If you have been out of the workforce for a time but are now ready to make a comeback, take heart – there are many effective ways to re-enter the workforce with minimal stress and difficulty. By investing some effort and planning your return to work, you could be enjoying an exciting new position much sooner than you ever thought possible.

1. Be Prepared

Before you rush into your return, think carefully about what you want to do. Consider whether you want to return to work you have previously done or whether it would be better for you to do something completely new. It’s wise to speak to as many people as possible, undertake some research online, and list the options that have most appeal for you. Prepare an inventory of your skills, interests, strengths, and the areas you would like to develop.

An important part of being prepared for work is knowing whether you need to update your skills or possibly acquire new ones. Investigate the training and education options available; there is value in enhancing your career prospects through a course provided by a quality provider such as Careers Australia. In any case, connecting with a quality education and training organisation can help you appreciate the opportunities available and how your career may be enhanced through new or refined skills and experiences.

2. Have a Job Search Strategy

You should ensure that your resume is updated and impressive. While you may have a range of qualifications, experiences and achievements to list, it’s important to keep your resume succinct. Although there is a massive variety of roles across a range of industries available, there is no benefit in recklessly sending your resume to everyone you can think of. Instead, there is far more value to be gained from taking a selective and strategic approach and ensuring that a cover letter is included. If you email your resume, follow this up with a phone call and make good use of your networks to learn about positions that are not advertised and to let people know that you are available and interested in particular job openings.

3. Be Open

While you may have particular expectations about your return to the workforce, it’s advisable to adopt an open mindset and be willing to learn from the opportunities that present themselves to you. Use constructive feedback to your advantage, be persistent, keep the faith, and always be enthusiastic and optimistic. With the right attitude, more possibilities and opportunities will present themselves than you otherwise believed possible.

If you have been out of the workforce for a period of time, there is a good chance that your level of confidence in returning to work is shaken. However, you have probably acquired a valuable range of skills and experiences in your time away and, with some thoughtful planning, a strategic approach and the right attitude, there is every chance that you will secure a fulfilling and enjoyable new role before you know it.

Do you have some tips of your own for returning to the workforce? Share them with other readers in the comments below.