The Return-to-Work Checklist

Follow these hints to job-hunting success:

Start early. At least 6 months before your desired work start date, review your goals and formulate a plan of action. If you think you may need to return to school, start even earlier.
Give your skills an overhaul. Evaluate your skills in light of your job goals and brush up your weak spots, whether it’s a crash course in computer programming or a seminar in management techniques.
Review the changes in your industry. Hopefully you’ve been keeping abreast of changes in your industry so you know what the latest buzz is. If not, get started!
Get your resume in tip-top shape. Though your experience hasn’t changed, the job market and employers’ needs have. Your resume should reflect the latest buzz words and corporate lingo.
Host a “coming out” party. You’ll rely even more heavily on your network of contacts than a jobseeker without a break in employment. Host a luncheon for your 5 closest former work buddies. Ask their input on how you can best position yourself for re-emergence. They may even have job leads for you!
Confidence counts. The image you portray is what sells you. To present the best image, you need to feel your best. Treat yourself to a few new work outfits, review your skills so you know you’re on par with your co-workers, and keep your chin up. Most importantly, don’t apologize for your time off--if you respect your decisions, other people will, too.