It can be a scary step to return to work after taking time off to raise your children, going back to school, after a lay off, taking time to care for your parents, or even after relocating to a new area or state. Whether it has been a few months or several years it is wise to prepare to make sure your re-entry into the workforce is a successful one. 

Your resume should be updated to reflect any additional training, certifications or relevant volunteer work you have completed since you last used your resume. The qualifications summary and top portion of the resume need to focus on your current career goals, as should all of your resume documents. 

If you know you have a certain amount of time before returning to work, use this time to your advantage and update your qualifications. Take relevant classes, get certified in new procedures or compliances, or improve your computer skills especially in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access which are looked for in many positions, fields and industries. Use your time wisely to read up on your industry, any new major players in the industry, latest trends, and any problems or news worthy issues. Or improve your overall knowledge by reading autobiographies on the business greats, they are always full of wisdom and are usually very interesting. 

While preparing your credentials and career documents, it might be a good idea to look into the industry you seeking to enter. Have you kept up-to-date with new technology, procedures, products, or companies related to the industry? Research the industry thoroughly to ensure you will be well informed when networking with industry contacts and interviewing with companies. Being as prepared as possible will give you an edge when you actually begin your job search especially since you will most likely be competing with candidates already active in the industry. 

Have you stayed in touch with important contacts? Now is a great time to touch base with them. Find out what new developments are taking place, where the jobs are, and who the people that you should meet and get your resume to. Expand your network by joining social networking groups or associations within the industry as well as local business and chamber groups. Get you name out there – tell everyone you talk with and let them know what you are looking for.  

When the time is right and your career documents have all been updated, find a few well-established recruiters to assist you. They have great connections and usually have a good understanding of who is hiring. It might require a few gentle reminders to keep you connected but recruiters assist with up to 60% of hires and it is worth the effort to stay in touch. Taking advantage of industry recruiters along with making your job search known to everyone possible, are the best proactive actions you can take to finding the right job quickly. 

Remember to focus on what you have to offer, not what you are lacking. Try not to worry about what others may have or compare yourself to others. Promote your strengths, passion, and strong work ethics, and look for ways to improve your weaknesses to make you an attractive candidate that employers are sure to notice.