New Year!  New Decade! New You! New Career!

As a frustrated working mother, you’re feeling It’s a new year, a new decade and a new you. You’re ready for a new career! Yet, you are wondering is this the best time for working mothers to job search?

You’re struggling juggling work and being a mother.  You’re feeling the excitement of the new year and decade to make the job or career change you have been dreaming of. Yet, you have reservations. You’re not sure if this is the right time.

You want a career you love and you want to be a great mother. No, that’s not too much to ask!

You can have a career you love despite your fears.

This Is The Best Time For Working Mothers To Job Search

We’ve had several frustrated working mothers seeking support within the first days of January. 

• They’re over their jobs.
• They’re tired of having to make a case to get time off to take their sick kids to the doctor. 
• These moms are struggling with being a working mother.
• They feel unsupported and punished for having a family.
• These working mothers need to make a change and they’re wondering when is the right time.

I was a frustrated working mother for years! I know and feel your pain!

Are you having similar feelings?

The Beginning Of The Year Is A Great Time To Job Search For Working Mothers

It’s a great time for working moms to make a career move whether you’re looking to change your job, career or return to the workforce.

Looking back, I either started or changed my positions in March, at the beginning of the year with four out of the five companies I worked prior to starting my business. The beginning of the year is a great time to start your job search and make the change you know you need!

Employment site, Monster shows that it takes over three months to secure a job. And that’s the best-case scenario from submitting your application to start date. According to Glassdoor the average length of the hiring process (after receiving an offer) in the U.S. is 23.8 days.

Four Reasons Why The Beginning Of The Year Is A Great Time To Job Search:

1. Job openings increase at the beginning of the year making January and February the best time to look for a job according to articles on Careersidekick, TopResume, and CNBC.
2. The first quarter of the year is the strongest hiring quarter. This is when budgets get approved and hiring managers receive approval to grow their teams.
3. New years make people more motivated to make a change. People will switch jobs leaving openings to be filled and employers will need to fill those positions. 
4.  Both job seekers and hiring managers return to work after the holidays and are motivated and pounding the pavement to either land a new job or employee.

Moms, before jumping into your job search do these 5 musts before you start. They will help you gain clarity and prepare.

Prepare Your Marketing Tools For Your Job Search 

We’ve established that the beginning of the year is the best time to job search. Your next step as a working mother is to take a step back complete the 5 musts to help you prepare.

After completing the 5 preparation steps get your marketing tools ready. Including:

•  your resume, 
• cover letter, 
• thank you letter 
• and LinkedIn profile.
  

Make master copies for your resume, cover letter and thank you letters and tailor for each position accordingly.

Need help with writing your resume? This article covers resume writing tips to get you an interview.

 

Audit Your Digital Footprint

As a former recruiter, hiring manager, and leader of a career services department I must let you know that you will be researched before and during your interview process. CareerBuilder reports that 70 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process.

It is very important to review your digital footprint to ensure that what is found about you on the internet and social media is representing you well. 

Your digital footprint can either help or hinder your job search. Some employers will conduct a Google search and social media audit on you before reaching out to you for an interview. Don’t take away your chance of securing a job even before getting in the door for an interview.

Let Your Network Know You’re On The Job Market

Reach out to your network and let them know you’re available. Begin those conversations by letting your contact know about what you have to offer. Tell them about your skillset, experience, accomplishments and the value you have to offer.

People love to help, however, they are more open to being your ambassador and referral when you let them know the value you have to offer than stating what you’re seeking.

Tell your network what you have to offer. It’s not only about what you’re seeking.

Who Is Your Network

Think about who you know, who knows you and who knows someone that your skill set can be of value to.

It’s faster to secure a job through a referral network. It’s not only beneficial to you as a candidate but also to employers. Employers spend a lot of time, resources and money to find and secure good talent.

Help yourself and employers by reaching out to your network. 

Your network could be your friend, parents, siblings, family member, neighbor or a former colleague. Don’t disregard anyone you know or the people your contacts know!

Get In The Mindset That You’re On The Job Market

• Get your elevator pitch ready. 
• Know your value – what you have to offer. 
• You never know who you may meet on the train, in the elevator or at your children’s school.

Networking is one of the oldest methods of securing a job and still remains the fastest way to secure a position.

I know as a working mother it’s very challenging to find time to eat much less take on the job of finding a job!

Work smarter not harder. Focus your time and effort where you will get the most return and impact.

In conclusion, right now is the best time for you to start your job search as a frustrated working mother. When you get to the point of frustration where you feel your work environment is toxic you need to start planning your best exit strategy for you and your family.

The beginning of the year in January and February is the best time for working mothers to job search.

Take a step back and do the five musts for moms before starting your job search.

Then prepare your marketing tools, audit your digital footprint and reach out to your network.

It may feel overwhelming and even scary to leave the position and company you know.

Begin With The End In Mind. Think about what you need as a working mom. What will work for you and your family that’s going to make you a happy working mom? A ROCKSTAR CAREER MOM!

You got this mama. You absolutely deserve to have a job you love and feel supported as a working mom!

Yes! You Can Have It All!

What is your biggest struggle as a working mother? I would love to hear from you. You can email me on yamiek@rockstarcareermoms.com.