What Are the First Steps to Take When Considering a Career Comeback?

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Start by assessing your skills and interests, then research targeted industries or roles, identifying any knowledge gaps. Network and update your resume and LinkedIn. Set SMART goals, and consider freelancing or volunteering for experience. Seek professional advice, attend industry events, practice interview skills, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your career comeback journey.

Start by assessing your skills and interests, then research targeted industries or roles, identifying any knowledge gaps. Network and update your resume and LinkedIn. Set SMART goals, and consider freelancing or volunteering for experience. Seek professional advice, attend industry events, practice interview skills, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your career comeback journey.

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Assessment of Skills and Interests

Begin by taking a thorough inventory of your current skills, strengths, and interests. Reflect on what you truly enjoy doing and what skills you have that are transferable to different industries or roles. This self-assessment will help you pinpoint the direction of your career comeback.

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Research and Education

Do comprehensive research on the industries or roles you are considering. This may involve deep diving into job market trends, required qualifications, and potential gaps in your knowledge or skills. Based on this research, you might find that you need additional education or certifications, which could range from attending workshops, taking online courses, or even pursuing a degree.

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Networking

Reach out to your professional network, including former colleagues, industry contacts, and alumni groups. Networking can provide valuable insights about the current job market and may open up opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Consider informational interviews as a way to learn about different roles and to make your intentions known to your network.

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Revamping Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent experiences, skills, and objectives. Make sure to highlight transferable skills and any recent training or education. Tailoring your resume for specific roles or industries can also increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

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Setting Realistic Goals

Set clear, achievable goals for your career comeback. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Having a clear strategy will keep you focused and motivated throughout your job search process.

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Volunteering or Freelancing

Consider volunteering or freelancing in your desired field. This can be an excellent way to gain relevant experience, build your resume, and network with professionals in the industry. It can also provide a practical sense of the day-to-day work involved in the roles you are considering.

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Seek Professional Advice

If you're unsure about your next steps, consider seeking the advice of a career coach or mentor. A professional can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation, help you overcome obstacles, and keep you accountable during your job search.

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Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Participate in industry-related events, conferences, or seminars. These gatherings are great opportunities to learn about the latest trends, meet industry leaders, and connect with potential employers. They can also provide you with insights that could be crucial for your career comeback.

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Practice Interview Skills

As you begin to secure interviews, it’s important to practice your interview skills. This could involve rehearsing answers to common interview questions, presenting your career gap in a positive light, and conveying your readiness and enthusiasm for re-entering the workforce.

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Maintain a Positive Mindset

Embarking on a career comeback can be challenging. It's important to stay positive and resilient throughout the process. Celebrate small victories, stay connected with supportive friends or groups, and remind yourself of your worth and abilities. A positive mindset will help you navigate setbacks and keep pushing forward.

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What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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