When stay-at-home parents are ready to get back into the workforce, they may have difficulty knowing how to go about it. Employers may be concerned that an absence from the professional world means that stay-at-home parents may not have the most up-to-date skills. Check out these tips for how stay-at-home parents can sharpen their skills to get back into the workforce:

• Join Professional Organizations

Professional organizations for your industry can be beneficial to restarting your career. They can put you in touch with people who can offer advice, provide you access to job boards, and help show hiring managers that you’re serious about your career, even if you’ve been out of the workforce.

• Research Your Field

No matter how much expertise you had prior to becoming a stay-at-home parent, it is likely to be out-of-date. Find out what has changed within your field so you can acclimate yourself and figure out what skills may need some attention, or which ones may not even be necessary anymore.

• Take Refresher Courses

Sharpen your professional skills and make yourself more marketable to hiring managers by taking some refresher courses. Determine which skills you need to focus on, and then look for continuing education courses or other professional webinars or conferences to show on your resume that you are properly trained and ready to get back into the workforce.

• Do Volunteer Work

 Make the transition back into the workforce smoother and get recent work experience for your resume by doing volunteer work. Non-profit organizations typically have a high demand for help in various areas, and you’ll make a difference while adding to your resume – a win-win situation.

• Perfect Your Pitch

Once you start looking for jobs, you have to be ready to effectively account for your absence from the workforce, and convincingly explain that your skills are sharp. Practice describing in a brief and direct manner why you would be worth taking a chance on, so you are able to address it in cover letters, conversations, and interviews.

• Tap Your Network

When you’re dealing with a challenging situation like reentering the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent, you can improve your chances of success by getting a personal recommendation. Ask around to your personal and professional network to see if anyone can refer you to job openings.

• Fill the Gaps in Your Resume

If you’re struggling to be considered for a full-time job, consider working with a staffing firm to find temporary employment to ease back into the workforce. This will fill the gaps in your resume and show hiring managers that your skills are proven to be sharp in the current workforce.

Ready to get started on your job search and reenter the workforce? Find opportunities to pursue with the help of St. Louis staffing firm PrideStaff St. Louis. We can connect you with employers in the St. Louis area with available positions that align with your experience and goals. Search our current openings to find your next job opportunity today.