I have submitted several resumes with applications for data entry work and all I have been asked is why I haven't worked in the last 6 months. What does that have to do with qualifications? I am retired and just started to enjoy being home; but, I have medical bills to pay(interest is eating payments up). Well, what do qualifications have to do age, anyway?

If you spent some time at home caring for your children you are NOT alone. While 71% of moms do work outside of the home, about 29% reportedly stay home with their children. That number is up 6% since 1999. So, whether you were home with your children for six weeks, six months, or six years, the transition can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be!

Check out these tips to help you feel prepared as you head back to work!

1- Decide what you want Take sometime and create a list of what you're looking for. What type of company will it be? What type of position? Do you want to work for a company with promotion opportunities and longer hours, OR are you looking for a job where you can go in, do your work, and head home? The clearer you are with what you want, the easier it will be to focus on those specific jobs and apply for the ones which match your list. This will also help you to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the many job postings you might be pursuing. Take the time to decide what you want!

2- Update your resume Employers value technical skills and before you start your job search, it's important to make sure your skills are up to date. Employers also value soft skills, such as the ability to communicate well, motivate others, drive change, solve problems, make decisions, and manage projects. You may have continued to develop these and other soft skills through your interactions with your children, teachers, doctors, and other parents. This will give you a huge advantage over other candidates who have strong technical skills but lack life experience. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume as well as any other skills you have gained.

3 Prepare for the inevitable question Taking time out of work will result in gaps in your resume and interviewers will most certainly ask about them, especially if they are a year or longer. You can choose to answer this question in a couple of ways:

-You can confirm that you took some time away for personal reasons, which was the best decision for you at the time, and you're now ready to return to work.

OR

-You can confirm that you took some time away to be a mother, because it was the best decision for you at the time, and now you're ready to put the focus back on your career.

By being honest with the employer you are facing the question head on instead of evading it! Check out more ways to address your gaps in your resume [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/46cb1229-eedd-5a42-831d-5d5d3429387c).

4- Ensure you have a childcare plan By planning ahead you will save yourself a stressful decision later on. Figure out when you head back into the workforce who will take care of your child. Whether this is a family member or a daycare you want someone who is reliable, as you don’t want to constantly have issues causing you to have to leave work early or arrive late. Set this up early and have a plan in place.

5- Plan for the times where your child may get sick Eventually, the day might come where you need to pick up your child early. By having a plan B in place you can decide who will pick them up whether it’s you, a spouse, relative, or friend and how you will leave work early if needed. You can also have the discussion with your manager after you’ve been hired and tell them that while your baby is in daycare he/she may get sick sometimes and tell them you want to discuss how to handle this before it happens. Tell them the plan you have set in place and ask for suggestions. When you offer a plan you’re making less work for you manager and controlling the situation.

Returning to the workforce can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. By creating a resume that highlights the amazing skills you've developed while you've been at home, and planning for the future you are well on your way to getting back to work.

Have questions or concerns?

Please comment and I will help!

I unfortunately one Saturday after working that week was helping my husband put our Christmas items in our shed, as I was pushing it back I heard a pop sound. Later I found out I broke my wrist along with bones in my hand. I've been out for a total of four surgeries and therapy. I am very thankful that part is over and really ready to get back to work.

I have applied to so many jobs online, and even had an interview for a job with a hospital. But, then again, I received yet another rejection email. I have gotten several rejection emails (saying they chose someone else) from places like Walgreens, several office jobs, and even the local grocery store! I have been out of the workforce (not even volunteering) for over 16 years. Plus, we have moved (just last summer) to an area where there is a large college. I have heard from many employers that they receive over 400 applications for each individual job. How am I supposed to get a job where there are so many others out there applying who either have more recent experience, or they are younger?! I have skills and experience. I simply have not used them in a paying job for many years. This is very frustrating! I am now going to apply to every available job, unless I feel it is not a safe environment, or during hours that are impossible for me to work.

I have been taking care of my Mom for the last five years and am now trying to re-enter the labor market. How do I overcome this as well as being over 40?

got a email back from Morongo it was a no go . I kinda expect it I have a huge gap in time that I haven't worked . It was to raise five boys and my daughter . now my daughter 20. boys are 18,two 15,14,12.My one son was diagnosed with autism . Jobs want you to sell your soul to them . the mention you have a family they run . I have three days totally open too i could only imagine how it it for a parent that only available in the morning only . I have to keep trying :)

I just graduated and I have been looking for a job how do I go about getting my people skills back after not working for a bit??

I have been out of the workforce entirely since 1995,due to disability,and my job skills prior to that time were limited.Is there anyone out there with a similar history? How did you go about your job search,what services/retraining did you seek and what was most helpful to you?

For the past few years I have been taking care of my Diabetic partial amputee Mom. I graduated from Ultimate Medical Academy in April with an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. I have a heavy telephone experience in my past work history.

How will this effect my job search?