Job Searching After a Career Break - Investing in Women Investing in Women

And Getting Over My Imposter Syndrome – With Rebecca Kevan

Welcome to today’s show as we chat with Rebecca Kevan, a Customer Success Manager at Simply Get Results.

After taking a four-and-a-half-year career break, Rebecca found her current role through the Investing in Women’s Job Board with our help. However, she initially had reservations about the work-from-home setup and was worried about building relationships and her network. Rebecca was also unsure about the unfamiliar job title. As someone who used to apply for jobs matching her profile 100%, she had to take a leap of faith – which thankfully paid off!

In this episode, we discuss various topics, including job searching after a career break, reestablishing yourself after time out of the workplace, managing the juggle and anxiety that led to the break, and working from home.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on navigating career transitions and finding the right job fit.

Key Highlights

[00:00:00] Work It Like A Mum Podcast introduction

[00:01:30] Today’s sponsor: Nine Feet Tall

[00:02:57] Introduction to today’s speaker and topic: Rebecca Kevan talking about job searching after a career break

[00:04:01] Taking a career break and finding a career drive

[00:15:34] What made Rebecca go back to work

[00:16:39] Rebecca’s concerns about job hunting

[00:19:45] How Rebecca found Liz and the Investing in Women team

[00:24:37] Imposter syndrome and anxiety and the effect on Rebecca’s new role

[00:27:41] Rebecca’s advice to anyone who has started a new role and has imposter syndrome

[00:28:41] Tips for someone who fully works from home

[00:32:49] Rebecca’s advice to somebody who is job searching after a career break and is nervous about that process

[00:33:48] Work It Like A Mum Podcast outro

Notable Quotes

When you come from a large organisation full of opportunities and everything is so easily accessible, leaving that environment can be scary because it’s so comfortable. Still, it may become redundant in the same position for a long, and you need to find a better job.
When I first learned about Investing in Women, it became clear that it wasn’t just about fitting into a corporate box but rather about helping women get back into the workforce and finding a job that fits their circumstances.
The Investing in Women team was fantastic to work with. They showed genuine enthusiasm and care toward me, taking the time to ask about my skills and previous experience. They also respected my time as a parent while valuing my professional skills. Their approach made a real difference and still does today.
It’s funny because the skills I developed over time were not things I ever considered my strengths. However, my team has helped me realise my potential, including my ability to listen to people and understand their needs. I have learned to match this with our organization’s goals, which has been incredibly valuable.
Being part of a large organisation had perks; I don’t want to discredit those experiences. However, working at Simply Get Results has been a different, more supportive environment. The team truly understands people, taking the time to understand me and helping me recognize my own strengths and abilities that I may have overlooked.
If you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, take a step back, breathe deeply, and focus on taking action where possible. While it may be difficult to overcome these feelings, talking to someone and asking for help is essential. Find someone you trust professionally or even personally as a sounding board can be incredibly helpful.
Feeling nervous is normal if you are looking for a job after a career break. It’s been a while, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It may take some time, but there are opportunities out there. Remember, it’s okay to feel what you feel and try not to let nerves get the best of you.
It’s great to meet up with people in person and spend time with them. Although we don’t get to do it often, it makes those occasions more valuable and enjoyable. The time we do get together is always well spent and incredibly valuable.

Show Links:

To connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook
LinkedIn
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board

To connect with Rebecca:

LinkedIn: LinkedIn
Simply Get Results

Podcast Sponsor:

Nine Feet Tall

And here’s your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum – a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!