Returning to work after a divorce can be both challenging and exciting. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a few years, your options include resuming your former role, considering a change in career or starting your own business. To help my clients, I asked Janet Falk, Ph.D., a Public Relations and Marketing Communications professional who has made several career shifts, for her best tips.
Focus on the three C’s -- Content, Credential and Connections -- to re-establish your credibility and authority as a valuable employee or professional. Below are several tips to help you move forward.
- Update Your Skills and Knowledge
Staying current in your field is crucial.
- Read industry newsletters and publications from the past six months
- Review recent industry conference topics and presentations
- Enroll in in-person or online courses or workshops to refresh your skills. Many vendors to the industry offer webinars that have been recorded and are available on their websites
- Consider obtaining new certifications relevant to your field
- Rebuild Your Professional Identity
Establishing your credibility is key to a successful return.
- Renew any lapsed professional licenses
- Create or update your LinkedIn profile
- Develop a portfolio of past successes and case studies. You may name the client or employer if you have permission, or refer to a generic business, like a global pharmaceutical company
- Co-author articles with active professionals in your field for publication in industry newsletters
- Publish content on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise
- Expand Your Network
Many job seekers find networking is highly effective. Informal conversations yield more opportunities than recruiters or advertisements.
- Reconnect with former colleagues and industry contacts
- Join professional associations and attend industry events
- Reach out to college alumni groups
- Schedule 15-minute conversations (informational interviews) to learn about current trends and confirm what may be required to re-enter the industry
- Ask for introductions to other professionals in the field
- Address Employment Gaps
Be prepared to discuss any gaps in your employment history.
- Focus on the skills you've developed during your time away from work
- Highlight any consulting or freelance projects you've undertaken in the interim as well as relevant volunteer work
- Emphasize your readiness to return to work
- Consider Your Options
Your career transition after divorce may present an opportunity for change.
- Evaluate whether you want to return to your previous career or explore new paths
- Seek consulting or freelance opportunities in your field; tell your network you are available for projects, as well as a full-time (or part-time) position
- Think about starting your own business, if that aligns with your goals and skills
- Update Your Personal Brand
Present yourself as a confident and capable professional.
- Refresh your resume, emphasizing your most relevant skills and experiences
- Practice your elevator pitch of 30 seconds to succinctly explain your background and goals
- Update your wardrobe and hairstyle, consistent with the position you seek
- Seek Support
Tap your resources and ask others for support during this transition.
- Consult a representative of the local government agency that provides employment services
- Find a mentor at SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) for guidance on starting a business
- Consider working with a career coach to refine your job search strategy
- Join groups for divorced professionals; team up with others who are also returning to work
- Rely on family and friends for emotional support and encouragement, and to help you network
- Embrace Technology
Stay current with technological advancements in your field.
- Familiarize yourself with industry-specific software and tools through classes at a community college and online courses
- Improve your digital literacy skills, if needed
- Leverage online platforms for networking and job search
- Stay Positive and Be Persistent
Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial during this transition period.
- Focus on your strengths and the value you bring to potential employers
- View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures
- Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated
When you implement these tips during your return to the workforce, you will show that you are up to date on issues and trends in the industry, namely content. Plus, you have the required experience, via your license or certificate, complemented by your articles as your credential. Your connections will assist you in getting up to speed and meeting others, as well as securing your next professional opportunity. You have much to give and there are employers who are looking for accomplished people like you.
Janet Falk, Ph.D., is a Public Relations and Marketing Communications professional with more than 30 years’ experience. As Chief Strategist of Falk Communications and Research (www.JanetLFalk.com), she advises executives and business owners on their networking activity and LinkedIn profiles; she also helps them write and publish articles in business and industry newsletters. Contact her at Janet@JanetLFalk.com or 212-677-5770.
