The，Options，and，Benefits，of，Returning，to，Work

　　Returning to the workplace after a period of absence can be both exciting and daunting. The choices are huge. To work full-time or part-time? In paid employment or the voluntary sector? In a familiar field or in pastures new? To retrain, or not? The decisions are yours.

These ideas□- taken from 107 Winning Ideas on Returning to Work, the first pamphlet in the Juggling Woman series□- are designed to guide you towards making the right choice, and to help you decide what will make you a balanced and happy individual. www.zhlzw.com

Think about what you want to achieve and what you are willing to give up. Commitments at home can be reorganised so that you can work if you want to. But, even if your requirements are largely financial, don't rush things.

１、Weigh up your commitments (to children, parents, partner, other activities and hobbies). How can you make a job fit in too? Something may have to go.

２、Talk about your plans with those nearest to you (partner/dependents). Don't spring this career or lifestyle change on them like a bolt from the blue. Communication is crucial.

３、Assess what a career move might mean: moving house? moving to a different area? returning to your roots? leaving friends behind? Would you be able to manage such changes, if necessary?

４、Consider your domestic responsibilities and your financial needs, and the sacrifices you may need to make. Be realistic in your aspirations.

５、Work out how many hours per day/week it is practical for you to work. You can probably negotiate to work more hours, but it might be more difficult to work fewer hours.

６、Think of your job or course of study as entirely yours□- not something you are doing for other people. If you get it right it will be a great boost to your self-esteem and confidence.

７、When you are pleased with the job you are doing, your all-round performance and contribution to life at home and at work will improve.

８、You may be going to work largely for financial reasons, but it is also your 'outside interest'□- make sure it's one you will enjoy.

９、Any financial contribution you make to the home will please everyone□- most of all you.

１０、You are likely to feel more 'connected' to a new community: finding a job helps you make friends, especially after a house move.

１１、A job helps prevent "empty nest" syndrome later on, especially if you return to work whilst children are still at school.

Writing Your CV (Resume)/Job Application

Your CV is the first sight your future employer will have of you. Spend time making it stand out from the crowd.

１、Remember if you have been a housewife for a while, you have also been a worker. Don't put "I have been out of work for ___ years," because you have not.

２、Apply for a job regardless of whether you have all the qualifications stated in the advertisement. With a bit of training, you could do the job anyway.

３、Be proud of your achievements; state them positively and concisely without bragging.

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４、Organise the CV around your skills and experience, with the most recent experience first.

５、Target your CV to the job you are applying for, and emphasise your related skills.

６、Adjust your CV each time you apply for a job□- no two organisations will want exactly the same thing.

７、Try to keep the CV to a maximum length of two pages. www.zhlzw.com

８、Send a covering letter to introduce yourself and state your objective clearly. If your CV is not being sent as a direct response to an advertisement, your letter will have to make even more impact.

９、Take copies of all letters, applications, and Cvs before you send them off.

１０、Analyse what you have done, if you have been away from the workplace (having babies, caring for relatives), and translate these home experiences into skills you have learned. Being treasurer of the school's PTA; fund-raising; helping to run the local fête; driving the community care bus; all show skills in organisation, financial planning, leadership, and marketing.

１１、Use words to which an employer can relate□- skills, accountability, consolidated, controlled.

１２、Type the letter on good quality paper and handwrite a PS, to add a personal touch.

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