This post is going to be a short one, because my theme is:

Keep It Simple

So here it is, everything I want to say about keeping it simple in 2 sentences:

Your goal is to return to work after taking a career break. In order to do that, you need to know what the skill set is for the job you want and be able to clearly articulate why you’re a good fit for that role.

But Wait…There’s More!

You knew I couldn’t stop after just 2 sentences, didn’t you? Here are 5 steps to take right now to help you match your skills to the right job:

  1. Read 5 job descriptions for similar jobs you want
  2. Make a list of the key skills employers are looking for
  3. Note which of them you have with a line about your experience in that area and make sure this information comes across clearly in your resume and your cover letter
  4. For the skills you don’t have, find a LinkedIn Learning, Coursera or Udemy course that will fill that skill gap for you
  5. Schedule time to do the course and set an end date to make sure it gets done


​Back to Basics

I know job-searching isn’t quite that simple, but sometimes it helps to go back to basics. If you have too many skill gaps, think about applying for a stepping-stone job that you’re more qualified for right now and that will help you build the skills for the job you really want.

If you’ve got all the required skills already but you’re not making progress in your search, re-evaluate your job search process and ask yourself what else you could be doing that would help you get that job.

Don’t overcomplicate it.

Decide on that next step that will get you closer to getting the job and commit to doing it today. Don’t worry about anything else.

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