Can Mom Skills be applied in the workforce?

Q: I am considering re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years. Previously, I had two years work experience with the federal government, just after graduating from university. How do I fill the gap in my employment history on my resume, and how do I display the skills I used at home for the past 10 years to make myself look employable? T.H., North Bay, Ont.

A: First of all, I want to applaud your decision; I am sure this was not easy. But I know the rewards of staying home with your children will far outweigh the challenges you will face re-entering the workforce. As long as you understand there will be a transition period, I think you will be fine.

Your resume will be a key marketing tool for promoting yourself. As you write it, remember, the average employer spends less than two minutes with a resume. It needs to tell your story quickly and uniquely.

Here are some sources to draw on:

- Include any involvement in community organizations, charities or your children's schools. Some of those volunteer roles would have used and highlighted your abilities. It is especially helpful if you had a title attached, such as president of the parent council. Use these details to tell some of your story.

- Consider all of the things you've been doing with your family during the past 10 years. Put a list together. Most clients surprise themselves when they do this. Create an inventory of experiences and put these in your profile.

- Use a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. This may be more effective.

A key in your transition will be leveraging your personal contacts. More than 70% of positions are filled with people the employer already knew.

Googling Your References

Q: I stepped out of the workplace for about three years. In that period of time, I have not kept track of managers and supervisors who would have been my references. The group I worked with was disbanded because of a takeover. In considering workforce re-entry, what would be the best way to handle references? R.G., Calgary

A: You are going to have to find some references because it is unlikely you'll get hired without them. But this problem is very common, especially with the turnover that followed the tech downturn. You just need some creativity to deal with this issue.

One option is trying to get references from employers before your last employer. See if they can offer some documentation of achievements and performance when you were with them. Other sources include old e-mails, letters of congratulations, and even those tacky achievement awards some companies hand out. If you Google the names of old bosses, you might find them quoted or at a new organization.

This is a great illustration of why it is a good idea to collect references as you go, instead of when you need them. Whatever you find, make sure to keep it all for future use. Put it together and build a compelling portfolio of your skills.

Explaining Career Jumps

Q: I have had my current job for three years. It has been great but I'm itching to move again. How do I handle comments about having too many positions within a career? G.J., Calgary

A: You will have to explain your career history. Fortunately, we live in a fluid career world. Most professionals now work for an average of 10 or more companies during their careers. For a very visual example, look at the movement of professional athletes now compared with 10 years ago.

If you are called for an interview, you will have to get your story straight. You need to explain in clear and concise terms what happened and why.

When they ask about career history, employers really want to know if you are committed for a reasonable length of time -- not if you going to stay till you retire. Every good employer wants you to keep growing, but it would be ideal to pursue growth within the organization.

You are correct that you cannot keep jumping so much. You need to take the long view and only accept opportunities that give you something for the present and the medium term -- three to five years.

You could also investigate typical career paths that others have followed within the organization in the past.

Interview follow up

Q: I recently had an interview that I felt went really well. Two weeks have passed since the interview, and I'm curious how often and when I should follow up on the status of the selection process. I've followed up once to say, "Thanks, I think the interview went well and I am looking forward to hearing from you" ... but no response yet. F.F., Hamilton

A: The wait-time depends on the organization. If it is government, you will wait a long time. Large private organizations can also take ages. Add on all the excuses of everyday life (holidays, families, other commitments) and you quickly see how common this is.

Don't be afraid to call. Remember you are looking for every edge, no matter how tiny. By the way, thanking them for the interview was a good move, but not the best. Every call is an opportunity for another mini-interview. You could have been clearer on what you want, what you think you bring to the organization and why you fit.

Even if you don't get this job, there may be other jobs in that organization. They know you now. Many people are hired into jobs different than those for which they applied. Pick up the phone.

Don't be a caualty of political battle

Q: I'm a vice-president in a company that does corporate takeovers. My president and the other vice-president have chosen to make a battlefield out of one of the files I hold. Based on my analysis, we could go either way and both of them are pressuring me to pick a side. Have you got any advice for people caught in these kinds of political battles? S.M., Toronto

A: Political fights don't follow linear lines of logic. Just because you didn't pick the fight doesn't mean you aren't at risk of being implicated in the end. If you wind up on the losing side, your reputation may suffer. In tightly knit business communities such as yours, this can have devastating effects.

Given the risks of being pulled in anyway, why not become a king-maker? Putting someone in power can open up both the benefits of winning and the benefits of keeping all your bridges intact. Try to seek out individuals loyal to the person you choose to support; make sure they know your role in guaranteeing victory. Pick a side in this fight, but trade it for influence.

Have you considered making a grab for power yourself? Winning a corporate coup could be brilliant. Leave these two to duke it out in the weeds while you carefully craft a victory on your own. But you had better make sure it is worth the cost. When the other two realize what has happened, one or both may become your bitter enemies. If this is not for you, find an exit strategy.