Job Hunting In the UK: Tips & Advice For Parents

There are many difficulties that individuals have to face while trying to find a job in 2016. As a parent, those difficulties are even further enhanced, especially if you have taken a career break. However, don’t despair, as that perfect job is out there with your name on it. Below we share some tips and advice for parents who wish to get back into work.

Networking

An active online presence is extremely important, mostly as a means of reconnecting with the job world. Social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are a great place to start. If you don’t already have one, sign up for an account and start networking, you will be surprised how many job opportunities are out there. Another option would be looking into job search sites like uk.jobrapido.com, that specialize in connecting potential employees to employers and have great filters that can help you narrow down your search when looking for jobs in Manchester or any other city in the UK, as well as conduct a very specific search – industry or company based.

Apply for full time work

Even if you only want to work part-time, apply for full-time work. There may be an opportunity to work flexible hours or as part of a job share. Even if you are not offered the particular job you were hoping for, there is a high chance that the employer will keep you in mind for any possible future job opportunities.

The job search

It is important to keep an open mind and to search everywhere, not just online. Read job ads in the local paper, contact local employers who may have job opportunities coming up. Most importantly get in touch with previous employers to see if there are any vacancies that are available which might match your skills.

Re-evaluate

Spending time at home with your children is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your life and those career goals. Use this time to carefully think about what is most important in your life and how you can achieve that work/life balance. Many parents feel guilty about pursuing a career but this should not be the case. You can be a parent and enjoy a rewarding career.

Volunteer

If you have been out of the job market for several years, then finding that perfect job may seem a little daunting. One way in which to bridge the gap and to build up a resume and experience and embark upon voluntary work In doing so, you can build up fresh contacts, gain new skills and feel part of the workplace.

Acknowledge your new skills

When you become a parent you acquire new skills. These can include problem solving, creative and people skills. All of these are incredibly valuable to new employers, so use them to your advantage. Parents are very adapt at multi-tasking and also have great time management skills, meaning that these can be easily applied to any new job role.

You need to have a positive outlook as a parent wishing to return to the workplace. Believe in yourself and the skills that you have. Get organised, write that CV and make the first step, you can do.