Reinventing Yourself for Re-entry

The Career Resource Center welcomed Amy Ratnow and Ruth Joseph from ALR Connections at our first Lunch and Learn program speaking on “How to Reinvent Yourself for Re-Entry”. Amy and Ruth presented a guideline to prepare for a career change or re-entry into the job market, based on their own experience as well as the experience of their many clients.

Amy and Ruth offered a step-by-step guide to approaching a career change or re-entry. Amy and Ruth’s suggestions are excerpted below:

Step One: Self-Reflection

The start of your search for a new career or re-entry into the work force is a unique time to reflect and review not only your skills but your interests, values, and personal mission. Thoughts to consider:

• How would you define your dream job?
• What do you enjoy most?
• Do you enjoy working with people, projects, or things?  Are you outgoing or Introverted?
• What do you value in a job: flexibility, growth potential, independence, money, benefits?
• Do you want full time/part-time/remote/in office/hybrid?
• What are your ‘must-haves’ or ‘want-to-haves’ in a job?
• What are your skills? Keep notes on your achievements or accomplishments from your past as well as your current activities.

Step Two: Research

Once you have an idea of what you want, what you like, and what skills you have, it is time to do a little research on where you might fit in the working world.  Some research tactics include:

Search Engine Job Search:  

• Using Indeed, LinkedIn and other job boards, search for jobs by skills, title or industry.  
• Notice if you seem drawn to the same type of jobs.  Make note of these jobs.
• Review the skills and experience required for these jobs. Which skills do you have, and which can you get or upgrade through online or other courses.
• Online research for companies, industries and job openings.
•  Informational interviews: talk to people you know about their jobs and areas that might interest you.

Step Three: Presentation

The next step is all-important: how to present your skills and accomplishments in a way that shows what you can do for the company.  

• Your resume and objective statement should include experiences that demonstrate your skills.  Experience does not have to be only paid work.  Volunteer and pro bono experience can indicate expertise and skill sets.
• Your cover letter and resume must focus on what you bring to the company and to the role and ‘what’s in it for them’. You don’t have to include everything you have done on your resume, only those things that are applicable to the skills of the job.

Step Four: Networking

Through networking, you can find champions that will support your candidacy as well as provide vital information to understand the needs of the job and the company so you can better present how you can meet these needs- and land the job. In-person networking is starting to open up again. But there are still plenty of opportunities for virtual networking through groups, friends, and contacts.

Final tip: Line up your allies! And Be Patient!

You may find champions for your candidacy in a company through networking. You may find coaches or placement agents or others that may help. CRC Advisors are always here to help! And be patient in your search: finding the right role and right career step for you may take time.

Written by Nancy Frohman, CRC Executive Director