Tips on entering the workforce after a parental leave!
1. Assess what you want in this stage of your career
The transition from full-time caregiver to full-time employee can be jarring and overwhelming. If you were previously part of the work-force, remember it will be different now as you are still a parent and have different demands on your time and attention then when you were previously a part of the paid workforce.
- Consider your schedule
There are options to apply for part-time or remote work if you want to ease back into the workforce. Take time to plan out what are non-negotiables before you start your job search. - Learn with other parents via Access & Success
This department focuses on resources for pregnant and parenting students and hosts regular support meetings for you to discuss any topic with people in similar situations. - Reflect on the skills you have developed
Remember that many parents go through this process after various lengths of parental leave and that you have continued to develop relevant skills that will make you a valuable professional.
Design Your Career
For reflective exercises to help you generate ideas about what you want in your career at this stage, check out resources from the Stanford School of Engineering:
- A free, asynchronous course called “Designing Your Career” OR
- Books and workbooks on how to “Design Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
2. Research real positions
Before you’re ready to start applying for jobs, it’s good to still start researching open positions and networking with professionals who have positions that you are curious about. This research will help you narrow down what jobs may be a good fit.
- Labor Market Tool
If you are not sure what job titles to search, you can search by industry on this site from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that compiles information about jobs across the United States. Each page will give you examples of typical tasks, average pay (by zipcode), AND examples of job titles that you can search on job boards to find real postings. - Job postings via job boards
Find a couple of job boards that you can check regularly and then collect notes on skills that are listed the most often in job postings that appeal to you. Consider if you already feel confident in these skills; if not, make a plan for how you can continue building these relevant skills in class or through your current work. - Network via LinkedIn or events with employers
Search for alumni with the degree that you are pursuing, people in your existing personal and professional network, and/or professionals who work at organizations that appeal to you and review their career paths. Again take note of any skills that are frequently listed. You can also reach out and ask to schedule an informational interview so you can chat and learn more about how they got to their current position, and what steps they’d recommend.
3. Prepare to explain your extended leave from the paid workforce
- Resume
Briefly acknowledge your parental leave on your resume. If you have been out of the workforce for a considerable amount of time, consider a skills-based format over the traditional chronological-format. For examples and a template, check out resources from The Mom Project that is linked as a resource below. Remember to emphasize transferable skills, career competencies, and keywords that match the job postings. - Cover Letter
In the first paragraph, address the fact that you are entering the workforce after a parental leave and why you are ready for that transition. In the middle 1-2 paragraphs, answer why you are qualified and make connections between your transferable skills and what is listed as requirements in their job description. Finally, end by thanking the employer for their consideration and answering why they should hire you over another qualified candidate! - Interview
When asked about employment gaps, be honest and have a brief elevator pitch prepared to describe why you are ready now to move from your chapter as full-time caregiver into the organization’s position. Emphasize your transferable skills from your new degree and your previous work experiences.
*Quick legal note – Prospective employers asking about your family life is complicated as they can ask if they already know you have children; however, it is discriminatory if they only ask these questions of people with uteruses. Here are some ideas about how to handle inappropriate interview questions. - Offer Negotiation
Research average pay in the industry and compare benefits between job descriptions. Prepare to articulate why you qualify for a certain salary range or benefits.
4. Test it out!
Before diving into a completely new routine, and possibly a new industry, we recommend trying out opportunities in a small way to make the best decision about a good fit.
Entering the workforce as a parent is challenging, especially if it involves a potential move, salary impact, or otherwise affects additional people in your life. Getting one foot in the door and testing out a new type of work will hopefully help you feel more confident in the ultimate transition. Throughout the process, make sure to give yourself credit for all the previous experiences you’ve had and the skills that you’ve developed as a parent, student, and worker which have prepared you for this next chapter – your confidence is key in communicating how you are qualified to potential employers. If you would like support in launching into the workforce, please schedule an appointment with our Career Development office!
