Retrain and Network
Some time ago, Brosseau worked with a front-end Web developer who had taken two years off when his child was born. It was obviously a worthy, albeit risky choice. The developer had not only moved out of the industry when several new technologies were becoming standard, he decided to return when the economy was still limping. He had no clue about Ruby, for example, although it had become a widely accepted language during his absence.Upload Your ResumeEmployers want candidates like you. Upload your resume. Show them you're awesome.
Certify and Accept Short-Term Employment
Another Brosseau client was a downsized network engineer who had been out of work for a little less than a year. Hardware and software doesn’t shift quite as fast in this area of the tech industry, so specializing was his key to finding employment. He obtained a Cisco security certification, which allowed the recruiter to place him in a 6-month contract opportunity. “He did a good job and was a benefit to their team,” Brosseau said, “and they hired him full-time as a network administrator and engineer.”Sneak In at Mid-Level
If you’re overqualified and older, it can be very difficult to break back into full-time employment. Brosseau recommends going back for training, with an eye toward picking up a current or emerging secondary skill set. “It can allow a senior level candidate the ability to sneak back in at a mid-level range,” he said. “Even though you’d have the higher-level general skill set, specializing in something relatively new opens doors.” He also noted that it’s possible to attract hiring personnel in this scenario: If you want back in, and accept the fact you won’t assume your previous career level at the outset, emphasizing your desire to take your recently acquired skill into the workforce shows commitment and an ability to stay up-to-date. If you leverage any applicable earlier experience to match the position’s other requirements, you’ll make for an even closer fit.Related Articles
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