Q and A Page

Question: I am re-entering the workforce after spending several years as a stay-at-home mother.  What advice or suggestions can you give me?

Answer:  You need to promote your earlier professional experience, so the easiest way to re-enter the workforce is to enter back into your previous existing field or industry.  We suggest that you contact prior employers for references, recommendations, and current opportunities to assist in re-entering a professional career.  Next, make sure to network with all of your family, friends, neighbors and school contacts to let as many people know as possible that you are looking for professional employment once again.  Professional recruiting firms can guide and assist you in preparing your resume and marketing you to potential employers to land your re-entry dream job.  Lastly, consider temporary employment as a great way to get immediate exposure back into the workforce and fine tune your skills.  Most staffing firms also offer free training to brush-up on any rusty skills. And temporary employment will allow you a foot-in-the-door at professional firms where you can gain current experience.

Question: I have great experience and job qualifications but never seem to get past the first interview.  What am I doing wrong?

Answer: Many qualified candidates have difficulty selling themselves in an interview.  The first step would be to practice your interviewing techniques with a friend.  Ask your friend to critique not only the content of your answers but how you answer the questions.  Focus on intangibles such as eye contact, a firm handshake, possible fidgeting or other signs of nervousness that you may show in an interview.  Dress for the position by contacting the person who scheduled the interview and ask about the company dress code so that you look like you would fit into the company culture. Next, preparation is the key to any successful interview.  Research the firm where you are interviewing and prepare a series of questions that go beyond the scope of the usual company vacation policy question.  Study the firm’s website and have a solid understanding of their business, who their competitors are, and who the key players in the company are. Do your homework and learn about the company’s products and services. Lastly, be sure to ask for the job at the end of any interview! Convey enthusiasm and leave the impression on the interviewer that you are interested in the position and would like to move to the next step in the hiring process.

Question: I would like to ask for a raise, but I am very intimidated by my boss and feel that my request will not be well-received.  Is there ever a good way to ask for more money?

Answer: First, you need to make sure that you and your position merit a raise.  Verify your current earnings by checking out salary surveys for your industry and for the scope of your position.  Next, the financial position of the company is an important factor.  Look at the request from the company’s perspective so you can assess whether your expectations are realistic for the firm where you are employed.  Once you have done a careful analysis of these two points and feel it is appropriate to move forward, you can start to build a rational argument behind your request.  Document your accomplishments objectively, including ways in which you assisted in cost savings, completed tasks ahead of time or in a superior manner, went beyond the scope of the job to assist colleagues or clients, or developed new processes.  Having a strategy that provides evidence of your worth will help to take the emotion out of the conversation.  Remember, while this may be a personal issue to you, this is a business decision for the company.  Writing a list of your accomplishments and providing evidence of your value to back up your request will ready you for a serious discussion.  Plan, prepare, and then go into the meeting equipped to negotiate.  If offered in lieu of a raise, would you be ready to accept additional perks such as extra vacation time?  Strategize various outcomes to the negotiation prior to the meeting and understand that while your request may not be met with enthusiasm, your expectations are fair and realistic.