The idea of returning to work for many Australians can seem quite daunting, but industry experts believe now is the best time for Australians to rejoin their industry and get their career plan back on track.
Experienced Human Resources professional and Job Toolbox Founder and Managing Director, Andria Wyman-Clarke, is encouraging all Australians who have been out of the workforce for an extended period to refresh their resume and start looking for new job opportunities.
Ms Wyman-Clarke said many Australians wanting to return to work feel overwhelmed about starting the process of looking for a new role, but recent ABS data shows the job vacancy rate is on the rise with figures showing an increase in the number of part-time roles coming onto the market.
“Retuning to the workforce after an extended absence can seem tricky when it does not need to be,” said Ms Wyman-Clarke.
“Everyone has their own plans for their career, and for a lot of people part of their plan is to return to their chosen field after particular life events such as having children or travelling overseas."
Andria Wyman-Clarke recommends the following five tips for Australians wanting to return to the workforce in 2017:
- Research, research, research! Depending how long it has been since working in your particular industry, research what changes have occurred with the type of role you want to apply for and see where you need to upskill.
- Assess your current position and skill set. The most efficient way to do this is by completing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis on yourself.
- Create a career plan that will help you transition back into your career without creating unnecessary stress to find a new role - many people want to get straight back in the game but it is critical to have a plan in place.
- Get social! Reconnect with colleagues from previous roles and start reengaging with your professional network - the number of job opportunities resulting from successful networking is amazing. Also, don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile, this will be the first port of call for prospective employers.
- Tell your partner or mentor about your goals. Sharing your goals with another person significantly increases the probability of achieving your goal.
Ms Wyman-Clarke says the first step for anyone wanting to return to the workforce is to create a career plan to help them successfully navigate their way to a new job.
Job Toolbox workshops are available in all capital cities in Australia offering content for participants at all stages of their career. To register your interest in a Job Toolbox workshop visit www.jobtoolbox.com.au or visit their Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/jobtoolbox/
