Online Applications - the agony....

Question:  I’m looking to return to work.  I've noticed that some companies have online applications.  Do I need to fill these out, or can I just mail my resume and cover letter to their HR department?  These online forms take so much time...UGH!!


Answer:  This is a question that someone recently asked in one of my workshops. As a mom returning to the workforce, you’re probably going to be visiting a variety of job sites and company websites.  Often, there will be an online application of some sort that needs to be submitted.


Yes, I agree -- these can take a significant amount of time and the frustration factor is sizable!! 

You’ll want to follow the company’s procedures for applicants, though. While online applications are sometimes cumbersome, unwieldy, and time consuming, circumventing the official procedures can result in your resume getting tossed. Once you’ve done what is required, you can always send a well-done cover letter and resume via snail mail or email, referring to your online application.   One major caveat...ensure that you are submitting your information to a reputable and bona fide employer before proceeding (see link to Boston Globe's slide deck below).


Tip for on ramping: To make online applications a bit easier, create a reference sheet with commonly requested information already detailed (past jobs, responsibilities, dates, degrees, certificates, references, etc.). This way, all you’ll need to do is refer to the sheet for much of the application. No need to keep recreating the wheel!  The Boston Globe's Tips for Completing Online Applications slide show is filled with great information and worth the site visit!



All the best,


Carol

The Truth About Stay at Home Moms

The Truth About Stay At Home Moms

Show me a picture of a stay at home mom and I’ll say “Check her odometer!!” The phrase, you see, is a complete oxymoron.

Not one woman I know who has ‘stayed home,’ really did. While we may have decided to off ramp from career paths, many of us applied our business and project management skills to new venues. For moms who ‘stayed home,’ we accomplished lots of things: served on boards of directors of non profits, volunteered as officers of PTOs and PTAs, consulted part-time, volunteered in ministry work, used project management skills in logistical and financial planning for our homes,….the list truly is endless!

How do I know about this? Because I was there in the trenches alongside you! I’ve seen how hard you work and how smart you are. I know what you have to offer to the world of work. Your work ethic is unparalleled, your ability to multi-task…well, let’s just say you are one of the originators of the movement, and your teamwork skills are about as good as they get. In other words, YOU ROCK!

So, as you begin to create your resume and plan for going back to work, consider all that you’ve been doing ‘at home.’ We may have some teaching to do, helping companies and organizations understand how our achievements ‘at home’ translate into valuable workplace skills. But once we begin to show them what we’ve got, they’ll be clamoring for other comeback moms to join their ranks!

Please keep me posted on your progress!! I’d love to begin highlighting some success stories in future posts.

All the best,
Carol

Savvy Sobriquets...Email Handles for Job Seekers

Momma4, tennismom1, and gemini1968 seemed like great choices for your email handle.

But now that you're on ramping, a mom returning to work, email names like these can land your resume and cover email in the spam or delete folders of the HR gatekeeper faster than a coach passenger trying to use the first class lavatory gets turned back at the curtain!

There is a pretty easy solution for getting a more professional sounding email. Create a new account with one of the free email service providers such as gmail, yahoo, and hotmail. Check out http://email.about.com/od/awards/ss/The_Best_In_Email_2010_The_Reader_s_Choice_Awards.htm (click on Top 17 free email acounts article) for descriptions of some of the popular options that are available.

When you create your new account, you'll be asked for your new username or email ID. Think about something professional, something that will be easy to identify you as, well, you. Consider using a combination of your name, something like jane.Doe, j.doe, doe.j, or doe.jane.


Having a professional email name increases your chance for success on several levels. Plus, it's a quick and easy to do that gets you closer to returning to work!

All the best,

Carol

The Secret You Shouldn't Keep

Who knows that you’re looking for the career on ramp and planning to re-enter the world of work? If you’ve decided to keep mum until you’ve accepted an offer, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

An important strategy for job hunting in this brave, new world is NETWORKING. In other words, it’s not always what you know…but who you know. If you don’t let everyone know you’re interested in going back to work, your job search will be a bit like trying to run a marathon in pumps. You could conceivably cross the finish line, but it’s gonna take you a bit longer!

Remember the Faberge Organics shampoo commercial from the 70s? The one where I’ll tell two friends, and they’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on? That’s what will happen with you and looking for a job.

By getting the word out that you are actively looking for a job, you will exponentially expand your network and increase your chances of landing a job.

So…who are you going to tell today?

Guess who was the She Writes guest blog curator this week? I spent a couple of days reading dozens of blogs with the unenviable task of being able to select ONLY 3 to highlight. Here they are, along with my 3/7 post from She Writes. Enjoy visiting these wonderful blogs...

I now know I could positively, absolutely NOT be a judge on American Idol. I admit to being quite flummoxed by the task of choosing ONLY 3 She Writes bloggers. There are so many interesting, well-written, clever, and insightful blogs out there! I persevered, and finally came up with 3 for my guest curator review. Without further adieu, I present 3 blogs you’ll be really glad you’ve taken some time to visit…

Dr. Debra Condren's Ambition Is Not A Dirty Word: I spent a fair amount of time navigating around this content-rich blog and have barely scratched the surface. Debra dispenses career advice and shares relevant blog posts and articles on issues we can all relate to. Home Away From Home, How to Take It Back, and 3 Tips to Refresh an Out-of-date Rolodex and Network By Sundown are just a few examples of her quick, information-packed, and easy-to-read posts that I particularly enjoyed. Her blog is also a great example of one that multi-tasks…in addition to her posts, she has opportunities to purchase her book, a call for interviews for her next book, information about her coaching services, links to press clips, and video.

Kathy Johnson's Catching Happiness: Spending time here is like visiting with one of your favorite friends. You know, that special friend who always has something interesting, witty or insightful to say. That special friend you usually turn to when you need a dose of common sense or clarity. When I read her ‘book junkie’ post, I found a kindred spirit “…all those books waiting to be opened – and they’re free.” Thanks, Kathy! I'll be by to visit again soon.

Natalie Snapp's Mommy on Fire: This blog is written from the heart. I was utterly enchanted by her March 4th post about Meemo’s birthday, and encourage you to read it, too. Natalie, please share more of Meemo’s advice when you get a chance. I laughed out loud over “Boundaries!!” Hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be using that one as needed :-). And please, please, please wish Meemo the very best of birthdays (albeit a bit belatedly) from me.

For information on She Writes or to join other women writers, click on the She Writes badge at right.

Ummm...How Long Will This Take?

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How long is this going to take? Exactly when will I land that job?

That, ladies, is the million dollar question. And the answer is a Confucious-like “it will take as long as it takes.”

You see, each mom’s journey to the on ramp and a job offer is so very unique and personal. A few lucky ones may merely need a dusting off of a resume, a quick tune-up of key interviewing skills, and a few new network updates to be off and running. For most of us, there is probably a bit more prep work and foundation building that needs to be done to set the stage most effectively. But -- no matter where you fall along the continuum, the steps you take will ultimately get you to your destination in good time.

Let’s celebrate one another’s successes….but without putting pressure on ourselves. Comparing your progress, or lack thereof, to the successes of others is like comparing apples to oranges. As with cooking, some dishes can be made quickly and easily while others take more care and simmering. The end results can be equally delicious!!


If you realize that your skills need updating, you are much better served by putting in the time now to upgrade or refresh them prior to your actual search phase as time spent now will pay dividends in your marketability as well as your confidence. As you support your friends in their job searches, you’ll start hearing about upcoming interviews and job offers. Not to worry. You’ll get there. After you get yourself in tip-top job search shape.


Look at your ultimate looking for the on ramp goal and create daily, weekly and monthly to dos that get you closer to finding your new place in the world of work. You can methodically and regularly tackle these. And how great will it be to cross them off one by one as you execute?!?!

All the best,

Carol

Learn the new lingo and you'll be the bee's knees or it's 23 skidoo!

Slang: language peculiar to a particular group (http://www.merriamwebster.com/)

23 skidoo and bee's knees were popular phrases from the 1920s. Can't you just picture parents rolling their eyes as the younger generations bandied these about? In our lifetimes, we've heard popular phrases come and go, incorporating them into our own lexicon as necessary and appropriate.

The world of work, regardless of your discipline, has its own set of lingo that changes over time. Virtually every sector of the employment market has new buzzwords and it's essential to make sure you're up to date on the current terminology and concepts that are popular in your field today.

So how do you go about getting the scoop on the new phrases you need to know? There are a bunch of strategies you can try.

Read Job Postings/Classifieds: Employers will often include acronyms or industry-specific terminology in their help wanted ads. Take note of those that you don't recognize and do a bit of research to expand your knowledge.

Informational Interviews: The value of informational interviewing extends way beyond learning about new buzzwords (an upcoming post will cover the reasons why you should consider informational interviews). While you are talking with a professional in your desired field, don't be shy about asking him or her to define terms. Make sure it's okay for you to take notes, too, and write down phrases or concepts you want to learn more about.

Internet Sources: Professional groups, industry organizations, and general websites are all possible places to look for additional information. Type a phrase or term into your search engine and start your research.

Professional Journals and Organizations: These often offer the latest trends and information in a given field. And reading posts and replies on message boards can provide great insight.

As you become more knowledgeable about your field's slang and buzzwords, you'll begin to develop a comfort level with authentically and knowledgeably using these in professional conversations. You may also find that you've discovered an area or concept in which you'll want to enhance your knowledge level or skill.


All the best,

Carol

Moms Groups - Round 2 (or...I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends)

Remember Moms and Tots groups? These playgroups provided many women - including me - with a treasured support of like-minded sister-moms who became woven into the tapestry of their lives.

I was so very lucky to have Kathy, Tracy, Jean, Lisa, Mary, Diana, and Justine; all whom lived within sugar-borrowing proximity. We met weekly, presumably for the kids. However, I know that a huge part of our play group was for the moms. We threw baby showers, sang happy birthdays, baby sat, collectively wringed hands over fevers, shared child-rearing challenges (remember the terrible - er, I mean - terrific twos?), and celebrated each other's successes. Those wondrous years as a young mom were made even more magical thanks to them.

What power and strength these groups provided! As we transition to a new stage now, one where we're on-ramping, finding our way back to jobs and careers, we can channel this same support and enthusiasm! Stay tuned for posts on starting a Moms and Jobs group, what these groups can do for moms re-entering the workforce, and tapping into the inherent power of women supporting and inspiring one another.

All the best,

Carol

Silence The Critics

Who are you to write this book? Who cares what you have to say? No one is going to read it! How ridiculous you're going to look.

These are a sampling of the voices that have been speaking to me lately. Who are these people? They are the very voice of my self-doubt and criticism. And I am so un-inviting them to my book party!!

Some background: I resigned from a great job in corporate communications about 18 months ago to pursue my passion - writing. Since then, I've been doing freelance work while also working on my book, Looking for the On Ramp: A Guide for Comeback Moms. As I get deeper and deeper into the book...and closer and closer to making my dream a reality...the thoughts above have been whispering into my ear.

Anne Lamott, one of my all-time favorite writers, describes the audience of voices that sit with her as she writes. "They are the voices of anxiety, judgment, doom, guilt....there may be a Nurse Ratched....." she explains.*

While it doesn't help to stifle the voices much, it does take some of the wind out of their sails. I realize this self-flagellation is all a part of the process, part of the human condition. And it certainly helps to know I'm not alone.

When I began my comeback to the business world, I remember a similar sense of self-doubt and fear. "Excel?!? I haven't used Excel for anything beyond creating a roster as a homeroom mom," I thought as I figured out how to create a spreadsheet. "Mail merge? No one said I needed to know that," I lamented as a wonderful colleague patiently sat with me - again - to show me how. "I am going to completely destroy the company's database," I feared as I walked myself through the query steps carefully.

Each of these voices seemed intent on shaking my confidence and sending me packing. However, I continued to will them into silence and worked on 'sharpening the saw,' a Steven Covey phrase that perfectly describes the importance of continual skill building and enhancement. Eventually, I became irritated enough with them and more comfortable with my abilities that they packed it in.

Comeback Moms have our own unwelcome whisperers who are keen to point out all sorts of things like your age, how long it's been since you've worked for pay, how hard it's going to be to get your resume together, how expensive it will be to go back to school, or how you're going to need a completely new wardrobe and hairstyle. In other words, these voices will try and shake your confidence and break you.

DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!!

Instead, carry onward and upward. Tell them to get lost, that you don't have time for their foolishness, that you're too busy to listen to their nonsense, tell them to SCRAM! Then, take one step at a time closer to staging your comeback. Each small step gets you a bit closer to your goal. And each step makes the voices a bit harder to hear.

If you're working on your comeback, I'd love to hear how things are going. And if you've made a successful comeback already, zip me an email. Your journey and travel tips can help another woman on her way.

*Anne Lamott, Bird By Bird, Anchor Books, 1994, p.7.

Upping Your IQ on EP......Excel and Powerpoint

Janet Hanson, founder of 85 Broads, has some great advice for Comeback Moms. Named for the Broad Street address of her former employer Goldman Sachs, she started the group in an effort to stay connected to her female colleagues when she left the firm and became a stay at home mom. Today, 85 Broads is over 20,000 women strong and has expanded beyond the scope of the financial services industry to include women from a variety of industries who share a passion for excellence.

Recently, Martha St. Jean interviewed her for The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-st-jean/women-work-jobs-and-advic_b_230809.html St. Jean asked her what advice she had for women who were re-entering the workforce after a time away.

"Find the smartest young people you can to help you figure out how to use a computer. Lack of computer skills is what is going to hold older women back.....If you don't know how to create an excel spreadsheet or to create a powerpoint presention, you are seriously handicapped," Hanson explained.

Students today seem to learn Excel and Powerpoint in preschool! Okay, that's a slight exaggeration. But if your kids are older than 11 or 12, chances are they can whip up a Powerpoint and create some basic spreadsheets in Excel faster than you can say Jonas Brothers.

Take care not to be lulled into an inflated sense of computer savvyness just because you can surf the net, email, use Word, and do a mail merge. I did.....and boy did I scramble when I learned---on day 1---just how un-savvy I was.

Excel and powerpoint are the counterparts to yesterday's ledgers and flip charts. Excel is applied in countless ways today---mailing lists, client contact information and follow ups, financial reports, statistical analyses, creating charts, and much, much more. So, if you were thinking that you're not looking for a job in a 'numbers' field and won't be needing Excel, think again.

Powerpoint is used for speaker visuals, on-line written reports, meeting agendas, final reports, slide shows, and meeting handout sheets. I have seen it used in nonprofits, corporate settings, conferences of all sizes, actual and virtual meetings, recruiting fairs, and budget presentations. Like Excel, its use crosses industries and professions. Knowing Powerpoint is simply essential.

As Hanson mentions, you probably know a smart young professional (niece? son? neighbor? candlestick maker?) who can help you begin to master these. Not to worry, however, if they respond to your SOS with a look of unveiled horror. Here are some other ways to sharpen the proverbial saw:

• Adult Education Programs - Many communities offer low-cost courses in the evenings. In my town, the Adult School offerings run the gamut from Photopraphy and Speaking to Your Angel Guides to Microsoft Office and Business Writing. The price is under $100 for a 2 or 3 night session.

• (Take Your Pick) for Dummies- Okay, you may want to tear off the cover, but these are usually well done, easy to follow, and right on the money. Check out your local library to see if they have any of these in stock. The last time I checked amazon.com, there were versions for Excel and Powerpoint, along with others for Outlook (the email system that is often used for scheduling appointments and more), Access (a database program), and Word (could be helpful if you're not comfortable doing more than straight typing).

• County Colleges - Taking a county college computer course can be a great option if you want to get more instruction that an adult school program can provide.

• The Microsoft Website - Once you've gotten some basics down, the Microsoft website provides on-demand trainings on specific topics. There is also a 'type question here' space in the upper right hand section of Word, Excel and Powerpoint for quick answers that may arise as you're working.

Take the time to improve and polish your skills for a smoother comeback experience. Think how proud you'll be when you can add Excel and Powerpoint to your skills summary!

All the best,

Carol