
- Skills Upgrades
- GED Preparation
- English as a Second Language
- Math and Reading Training
For your convenience we are providing the following links to other web sites for persons reentering the job market:
Tips and ideas for persons reentering the job market.
http://www.fiftysomethingjobs.com/reenter.html
Advise for women seeking to reenter the workforce.
http://www.msmoney.com
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