Are you a mom who has taken a career break but are now looking to return to work? The prospect of returning to work can feel daunting. Many moms in your shoes may not know where to begin, worry that their skills are outdated, and struggle with how to address the gap in their resumes. These concerns are valid, but they are not insurmountable. With the right preparation and planning, you can find a role that fits.
Before getting into the nitty gritty of the job search, it’s important to have a framework for where you are, and to know that you are not alone. Recent media attention has fostered public dialogue about “career breaks,” a topic that previously felt private – or at its worst - stigmatized. According to the Harvard Business Review (and cited by Cheryl Sandberg in her controversial Lean In), 43% of highly qualified women with children leave their careers or take a career break. And according to Forbes, 93% of women who take a break eventually want to return to work. The take-away is that for certain demographics, this journey is increasingly common.
If we take a step back even further, we can see how trends in the American family structure have affected our careers. Today, highly educated women are more likely than ever before to have children. According to the Pew Research Center, 80% of women in their early 40s with doctorates or professional degrees are mothers. This is an increase from 65% two decades ago. While previous generations may have viewed motherhood and working outside the home as binary choices, current career paths have increasing fluidity.
There’s more good news for moms who work in pharma, medicine, and science. Many employers in these fields have recognized the challenges faced by working parents and are adapting to better suit their needs. In 2018 the workingmother.com list of 100 top rated companies for parents included some industry giants. Among those recognized were Abbott, Johnson and Johnson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Bristol Meyer’s Squibb. The ratings assessed factors such as parental leave policy, schedule flexibility, programs for phasing parents back to work after parental leave, and support for new mothers in the workplace.
Certain roles within pharma, medicine, and science also offer valuable flexibility. Jessica Rubinstein, Cardiovascular Account Specialist at AstraZeneca, maintained her role throughout having her two children. “Because our job is extremely flexible - as I do not go into an office - it was an easier transition back to work after maternity leave.” She emphasized the importance of having a good working relationship with your manager and team.
For some women, returning to work means going back to their pre-baby job. For others, their career break offers an opportunity to pivot and redirect their careers. Before diving into your search, do some internal and external research to narrow your parameters. Don’t assume that your most recent job will still be a good fit. You may want to utilize other skills, work in a different type of environment, or seek a more flexible schedule. When you feel ready to move forward, these tips can help guide your search:
1. Figure out what’s driving you. Take a mental step away from your work history, what you think you’re qualified to do, and what you feel you “should” be doing. Instead, ask exploratory questions to establish what will work for you now. For instance: What is motivating me to go back to work? What would be fulfilling? What am I missing in my life that I might be able to get from my job? Some moms miss interaction with adults, while others crave the satisfaction of creating something tangible. Identify what’s driving you, and use that knowledge for motivation and focus.
2. Know the facts. Decide what you require logistically and financially. For example: What hours will you work, how long of a commute will you accept, and which benefits are priorities? Rank your needs in order of importance. Ask yourself: Which are non-negotiable, and where can I be flexible? Knowing your must-haves will increase your efficiency, and you won’t waste time applying for jobs that don’t fit.
3. Update and modernize your resume and LinkedIn profile. Include volunteering, consulting, committee work, or organizational roles you held during your break. When describing these, emphasize the skills you used and the impact you made. For your LinkedIn profile, use a photo that looks professional, and create a strong headline at the top of your page. Be sure that your licenses and certifications are listed accurately. Roisin Collopy, HR specialist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, suggests that moms consider keeping licenses and certifications up to date so that they are ready to accept a position when offered.
Editorial note: Check out our ideas for activities to help you gain marketable skills as well as helpful resume tips.
4. Activate your network. According to payscale.com, upwards of 85% of open positions are filled through networking. Spend less time behind your computer and more time having live conversations. Avoid the “spray and pray” strategy of submitting scores of applications to online postings. Instead, talk to people you know: friends, family, neighbors, former colleagues, college classmates - everyone. Approach these conversations with the goal of information gathering as opposed to seeking favors. Ask people about what they do, explain what you’re looking for, and get their ideas.
Editorial note: Check out our Networking 101 post here.
5. Don’t fear the gap. Most women harbor anxiety about how to explain their career break to potential employers. Experts agree that the best way to address it is to be honest, succinct, and confident. In a few short sentences, explain when and why you left your last job. Your goal is not to justify or defend your decisions. Focus on why you’re the right person for the role; what makes you unique and qualified. Motherhood makes us better multitaskers, highly organized, and adept at prioritizing and efficiency. Know your strengths and never doubt your value.
Editorial note: Check out how being a mom changed the way Michelle works.
Jessica Gilbert, MSW, CMCC
Jessica helps people navigate career and life transitions, guiding them towards balance and fulfillment. Jessica is a Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC), has a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, and earned her BA at Cornell University. You can learn more about her work at www.yournextsteps.net