Taking time away from work to care for family does not have to mean the end of one's career. The document provides tips for successfully reentering the workforce after a hiatus. It recommends staying actively involved in your industry through volunteer work and social media in order to maintain your professional network and knowledge of industry trends. Prospective employers will be impressed by evidence that you kept your skills and connections current even while away. The document also stresses maintaining a professional online presence on social media to make a good impression on potential employers.

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Taking a professional hiatus to care for children or ailing family is a reality for many women. But doing so doesn’t have to mean career
suicide. For some women, reentering the workforce may even propel their careers to greater heights than before they left. Your
ultimate success when reengaging a career depends on how you bridge the gap and the manner in which you reenter.
While you are away
Contribute your time, with planning and purpose, in a tangible way that can be expressed on your resume. I always recommend
staying active with your industry’s leading professional association. For example, I joined my local chapter of the American Marketing
Association and served on the Board of Directors for five years as the VP of Career Development. This volunteer work helped me
expand and reinforce my presence as a recruiter who specializes in placing marketing executives. A number of my colleagues in the
association were also able to utilize their high-profile involvement in order to bridge the gap when they were between jobs for
extended periods.
By networking regularly with knowledgeable and connected industry professionals, you’re more like to have access to opportunities
and to be hired when you do choose to return to work.
Using Social Media to your advantage
One of the main reasons women reentering the workforce struggle is that they don’t keep up with industry trends while they are on
hiatus. In today’s digital world, there’s no excuse. Know the companies that are driving change and success in your industry, and key
into local companies that are part of that growth. Follow those companies on LinkedIn. Stay high-profile, contribute to the comment
stream, and continue to post related industry articles to your LinkedIn profile.
Employers today invariably jump to your online presence when reviewing your resume. Choose a photograph that represents you in a
business environment, as a respected professional – avoid family or casual photos. Seek references on your LinkedIn profile from
former employers, clients and colleagues.
When you are ready to return to work, you will be able to show prospective employers that you are still deeply involved in your
industry. This commitment to remaining active in your industry, even during time away, can differentiate you from other candidates in
the same position.
The Big Social Media Don’t
I’m a strong advocate of keeping your social media public profile professional. Everyone should be thoughtful about using social media
at all times. But it’s even more critical for women returning to work. Review your public profile – Facebook and Twitter – before you
apply for any job. Eliminate the frivolous. Take off anything you do not want a potential employer to judge you by. Just because you’re
not currently at an office, doesn’t mean you’re not a professional.
Going back to work after a break can be enriching to you and your career. With the correct approach, reentering the workforce can be
a very rewarding experience.
I’m interested in your thoughts. How have you successfully reentered into the workforce? What actions did you take during your hiatus
to make reentry easier?
Women in Business: Reentering the Workforce
by
Betty Kanne
Executive Senior Partner – Sales & Marketing