4 Tips for Re-entering the Seattle Job Market
April 13th, 2010Whether you were out of work due to unemployment, or you voluntarily left the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom, or to follow a lifelong dream, re-entering the Seattle job market can seem overwhelming. But there are steps you can take to shorten the time it takes to get hired.
#1: Be honest.
When a prospective employer asks you about your employment gap, be honest with them. Telling them you took time off to raise your kids or to pursue a goal is better than being vague or trying to hide or fabricate facts.
#2: Include details about your employment gap.
Many candidates don’t include what they’ve been doing for the time they’ve been out of the workforce. This is a mistake because you’re letting the prospective employer take a guess at what you’ve been up to – which is never a good idea. Either in your cover letter, or on your resume, be sure to state the reason for the employment gap and what you’ve been doing during it, i.e. consulting, fundraising for your child’s school, or volunteering.
#3: Keep your skills current.
If you’ve let your computer skills fall by the wayside, then take a quick refresher course at your local community college. Prospective employers are more inclined to hire someone with up-to-date computer skills, rather than someone they have to train.
#4: Be realistic.
If you’ve been out of the Seattle job market for an extended period of time, don’t expect to jump back in with a terrific position that pays more than your last job. When compared with someone who hasn’t left the workforce, you may need to take a little step back in your career progression in order to move forward and get a job. So focus on the bigger picture.
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, and are looking for a new job, then please contact Provisional. As a premier Northwest employment agency, we work with employers throughout Seattle – and can give you access to a variety of job opportunities. We can also help you position yourself, and your employment gap, in the best possible light so you’re able to land the job you want.
