I've been home raising my children for 13 years. I have a college degree and have worked in the past. However, all references are invalid (out of business) What is the best way to re-enter the workforce?
71herrick
Posted:
May 8, 08
6:52pm
Posted: May 9, 08 6:57am
I, too, would be interested in this answer. Every company I've worked for is out of business, or cut back personnel that would have been my immediate supervisors.
I think it's more about plugging your skills and how you can contribute to the organization than references these days. Referemces should be the last thing a prospective employer requests.
If you've done any volunteer work or are active in your church or community, you may have to rely on personal, rather than professional, references.
Good luck!
Posted: May 9, 08 8:41am
It can be done. The employer is aware of the realities of the workforce, however they are basically taking on an unverifiable factor based on how good of a talker you are. So be prepared to start at a lower pay rate since they are taking a chance on you, then prove your abilities.
Posted: May 9, 08 9:54am
I would recommend LinkedIn as the leading professional networking site. (Obviously, I am a fan of networking online, but keep reading.) If you are diligent, you will establish enough of a network that you may re-connect with former colleagues who can then be references for you. I have quite a few on my LinkedIn profile with whom I worked twenty years ago.
Posted: May 16, 08 3:53pm
On a related note, although Facebook is not designed as a professional networking tool, it can be used as one. Many of my former colleagues, including a certain former editor, are on Facebook. The site is for social networking primarily, but it lacks the inanity of its chief competitor, MySpace.
The more friendly level of the conversation on Facebook may help you establish a closer rapport with your direct connections, while LinkedIn's friend of friend format will be more useful for finding appropriate business connections in your extended network.
I tell my career students to network, network, network; so use all direct and electronic means.