Reentering the workforce? Discover effective job search strategies for women restarting their careers. Get tips on resumes, networking, interviews, and more.

Finding a job can be challenging, especially when you're reentering the workforce after a break. However, you can successfully navigate the job market with focused strategies and a proactive approach. If you're looking to resume your career or explore new paths, these actionable steps can help you.

Clarify Your Career Direction

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

The first step in your career restart is self-discovery. Take a career assessment test to evaluate your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Reflect on your core skills and passions: What energises you? What work feels fulfilling? These insights will help you identify industries that align with your abilities, including roles like online tutoring jobs or positions suited for women in tech sales.

Take a FREE career assessment test here

2. Explore Career Options in India

Research the vast array of career options in India to find opportunities that suit your aspirations. Whether you're drawn to tech, healthcare, or the expanding remote work sector, understanding emerging industries can guide your career decisions. Staying updated on these trends is essential for discovering exciting opportunities tailored to your skills.

Explore various Career options in India

3. Build a Strong Foundation

Consider accessing free career counselling to gain expert advice on navigating the job market. These services can help you clarify your goals, develop a plan, and build confidence in your career choices. Pick up a course or two to get updated with the latest skills and be in sync with the current industry trends. 

FREE Career Counselling Services

4. Create a Tailored Resume

Your resume is your professional introduction, ensure it leaves an impact. Highlight your skills and achievements relevant to each role, using measurable results and action-oriented language. A clean, professional layout ensures recruiters focus on your accomplishments rather than the design. 

Including your photo on the resume is completely optional, but if you do, make sure it is a professional one and not one from your vacation. Mention your career break and what you did during it. Taken an upskilling course, volunteered, or simply dedicated time to raising a family or taking care of the house. 

Create the perfect Resume in 4 Steps for FREE

5. Write a Compelling Cover Letter

A personalized cover letter tailored to each application can set you apart. Address the hiring manager, reference the specific role, and explain how your skills make you an ideal candidate. Don't forget to express genuine enthusiasm for the company and the position. Consider adding relevant experience from your career break, like trip planning, organisation, and effective time management while juggling household duties, kids' school, and extracurricular activities.  Mention transferable skills useful in jobs for women, especially in remote-friendly fields like online tutoring jobs or jobs for women in tech sales.

6. Use Job Boards Effectively

Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and the Jobs Feed at Glow and Lovely Careers are treasure troves for job seekers. Customize your search criteria to save time and set up job alerts to stay informed about openings. The Glow and Lovely Careers in association with SHEROES also offer resources such as free career counselling, job-hunting tips and Career Talk sessions with a professional career coach. 

MARS is a unit of the SHEROES that adds you to their talent pool and matches your profile with their job requirements. Getting into their talent pool requires an assessment called MARS Certification and telephonic screening. Thousands of women have successfully reentered the workforce through MARS and are succeeding in their careers. 

7. Build and Maintain Professional Connections

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to discover job opportunities. Platforms like the Glow and Lovely Careers community on SHEROES are excellent for connecting with professionals and exploring specific jobs for women in India.

Rekindle connections with former colleagues, mentors, and peers. Regular communication, even casual, strengthens relationships and can lead to unexpected opportunities in traditional office roles or flexible options like online tutoring jobs.

Ace the Job Interview

Preparation is key to interview success. Research the company’s history, values, and recent achievements. Practice answers to common questions and prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer. This demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement.

1. Make a Great Impression

Punctuality, professional attire, and active listening make a positive impact. During the interview, articulate how your skills and experiences address the company's needs. Share specific examples to showcase your capabilities.

2. Follow Up With Gratitude

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express appreciation and reaffirm your interest in the role. Keeping communication open with recruiters or hiring managers can leave a lasting impression.

3. Stay Motivated and Persistent

Reentering the workforce takes time, and rejection is a natural part of the process. Use each step to refine your approach, build connections, and learn new skills. Consider free resources like career assessment tests, free career counselling, or online courses to boost your abilities and confidence.

Start Your Journey Today

Take the first step toward reclaiming your career. Research the diverse career options in India, access free career counselling, and try a free career assessment test to gain clarity. From flexible opportunities to thriving fields like tech sales and customer service, women are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success. Armed with these strategies, you’re ready to confidently pursue your next opportunity and thrive in your professional journey. 

Join the Glow and Lovely Careers community on SHEROES, network with like-minded women, attend webinars and get access to live Q&A sessions with a career coach.