Tips for job hunting

There are many reasons for mums and retirees to return to work - financial, professional, social. Whatever the reason, here are some tools to find the right role for you.

CV Writing

A CV is a marketing document which should positively highlight your strengths and the benefits you would provide to an employer in a professional manner. If you are applying for a specific role, tailor your CV to that role. The key to a successful CV:

• Cover letter - ONLY include a cover letter if you have tailored it specifically to the role.

• Maximum of 4 pages (ideally 2 - 3 pages)

• Career profile - begin your CV with a career profile. This is 4 - 5 sentences on your work experience, education and some of your skills and attributes

• Contact details - include your name, address, phone number, mobile and email. Make sure your name and phone/email contacts are on each page just in case the pages get separated after being printed out in hard copy. Only use professional-sounding email addresses. Please exclude marital status and husband/children's details.

• Career overview - this should be bullet point summary of the positions you have held in reverse chronological order. Ideally just state the position title.

• Employment/Professional History - This is a detailed list of employment positions held in reverse chronological order and should include job title, employer, dates, what you did, for whom and when in an easy to read format.

• Please ensure the CV is checked for spelling and grammatical errors and there are no unusual fonts or busy layouts.

• It is fine to state that referees are available on request rather than include a full list.

This is an example of an appropriate CV layout.

Interview Tips

It may have been a while since you had a job interview, but the strategies for success are the same:

• Research - understanding the employers business and the role they are looking to fill

• Rehearse

• Pre-interview check - Memorise the names and positions of people you will be meeting with

• Appearance - clean, well ironed, simple

• Feeling good - ensure a good nights sleep the night before or take a walk in the morning

During the interview

• Ensure you listen and answer clearly and concisely

• Don't interrupt

• Prepare questions

• Leave salary and benefit question to second interview unless specifically asked

• Ask for feedback

Presentation

Your presentation should be smart business attire that makes you feel both confident and comfortable in the interviewing environment. Not too much make up, neat hair. And remember the working world will not have changed much since you left it, be positive about your experience and what you can offer. There are skills you have learnt as a parent that will enhance your value to an employer.