either: Prove your commitment
Employers want employees who are passionate about the line of work they are hiring for. Ways to show your commitment include joining professional associations or LinkedIn groups, updating your knowledge and contacts in the profession or industry, and targeting your resume and online profiles specifically to your target audience. All of these will build your resume and your LinkedIn profile.
Two: Fill your skill gaps
If posts list skills you don't have, there are ways to acquire them: classes, tutorials, or independent study. Complete a project that you can show as a work model. Consider earning a certificate or degree. There are many areas in life where being frugal is smart, but investing in your life is usually not one of them.
Three: Embrace LinkedIn
Not having a positive online presence can give the impression that you are not serious about your career.
Whether you're looking for a job or exploring your options, a good LinkedIn profile can build your credibility, facilitate networking, and serve as free advertising as you “sell yourself” in the job market. If you have privacy concerns, check out Settings: You can control what people see and who can contact you.
If you are unemployed, there is an honest and strategic way to use the “current job” status in the experience section. Read my post, How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile While Unemployed
Above all, don't underestimate the power of LinkedIn recommendations (not to be confused with endorsements, a separate and less powerful LinkedIn feature that only requires one click). Above all request them from past employers, your past teammates, internal and external clients and people who reported to you.
If LinkedIn seems useless to you, chances are you need it Learn more about it.
Four: Make sure you have the best quality career marketing tools and skills.
Re-entering the job market is a tough job that calls for good tools. You need a resume that is online and communicates quickly and reliably.
Since there are long gaps in your resume, you can't do anything half-heartedly or half-heartedly. Do it with the help of a high-quality resume writer (expect to pay $400-$1,000+ depending on your career, experience, and position) or a good, up-to-date resume and a professional editor/proofreader (less than $10 per page).
Really important to know How to network. Applying for jobs online works well for people who are currently doing the same type of work they are looking for, but not you. If you've left the workforce, effective networking is essential.
You should also understand How to Effectively Sell Your Skills in an Interview Don't wait until the recruiter is on the phone to think about interview practice – or worse, fail the interview. Why didn't it go right the first time?
Five: Get current experience.
Last, but certainly not least: Lack of current or recent experience is often the primary reason employers hire a returning worker for full-time permanent employment. It may be easier to start in a temporary or contract position. Although this requires months of commitment, it's usually worth it to brush up on your skills and put new dates on your resume. In the meantime, don't stop hunting for your next opportunity.
Consider an internship-like role for “returning” experienced workers returning to the workforce, especially for new industry entrants. A growing number of companies are offering this type of experience.
What about volunteering? While it won't fatten your wallet, it can build your experience and fill that empty space at the top of your resume, and you need it. You can include it in the same section as your previous work, as long as you head the section with “Experience” instead of “Professional Experience.” Look for skill-based volunteer opportunities Be as closely related to your career goals as possible.
Work hard and act smart.
If you've been out of work for a while, I think you know a thing or two about overcoming adversity. No one said rejoining the workforce was easy or that it wasn't a lot of work. Make it your job to do all of the above, and before long employers will find you ready to get back in the game and help their company win. (This post was published and updated in 2022.)