Trying to ease back into the workforce after a hiatus can be a challenge.
I found myself in this situation a few years ago when trying to reenter the workplace after raising kids (in my prior life I worked in high tech). It was a very long and bumpy road. Employers didn’t want to look at me and those that did expressed disdain over that big gap in my resume. I eventually ended up going to graduate school and entering a completely different career path, as a librarian. Part of the allure of choosing this field is the satisfaction I receive helping other adults who struggle with similar circumstances and need help in finding resources to help them reenter the workplace. If I can do it, so can you!
If you find yourself in the same boat, the good news is that San Jose Public Library, along with other community organizations, have some great resources to help you update your skill-set, hone your resume and possibly pivot into a new career.
Career Books
In Person Help
SJPL Works
San Jose Public Library has its own business and career department at King, the main branch, which offers everything from workspaces to drop in resume help to an array of workshops related to business, marketing, networking and more. Events are added frequently, so be sure to check their page often.
Online Resources from the Library
Learning Express: Job and Career Accelerator
An easy-to-use search tool with everything you need to find, apply for, and get hired into ideal positions.
TreeHouse Learning
Professional-level courses ranging from coding, project management, marketing and other related subjects.
Local Community Resources
Work2Future
Located in San Jose, this non-profit organization offers resume help, workshops, networking, help from a “talent coach,” and access to employment training opportunities.
Nova Job Center
Located in Sunnyvale, Nova Job Center offers job counseling, workshops, some computer literacy training, and access to job postings.
Organizations committed to helping parents transition back into the workforce
STEM Re-Entry Task Force
Two organizations, The Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch, help women with STEM backgrounds to relaunch their careers. Job opportunities and internships are offered by some big name tech companies such as Apple, Honeywell, IBM, Dell, and Proctor and Gamble.
Path Forward
This organization helps professionals who have at least five years or more of work experience and have been out of the workforce for at least two years caring for a child or dependent, to apply for a paid returnship. They have job listings on their website which range from Customer Success Manager, QA Engineer to positions in sales to product management.
Woman Back To Work
Provides "returnships" and direct hire opportunities with big name companies such as Google, Cisco, and VISA.
Have you, or do you currently struggle with, trying to relaunch a career after a life-changing event? What resources, if any, have you found beneficial?
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