CAREER TIP..WOMEN..WANT TO GET BACK AFTER BIG BREAK

Five Ways To... Get Back to Work after a Big Break
INDIA INC MAY BE a lot more receptive in welcoming back women after a break, but the executives have a different story to tell. A lot of firms still show bias in hiring pros with career gaps, which explains why there are fewer women at middle and senior management-levels.
Suggested ways to make a smooth comeback.
1 Redraft Resume
The resume needs to be written differently. It should include a strong statement of objective, saying the candidate is serious about making a long-term impact in the job. Also, candidates should showcase their past achievements. “A properly drafted resume can work wonders. Highlight achievements and experience upfront. And give a reference contact,” says Smitha Baksi, a 34-year-old banking professional who recently resumed her career after a 3-year break to raise her child.
Try not to be Idle
Don’t stay idle during a career break, unless it’s for maternity or reasons beyond one’s control. It is better to enrol for part-time, weekend or distance course. Some engagement in non-committal work, like the social sector, can also reflect positively. “It will enhance skills, show the ability to multitask, and the candidate’s commitment towards work and career,” says Max India group director (human capital) P Dwarkanath.
3 Find a Mentor
HR experts say getting back to work is more of a mindset for such professionals. And in such cases, a senior colleague can play the role of a mentor. “A mentor can guide such professionals back to work, keep them updated about the latest scenario and help them move up the corporate ladder faster. Our experience suggests professionals who join from a career break are much more committed to work and a mentor who they look up to can make the transition smoother,” says Schneider Electric director (HR) Shalini Sarin.
4 Don’t Lose Network
The biggest mistake is not to stay in touch with one’s colleagues and seniors. Network through social networking sites, occasional calls and at times even by dropping in at the office. “Generally, senior colleagues are happy to help if they are satisfied with the professional’s work. Even if such people may not have any immediate vacancy in their organisation, they can refer the professional to their network. Such references lend the professional credibility,” says Edelweiss Capital group HR head Shaily Gupta.
5 Be Flexible
Experts say women should be flexible to get back into work through part-time jobs, work which can be done from home or consultancy, which may not require long hours of work or travel. “This way, they would have a fair idea of how much time they can contribute for work and accordingly plunge into a fullfledged career. This also becomes a good launch pad to get back into the work life,” says Deloitte India chief people officer Dhananjay Bansod.
(Writankar Mukherjee ET18OCT11)