There are a variety of reasons you need to leave the workforce. You can be gone for a short time or longer. It merely depends on the cause for leaving.
Some circumstances include pregnancy leave, illness, or vacation. No matter the reason, at some point, you will need to eventually renter the workforce, but that is easier said than done.
The longer you are away from completing daily work tasks, the more challenging it will be to get back into the swing of things.
While away, your routine changes, including sleeping schedules and the duties you need to complete. This is especially true if you have a newborn or were healing from a sickness.
Getting back to some kind of normalcy at work does require knowing how to re-enter the workforce.
4 Tips to Successfully Re-enter the Workforce
After a hospital stay or holiday cruise, things are not the same as they were when you left the workforce. But that does not necessarily mean it is a bad thing. After all, you, too, have changed while you were away.
Here are several useful tips to help you get back into the workforce. Whether your absence was long or short-term, or you are looking to apply for a new job or going back to an old one, these tips are sure to help.
Tips for a New Job or Previous Workplace
1. Regulate Your Bedtime Routine
One of the biggest things many of us are guilty of is pushing the boundaries of our bedtime. Of course, this depends on the reason for leaving the workforce, but if we can, we will want to stay up late and sleep in. This is no longer only left only for weekends, either.
This makes many feel like a rebel, especially after 5 or 10 plus years working the same job and following a sleep routine to the tee. But the minute you feel some sense of freedom, that routine goes out the window.
It is advisable not to do this as you will need to re-enter the workforce. Thus, this will make it a harder transition. With that said, many want to experience late-night TV binging and what it is like to wake up at noon. It is understandable.
But, keep in mind, when it comes time to go back to your previous job or to find a new one, you will need to give yourself enough time to regulate your bedtime routine.
Get a comfortable mattress and back into the rhythm of early nights and mornings. The sooner, the better.
Once again, to avoid the feeling of sleep deprivation and all-day tiredness, make sleep a priority. When you are ready to re-enter the workforce, you will be wide awake and ready to work.
2. Explain the Blanks in Your Work Experience
If you are starting a new job at a new office or a new position at your old workplace, the hiring staff will want to know more about the gaps in your resume.
Although in some cases, your information may be on file, managers want to hear more from the perspective or previous employee. Prepare to answer questions about your time away from the workforce, as well as to express your eagerness to return.
There are several things you can do to get ready to re-enter the workforce, including doing mock interviews with friends or family.
If you have been away from a current job that you plan on returning to or if your last job search has been a while, or research typical job interview questions and develop your answers.
Here are a few interview questions you may be asked.
Let’s start with a new job interview questions:
- What kind of position are you looking for?
- What qualifies you to fulfill this position?
- Why do you want to work at our company?
- There is a gap in your work experience, can you elaborate as to why?
- What do you consider your most reliable and most mediocre qualities?
Here are some questions you may be asked when returning to a previous position or after returning from an absence where you are expecting a promotion:
- What are you most passionate about in your job?
- Are you familiar with all (if any) changes in policies and procedures during your absence?
- What is the single biggest challenge you feel you might face since being away?
- How can we help with the transition or adjustment while you re-enter your position?
- What new skills or qualifications (if any) have you gained during your time away?
- Do you feel comfortable taking on old and new duties?
If you were able to gain critical new qualities or education during your absence from the workforce, make sure to emphasize on these new developments.
To avoid blank spots or gaps in job experience, consider doing volunteer work. This is well received by potential and previous employees. There is much to gain from helping others through volunteering.
3. Create an Elevator Pitch
Also, consider preparing an “elevator pitch” that allows you to put a positive spin on your work absence. We all need to take time off, but many hiring managers want an explanation as to why.
Your absence does not have to be viewed or portrayed as a negative part of your life, whether if it was a difficult time or not. It all comes down to focusing on the right information.
Example:
Your pitch could say something like:
“I’m an accomplished business professional with nine years of experience in management and is a recipient of several work-related awards. I chose to take the last several years off to raise my kids (or travel, have another baby, or to take care of a sick relative). Today, I am eagerly looking forward to rejoining the workforce.”
Continue with a brief statement of previous job accomplishments and the type of position you are looking for now. Have the “elevator pitch” sound polished and not rehearsed.
Share your information while remaining professional and on top of your game.
4. Become Familiar with Any Changes
It would not be a surprise if changes to policies and procedures happen while away from the workforce. Upon returning to a previous position or if you are starting a new one, researching in either case is vital.
Depending on your particular circumstance, you may want to check the company’s website, mission statement, policies, and any additional information often added to the site.
If you receive documentation from the company, carefully read it over and write down any questions that may come from it.
Also, research your employee rights via Google searches and your state’s employment websites.
Conclusion
You want to feel well-rested, motivated, and enthusiastic to get back into the workforce. Although a transition will occur, the more prepared you are for it, the less challenging it will be.
