On the second Employer Panel at our Women Returners ‘Back to Your Future’ Virtual Conference last month, Claire Cohen, Women’s Editor and Associate Features Editor of the Telegraph, talked to 5 of our employer partners about How to Succeed as a Returner Candidate. Read on for top tips from Credit Suisse, FDM Group, J.P. Morgan, O2 and St. James’s Place Academy about the key attributes they’re looking for.
What stands out in a returner application
“We want to learn about you as an individual, what makes you interested in returning to work.”
“Getting across who you are as a person. If we’re looking for entrepreneurs, make sure that comes across – give us something to ask you about in the first interview!”
“Use the space provided – not too short so you undersell yourself, and not too long that you ramble on!”
“We’re really interested in your career history – share this and your years of experience.”
“We’re looking for your transferable skills – what can you bring to us?”
“Make sure you can talk about both your previous experience and what you want to do now. A future-focussed attitude is hugely important.”
“If you’re passionate about the role, pull out your great experience, discuss your transferable skills, talk about your career break as a matter of fact and place yourself confidently into that candidate pool.”
What key skills are they looking for
“Highlight your ‘future of work’ skills – communication, stakeholder management, presence, and relationship building.”
“In this year of resiliency; adaptability, flexibility and really good communication skills are ever more important.”
“We can build your skills and train you up; we’re interested overall in your attitude, positivity and how you’ll bring proactiveness to the workplace.”
“Have confidence in yourself and what you bring.”
Thoughts on a career break
“You bring a fresh perspective which is really valued.”
“Don’t be scared of your career break. Remember your past career, what that felt like, what you’re good at, what you bring. Don’t underplay that or undersell yourself. Sell your strengths.”
“Organisations are looking for talent so don’t apologise for your career break.”
“Don’t forget you’re a very capable person and have achieved a lot in your former career and potentially on your career break. You will have honed your transferable skills a great deal – don’t underestimate that as all of that is valuable when you come back to work.”
Advice on returning
“Consider what roles are available in the market and how your skills can be transferred into roles that perhaps you hadn’t thought of. The first opportunity will open doors and help you establish a network and then other opportunities may then open up.”
“Everything comes back very naturally. Don’t be afraid – believe in yourself! Turn down the voice of that inner critic.”
“Ask lots of questions – there are no stupid questions.”
“For returners, confidence tends to starts on a high and then drops after a couple of weeks when you fear you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. This cycle is totally natural. My advice is to ride it out. Returnships are an amazing opportunity and stepping stone and like all opportunities there’s ups and downs. Keep a mindset of positivity – seize the day and be honest about the support you need to make it work”.
“Reach out and network with others because everyone’s feeling the same.”
How to balance any caring responsibilities and work
“Share what your situation is and what your responsibilities are – be open and honest so that your line manager can help you adapt or solve any issues together.”
“Returning to work is tiring – learn how to be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with the right support – some of that’s from partners and people at home, some of that’s from the cohort you’re with and some of that’s from your manager on the programme.”
What the best returners do that makes them shine
“They have inner belief in themselves. They’re clear on why they’re doing this. They’re open and honest.”
“They’re willing to learn and take on feedback. They ask for help when they need it.”
“They bring a lot of determination and motivation.”
“They demonstrate flexibility.”
These comments are a great illustration of the value that leading employers place on returning professionals and the skills and experience you bring to the workplace. For more advice, support and news of job opportunities, sign up to our free Women Returners Professional Network, and check out our wide range of articles on our Advice Hub.