Are you a parent who has taken a career break or someone looking to return to work after a period of absence? In this Q&A session, we have the privilege of speaking with Jo Lawrence, the founder of The Mum Mentor Careers, a leading expert in helping parents transition smoothly back into the workforce.
Discover strategies to build confidence, refresh skills, and effectively communicate career breaks during job interviews. We’ll also explore valuable resources like LinkedIn, Facebook, and returner programs for upskilling and networking.
Jo shares insights on supporting mums during the transition back to work and provides guidance for organisations in managing the maternity return and parental leave process. Gain valuable tips on leveraging KIT (Keep In Touch) days, networking on LinkedIn, and the importance of showcasing your career break as a strength.
Learn how employers can facilitate a seamless transition for returning workers by offering support systems such as buddy programs, peer mentoring, and working-parent networks. Discover the art of negotiating flexible work arrangements and navigating the different flexible working contracts.
Are you curious when and how to discuss flexible working policies during job interviews? Jo shares strategic advice on timing and approaching the topic to ensure the best outcomes. It’s all about being prepared and knowing what you want.
Tune in for invaluable insights, tips, and advice from Jo Lawrence. Don’t miss this episode as we dive deep into the world of returning to work and creating a successful career comeback.
Be sure to explore Jo’s services at The Mum Mentor Careers.
Enjoyed this Q&A with Jo? Then don’t forget to check out our LinkedIn Live replay, where Jo discusses the six ways employers can prevent talent leaks following parental leave.
Timestamps:
Building Confidence [00:02:00] Strategies to build confidence before re-entering the workplace, including taking advantage of KIT days and using them as career development days.
Refreshing Skills and Experience [00:06:34] The importance of refreshing skills and experience before returning to work, and the availability of free courses and career returner programmes.
Communicating Career Break in Job Interview [00:09:12] The importance of being upfront about career breaks in job interviews and portraying them as strengths, including putting them on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Employers’ advice for smooth transition [00:18:23] Tips for employers to facilitate a smooth transition for those returning to work after a career break, including offering kit days, a reinduction period, and a buddy-up system.
Managing work-life balance [00:11:26] Strategies for transitioning back to work include setting boundaries, strategically saying no, and communicating non-negotiables.
Saying no at work [00:13:00] Tips for saying no without feeling bad include being strategic, communicating verbally with the team, and using email signatures and out-of-office messages.
Career Break Returners [00:20:58] Tips for organisations to support career break returners, including phased returns, regular check-ins, and training for line managers.
Negotiating Flexible Work [00:22:25] Advice for returning to work parents on negotiating flexible work, including researching flexible working policies, preparing a request, and giving examples of how it could work.
Applying for Jobs with Flexible Working [00:28:18] Tips for job seekers on finding flexible jobs, including applying for full-time jobs that may offer flexibility, researching company policies, and considering hybrid working.
When to bring up flexible working policy [00:30:32] Tips on when to bring up flexible working policy during a job interview and how to read the room.
Importance of discussing flexible working policy at the right time [00:32:39] The importance of discussing flexible working policy at the right time during a job interview to avoid wasting time and to negotiate better.
Jo Lawrence’s services [00:33:50] for working moms and organisations, and how to contact her.
Show Links:
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Site