7 Tips for Domestic Engineers
(Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads Re-Entering the Workforce)
I know how hard it can be on families with a single income right now so I want to provide some tips to all the stay-at-home moms and dads who are re-entering the workforce after being gone for five or more years. I want you to know that YOU CAN GET A GREAT JOB AND MAKE MONEY, TOO!
I have coached countless domestic engineers, and all of them have gotten hired and are making great salaries. Some of them get hired within a week of posting their resume, while others can take up to six months to find a job.
Here are some tips to help you in your job search:
1. Value Yourself
Whatever you need to do to make yourself feel more valuable, more current and more hireable, do it. Changing your hairstyle, buying new clothes, starting a new exercise routine—these are the kinds of things that will help you to build confidence and feel more up to date. Whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better, JUST DO IT!
2. Join LinkedIn
It’s easier than you think! Create a LinkedIn profile and invite everyone you know to join! In your profile, be sure to include any activities with the PTA, mommies groups, church groups, athletic clubs, philanthropic organizations, civic and community volunteerism, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, sports club organizations, etc. All of these activities have exposed you to a huge number of new friends and acquaintances, and they can help you and introduce you to their families, friends and colleagues, who can then help you to find a job.
3. Ask Your Family and Friends for Help
In our digital age, sometimes we forget the power of face-to-face, HUMAN interaction. Don’t just rely on web searches and job boards. Sit down with the people that really know you and explain to them what you’re looking for. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us, but we’d never know if we didn’t ask. Let the network you built while you were a domestic engineer help you in your re-entry phase.
4. Hire a Professional
Hire a coach or go to the local career center and get some free career counseling. This is so important and will cut your job search time IN HALF because you will receive the most current advice and info from the experts.
5. Join an Association
Join a professional association within your chosen field. Not only will you learn a lot about your profession (they always bring in great speakers who talk about the latest trends, etc.), but you will get to know the kinds of people who you will be working alongside.
6. Don’t Feed the Monkey
Stop beating yourself up! Whatever you do, cut the negativity out. Just get into action and keep a positive attitude.
- Join a Job Search Support Group
It’s important for you to realize that you are not alone. In a support group, you will meet other people who are in your situation, and together you can celebrate the successes and work through the difficulties until you find the job of your dreams.
Good luck and let me know how things go!