Are you itching to make a career move? Is that corner-office position calling your name? Have you convinced yourself that job-hunting is impossible because you're a mom? Here are five practical tips for the successful job-hunting mom.
1. Get clear about what you really want.
Landing your ideal job starts with knowing what you’re looking for. On a very basic level you probably want to earn a certain salary. The deeper inquiry is to ask, “What are the other, more important, characteristics of your ideal job?” The answer to this question can usually be found in your personal values or the things in life that truly matter to you. If you value loyalty and quality relationships, but work in an environment where people demonstrate low integrity in their behaviors, no amount of money will make you happy.
Also, consider if what you want from your work realistically matches up with the kind of job you're pursuing. A management-level position may offer you the autonomy needed to create a flexible work schedule, but that benefit could be lost in the extended hours the job may demand.
It helps to write out your “ideal job description” that describes your dream job in very specific terms. This step helps to crystallize your thinking and also makes want you want more than a mere thought. So ask yourself: Where are you working? What is your role, function and responsibility? What is your schedule? etc. and
2. Research your options.
Now it's time to start collecting information. Depending on what you came up with for your "ideal job description" above, you may need to check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook first. This resource will tell you the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and typical working conditions for most any job you’re considering.
Next, start looking at specific employers that you'd like to consider. Do you want to work for a small company or a mega-corporation? What employee benefits do you want? Will you fit into the corporate culture of the company? Use the Web to research company information and also consider checking out potential employers on the Working Mother's Top 100 list, published annually.
3. Polish up your resume and interviewing skills.
If it's been awhile since the last time you were job-hunting, then it's worth your time to update your resume and refresh your interview savvy. Try hiring a career counselor to help you. In addition to giving you advice and guidance on job hunting, your career counselor may also be able to administer assessments that will give some insight on the kind of work your personality is best suited for. I highly recommend Markell Steele at Futures in Motion, Inc, a full-service career management company.
By the way, it's rarely a good idea to disclose that you're a mom in your resume and in most states it's illegal for an employer to ask you about it in an interview. Yet it's never okay to lie about being a working mom either. (You should be proud of this fact!) However, working moms must face the very real challenge of workplace discrimination. Employers often believe that motherhood impedes work productivity and effectiveness, and for some of you that's a true fact. Be conscious of the needs of your prospective employer, and yourself, so you are prepared to address this in the interview process.
4. Connect with people who can help.
It's not likely that you'll find your ideal job in the Sunday paper (not impossible, just unlikely!). And if you're working full-time, chances are you don't have a lot of time to scour the job boards online. Instead, put out your "feelers" to get a sense for what the job market is like in your industry and profession. Many of the best jobs are never advertised publicly, and are usually the result of a direct referral from someone.
If you aren't already taking time to nurture your personal and professional relationships, it's never too late. Think about the people you know – neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, etc. who may be able to connect you with possible employment leads. This is where having the specifics of your ideal job and company comes in handy! You’ll be tuned into possible opportunities simply because you know what you’re looking for.
5. Manage your time effectively and professionally.
The hardest part of job-hunting while you're employed is that awkward feeling of having one foot out the door while you're still trying to be a team player. Plus, there's the added concern of taking time off from work to court another employer. It's hard not to feel disloyal and a bit sneaky, even if you can't stand your current job.
Ideally, speak with your current employer about your desire to seek employment elsewhere (because quite frankly, it would be easier to stay, right? And hopefully you've done your part to see if you can create your ideal job with your current employer first.). This approach also allows you to negotiate a plan that serves the employer's need, as well as your own.
If you're unable to talk with your employer, then it's absolutely critical that you manage your time effectively to ensure your work doesn't slip while you're job-hunting. And by all means stay in communication with your current employer. Let's say you've scheduled interviews over your lunch hour — even if you don't disclose where you're going for lunch, maintain professionalism by letting him/her know that you may be running a bit late on the way back. There's nothing worse than having people make-up reasons for your absence simply because you failed to communicate effectively.
Some final thoughts
Job hunting can quickly become a consuming, stressful endeavor. Be kind to yourself by noticing when you’re pushing yourself too hard and be willing to modify your plan. When you’ve been on the job-hunting "circuit" for awhile, you may realize that you're actually pretty happy in your current job. Sometimes, looking at what's out there is all you need to see how much you already love what you’re already doing.
