Job Searching

Hi ladies,

I am trying to get back into the workforce after three years at home. I wondered if any of you had any advice or could speak from experience? I am actually excited to be going back to work, but the challenge of re-entering a lousy job market after a three year hiatus is a bit daunting. I know many of you work outside the home and I would love thoughts/advice/strategies that worked for you.

Of course, if anyone knows of any opportunities - I have 7 years of experience as a corporate financial analyst - most recently at Capital Group - and I'm looking for something full time, preferably in or around Irvine. I have a resume ready to go.

Thanks in advance!

Reba

Tags: advice, childcare, finance, for, jobs, moms, working

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Permalink Reply by Samantha Brook on July 21, 2012 at 7:39pm

Reba - apply EVERYWHERE! I went back after 2 years and sent in about 30 resumes. Also, if you're interested, I used to work for Resources Global. They are more like a consulting firm and work with a lot of companies, including Capital Group. (www.resourcesglobal.com) Perhaps they have an opening for an associate.

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Permalink Reply by Reba on July 22, 2012 at 2:43pm

Thanks Samantha! The encouragement is helpful - with all the news about a bad job market I really have no idea what I'm in for, but I am taking your advice and applying everywhere :) Hope it works! I will definitely check out Resources Global. Thanks.

Reba

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Permalink Reply by Amy C on August 1, 2012 at 9:03am

Hi Reba,

I went through a similar experience about a year and half ago after taking a year and a half off to travel, move countries, and then have a baby. I heard differing advice about how to describe my time off. Most people said that in business, I shouldn't describe the break at all, but I didn't want to have a gap in my resume. I ended up describing my mommy time with things like "managing the finances and schedules for a family of three." Luckily, my new firm is very family oriented and laughed at my descriptions. They even ended up changing the full-time position that they advertised for to part-time to accommodate me. So, it can either back fire if they assume you will want special treatment because you have kids, or it can help you manage full-time work and a family. I don't have much more advice besides agreeing with Samantha. I sent out loads of resumes so don't let it get you down, and hopefully, the market has improved a bit in the last few years. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Reba on August 1, 2012 at 9:10am

Amy,

I've also heard different advice about how to describe the time off. I considered adding a line item describing my stay at home mom time, but I'm afraid it would come across corny - especially to a corporate audience. I have never worked someplace that was overtly pro-family (though certainly not against it) - but the reality is, I've always worked with like 80% men. And don't get me wrong - I've loved it, but I just don't know how describing my job as a mom will go over. But at the same time, given I'm trying to get through automated resume readers, I'm afraid they see a gap from 2009 and ignore my application entirely. Obviously I won't know the right answer until I get a job... What industry are you in? You sound like you got a wonderful opportunity. I hope to have the same luck. If it worked for you, I may just rewrite my resume today!

Reba

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Permalink Reply by Amy C on August 1, 2012 at 9:30am

Hi Reba,

That's how I felt about it initially. I had 7 years experience at the time working in forensic accounting / litigation consulting in New York and London for BDO and then Alvarez & Marsal. The problem was that I knew if I went back, I couldn't do the 80 hour weeks and constant travel so I think it actually helped me get something with more manageable hours. I'm currently at a small CPA firm in Tustin / Santa Ana working 20 hours a week (disclaimer: in the office... sometimes more from home), which is not great for my overall career but is perfect for raising kids. I actually went to Stern, majored in finance, and interned at the ML, CSFB, etc. before I interned with BDO in litigation and decided that's what I wanted to do. If I were in finance and not accounting, I might insert a one liner describing the time off generically so you can get through the automated process, but they know you haven't been actively searching for a job for three years and wonder if something might be wrong with you. I guess there isn't a right answer. :/ Maybe ask a head hunter what they see most often? Good luck! Amy

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Permalink Reply by Reba on August 1, 2012 at 9:38am

Thanks again for the great advice. Headed to see a recruiter today :) One of us should write a book on how to do this....

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on August 2, 2012 at 5:33pm

Reba,

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce just started a Job Board that you can look for. If you want to come to an event, there are a lot of options as far as meeting people that can help you find jobs. Let me know and I'll try to introduce you to a few people.

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Permalink Reply by Maria on August 10, 2012 at 10:49am

Hi Reba I'm a financial analyst for Chase and we are hiring. Please let me know if you are still looking and I can get your resume to my boss.

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Permalink Reply by Reba on August 10, 2012 at 2:13pm

Hi Maria! I am still looking. I am on my third interview with a company on Monday, but I would definitely be interested in Chase! How would you prefer I send you my resume?

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Permalink Reply by Reba on August 10, 2012 at 2:13pm

Thank you so much! Are the jobs with the city? My background is more suited for corporate finance, but I'd love to know more about what this is.

Reba

Jeremy said:

Reba,

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce just started a Job Board that you can look for. If you want to come to an event, there are a lot of options as far as meeting people that can help you find jobs. Let me know and I'll try to introduce you to a few people.