If you’re going through a divorce, you may have to consider a return to work or a change of income that requires a new job. This can be intimidating and frustrating, especially if finding a new role is not what you had planned on, or it’s been awhile since you worked in a professional setting. For many people, they just don’t know where to start. As a staffing company that focuses on women returning to the workforce, we understand and we’re here to offer job search tips!
Here are five top job search tips for women going through a divorce:
1. Refresh your professional presence.
Take a new profile picture for LinkedIn. It doesn’t have to be professional, but clear, current and close-up (use that portrait setting on your smartphone if you’d like). Also, revise your resume or create a new one that leads with key skills at the top (read our blog for more resume tips). Interpersonal skills should be highlighted here, along with volunteering experience and tech capabilities. Remember that you are a valuable asset!
2. Expand your network.
The more people who know you’re looking for job, the higher the odds of getting a lead from a connection. Talk to your friends, neighbors and former colleagues, and let them know you are looking for work because you never know who in their network might be hiring.
A personal reference can go a long way. Stay engaged on LinkedIn regularly by liking, commenting and following businesses or people who inspire and interest you, plus keep connecting with people who already support you. LinkedIn does not have to be exclusively “work” colleagues, but rather a wide range of people you’ve met across different industries.
3. Lead with positivity and pride.
Don’t focus on personal struggles, your ex, past jobs, or disliking the fact that you need a new role. Leave the negative talk behind and change the narrative to highlight your accomplishments, no matter where or when they happened. Be proud of your best skills so that a potential employer sees it. It’s called “earned confidence” and it can really boost your positive mindset in general.
4. Keep an open mind.
If you can consider positions that offer you the work-life balance you need, rather than just a paycheck or a resume filler, you may be surprised what opportunities present themselves. You don’t have to go back to a career you left behind if you don’t want to. Why not try something else and use your skills in a completely different way? When you stay open to options, you’re leading the way to a new version of your professional self (it might look very different than you think!).
5. Don’t give up.
Finding a job that fits into your life takes time and a bit of effort. It likely won’t happen overnight and there are always some hiccups you don’t expect. Patience is key, but if the going gets tough, stressful and discouraging, give yourself the grace to step away from the search for a few days.
Consider investing in resources that might give you an edge – local library seminars, career coaching, or resume writing. ALR Connections has trusted partners in these areas, plus we offer a certification curriculum for professional development that is affordable and fast.
If you’re interested in a deeper dive about job searching in today’s market, or exploring your personal skill set to approach your career in a different way, ALR Connections is here for you. Candidate services are always free. If we don’t have an opportunity for you, we’ll do our best to provide resources, more tips and suggestions to encourage and inspire you.
ALR Connections is a boutique staffing group bridging the gap between women and local opportunities. We’re not an algorithm. We truly get to know people, so our referrals provide life-changing results for our candidates and proven success for our business clients.
ALR Connections brings authenticity and passion to the niche of helping women find jobs where their skills can shine. We help people pivot, reinvent and re-establish themselves in the current workplace by building personal relationships, highlighting transferable skills, and developing a community of professional support.
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