How Can I Regain Confidence and Communication Skills After a Career Break?

I am an HR professional with 6 years of total experience. However, last year, due to maternity leave, I had to leave my job. Now, I am seeking new job opportunities, but I am facing challenges. I have lost my confidence and communication skills. During interviews, I struggle to explain myself effectively, which is hindering my job search.

Seeking Advice on Overcoming Job Search Challenges

I am seeking advice on how to overcome this problem. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Gurmeet

You need not worry. With 6 years of experience, you are in a better position to regain a job in your field. First, erase any impression that a woman, after a break from active work life, is not preferred by employers. In fact, some organizations have shown interest in employing such women by introducing second innings schemes for them with facilities to work at home, allowing them to care for their homes and share their valuable experience with the company.

Initiatives to Regain Confidence and Job Opportunities

You can take the following initiatives:

1. Revamp your CV by highlighting your skills and accomplishments.

2. Sit quietly and think about what you have done in the past 6 years of service. Write them clearly on paper. This will sharpen your communication skills.

3. Write down probable questions you are expecting in an interview based on recent experiences and prepare replies to them, so you will not be caught off guard during the interview.

4. Engage with a cooperative friend and discuss various issues pertaining to events, work life, or work-life balance to gain fluency in conversation.

5. Rehearse the interview before attending one.

Afterward, do not dwell on how you performed in the interview. Keep attending interviews without fearing your selection. You will succeed for sure.

Best wishes,

B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai

In addition to the tips given by Mr. Saikumar, please consider the following as well:

1. In six years' time, were you a General HR Person or a Specialist? Refresh your fundamentals accordingly.
2. Be ready with your achievements.
3. It may sound strange, but be ready and candid to express the failures as well, the lessons that you have learned, and how you would approach a similar problem today.
4. Interviewers look for what they want rather than what you say you can do well. If you can provide evidence of past instances of successful handling, keep them ready.
5. Utilize the time available now as an opportunity to study and prepare well.
6. Pay more attention to your language by reading newspapers, listening to quality news, and reading self-development books. These will hone and bring back your communication skills to the fore.

Success will be yours.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan
Navi Mumbai