Hello!

5 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

   While volunteer work is often mentioned, look for opportunities to make a role for yourself. For example, my neighborhood had a tornado come through over the weekend. One resident really needs an advocate to walk her through the insurance system. Someone helping her could then consider Insurance Advocate or Senior Citizen Support as volunteer work. When helping someone, mention to people who give you positive feedback that you are looking to rejoin the workforce. There was a woman in my neighborhood who did this for families with children on IEP's. She never had a nonprofit, was strictly word of mouth. When she was ready to rejoin the workforce there was a long line ready to hire her (not in the same field). I used to think networking meant going to the right places and parties with the right people, but I've learned it really means helping others and opportunity will follow.

2. Becca CarnahanJuly 31,2023 at 7:47PM UTC

   Hi Sara! First off - congrats on making this big move! Rejoining the paid workforce is a big step and it's fantastic that you're going to your network as a first step.

   Do you have a target role in mind? Or target organization? I find that reaching out to your network is most effectively when you can share specifically what you're looking for so that they know how to help you.

   When reaching out, it really depends on the person. Is it someone you want to grab coffee with? Then an invite to coffee to catch up makes sense! If it's not as close of a connection, a phone call is perfectly fine. You can approach it with "I'm planning on re-entering the paid workforce and targeting X type of positions. I thought of you because of XYZ (genuine flattery about what they have done in their career) and would value your perspective. Do you have availability for a 20-minute phone call?

3. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 2:31AM UTC

   Many people are happy to help others find a good position. I've been pleasantly surprised many times at the amount of help people are willing to give.

   You obviously already recognize that you're asking a favor. It's ok to ask for guidance, including if they know of anywhere they recommend you apply. Be thankful for their time, and let them determine if you go out for coffee or just a short phone call.

   Remember this later on when you're able to "pass along" the favor.

4. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 11:35AM UTC

   Great idea, a year is a long time away with the changing culture and economic climate. Advice you get now may need to change in a few months to change in 6 months. IMO, if you have a field specialty stay in tune with that for sure, by LI learnings, or possible certifications on the newest lalalala. Always good to network and what better way than coffee! Searching for you new role could take a while or that position you saw while perusing openings may pull you in to apply. Be prepared to come back sooner or later than the 1 year timeframe. Kinda like 'We're not really looking for a new house, but we SAW THIS ONE, and well", type of thing. Just saying.......

5. Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership CoachAugust 15,2023 at 3:01PM UTC

   Hey there, strategic networking is a game changer and if done well will position you in the market and land you ideal opportunities.

   There’s some preliminary work to do though before you build out your networking strategy, such as, clarifying your value proposition and targets for jobs/companies, building your brand narrative/professional story, translating your skills and experience, etc. all of which will make

   your networking efforts easier and much more effective.

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