7 Ways To Quickly Get Back Into The Workforce After Having A Baby

Returning to work after having a baby can be a difficult transition for many mothers, especially after a prolonged absence. For some mothers, it can be hard to change their mindset from full-time motherhood to full-time employment.

To navigate this transition more flexibly, some mothers may find the transition easier by exploring opportunities that allow for a more flexible work-life balance. One practical solution is to apply for remote part-time evening jobs or look for remote night shift openings. This type of work-from-home employment can give mothers the time they need to care for their infants during the day.

In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to explore seven effective ways for mothers to re-enter the workforce quickly and confidently after having a baby.

1. Update Your CV

The journey back into the workplace after a lengthy absence begins by updating your CV. The key aspects:

Use a functional resume format that will allow you to focus on your skills and achievements rather than a chronological timeline.
Address your employment gap positively. Be transparent about the reason for your career absence.
List your skills, experience, and career goals going forward.
Emphasise your positive skills. For example, skills such as communication, project management, problem-solving, etc.
Provide detailed information about your previous work experience. Mention achievements, responsibilities, and contributions.
Include any relevant training, workshops, or certifications you may have obtained during your absence.
Highlight any new technologies, tools, or software you are proficient in or have learned during your time away.
Get recommendations or testimonials from former colleagues or supervisors.
Customise your CV for each job application.
If you have a LinkedIn profile, make sure that it is up to date as many employers check social media profiles.

2. Networking

Attend industry-specific events, join online forums, and reconnect with former colleagues to get back in the swing of things.

3. Flexible Work Options

As mentioned above, it might be a good idea to explore jobs that offer flexible working hours, such as remote work. This will give you more time to spend at home with your newborn.

4. Improve Your Skillset

While on maternity leave, you might use the free time to enrol in online courses or attend webinars or workshops to acquire new skills, or to stay current with your particular industry.

5. Preparing for Interviews

Many mothers lose their confidence after being away from the workforce for a relatively long period. Increase your confidence by practising common interview questions and don’t shy away from discussing the gap in your work history. Be sure to mention that you have a strong support system in place regarding the care of your infant. This will allay any fears a potential employer may have that you could take too much time off to care for your newborn in future.

6. Support Services

There are many support services that can play a positive role in assisting you to get back into the job market. These offer a wide range of resources:

Mentorship programs and networking events.
Online platforms and forums where individuals can share experiences, seek advice, and find job opportunities.
Workshops that offer practical tips. From mastering interview techniques to insights into current job market trends.
Career counselling services.

7. Returnship Programs

Returnship programs specialise in career re-entry initiatives designed to help those who have taken a career break. These programs help professionals transition back into the workforce and re-establish themselves in their respective industries by providing opportunities to refresh their skills and update their knowledge.

Final thoughts

Re-entering the workforce after having a baby can be a difficult transition, but it can be made easier by approaching it with a positive mindset and some sensible planning. Remember, your absence from the workforce need not be seen as a negative. Don’t underestimate yourself. And don’t lose sight of the fact that you can contribute valuable qualities to the workplace and will be an asset to any prospective employer.