The Return to Work Tool Kit

If you’re thinking of going back to work, this is an ongoing resource to help you make the decision, prepare, and find the perfect job fit.

1. Making the Decision

- Check out this post on Forbes.com, which highlights key advice from the return-to-work experts iRelaunch.com (this group holds conferences for women interested in going back to work after a hiatus). The post discusses asking yourself if you are really ready, building up your confidence, and more.

2. Updating your Resume

Resumes have changed since you worked. Trust us. Read our Resume Tips section for the latest on trends in resumes, and suggestions on making yours look great.

- Be sure to consider if the job you are interested in wants to see a resume at all (that’s right, some companies are moving away from resumes entirely).

- Ask a friend in the working world to send you a copy of her resume, or better yet, a copy of a resume of someone recently hired. You can also browse and download the resume templates in Google Docs and pick one that fits your industry best.

- Write a short synopsis of your skills. This is a good way to tell a lot about yourself in a small amount of space. Here’s mine from when I was working for WSJDN:

“Dynamic video journalist with broad expertise in business and financial news. Proven on-screen talent in live online video and television formats; adept at deadline reporting and long-form story-telling. Extensive experience in video production, including producing, reporting, writing, shooting and editing video. Accustomed to working with senior executives, personalities and industry leaders. Skilled writer across traditional and new media formats.”

- Ask a friend or your partner/spouse to review whatever you write. Everyone needs an editor.

- Hire a professional resume writer. This might cost a few hundred dollars but is totally worth it if it brings your resume into the modern world, helps you emphasize your skills, and helps you get a job.

- Here’s a good Forbes post on writing a cover letter.

4. Develop or clean up your online presence. It’s key to getting a job these days.

5. Know the online trends. Are you familiar with Tumblr? Pinterest? One Kings Lane?

6. Stay on top of the latest flex trends if this is important to you.

7. Consider a Returnship, and browse the Returnship job listings on our site.

8. Thinking about a career change? Browser our Career Search section for the latest on job trends and interesting ideas for how to find a career you will like.

9. Get inspired by other moms who have made the transition back to work, and how they manage their time as working moms.

We’ll add more resources as we find them!

**Help us grow into your community! Give a job, get a job. If you see links to job posts you know are well-suited for another working mom, simply paste the link here and we’ll load it to the site. This is how and where smart moms truly help each other find flexible careers.