The other day in the gym—finally, after two years, I can go to a spin class without having to wear a mask or even go to the gym to begin with—I overheard one of the mothers on the next bike talking to her friend.
“Now that my child is going to be two in September and starting PreK, I think I am ready to go back to work. I honestly think I should be doing more important things with my life than discussing the relative merits of Pampers versus Huggies!”
Surely, she is not alone. But, alas, it’s not as easy as one would hope. Nearly 1 million women have left the workforce since February 2020, and each one faces her own set of challenges on her journey back to employment. In light of that, and in celebration of International Women’s Day which was on March 8th, Dannon’s aptly named Light + Fit, a yogurt brand that believes in making healthy choices, is on a mission to empower women with the launch of its “Returnship” program, The Comeback.
This iconic company is truly one of the first in the food & beverage industry to offer a program like this. It represents a step forward in helping professionals reacclimate to their careers after a break—no matter how long or short.
But where does one begin? Sonu Rantra, Founder of Women Back to Work and Returnship Expert, shares some suggestions:
JWM: What are your biggest résumé tips for your fellow ladies looking to land some interviews?
SR: You should not pay a penalty when taking a sabbatical from your job. Be honest about your experience and gaps. Own your gap. Highlight what you are going to bring to the team. Prepare a ‘skills-based’ résumé which highlights projects you’ve worked on and career experiences.
JWM: What are your top 3 résumé must-haves?
SR: The first one is to have a résumé summary or objective statement at the top of the page. Share the impact you made in your previous roles and quantify your impact with results. Share examples from your previous work experience on how you solved problems. Then embrace your career gap by owning your story and being ready to discuss the transferable skills you have developed during your career pause.
JWM: Did you have any pre-interview rituals you’d recommend trying to build one’s confidence?
SR: Be fully prepared. A good part of that is to practice your pitch. Make sure you know what your value proposition is, and do not be shy to demonstrate it.
JWM: What are your must-haves for an interview?
SR: Smile. Bring your positive attitude in the conversation. Always ask each interviewer at the beginning of the session what they are looking for. Show your active interest in the job and curiosity by asking relevant questions. State your assumptions when answering technical questions. Be courageous to admit when you don’t know something, but state how you would find the answer. Map the job description requirements to your résumé and be ready to discuss with examples of why you are qualified for the job and what you can bring to the organization.
JWM: What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give your younger self if you had to do it all again?
SR: Take risks! Meet challenges head on. After all, a kite flies only against the strong winds.
JWM: I love that analogy. If it is a virtual interview, what are your tips?
SR: Sign in 15 min early and test the platform that the interview is taking place on. Make sure you have enough time to test the set-up. Turn your camera on. Bring your smile.
JWM: What are your top three tips for women re-entering the workforce?
SR: You know more than you think you do so, above all, believe in yourself. Talk about your accomplishments, embrace self-promotion. Visualize success and embrace rejections during the job search.
JWM: Do you have any tips on compensation conversations for women who’ve been out of work for more than a year?
SR: Know your worth! Quantify your accomplishments and be comfortable to negotiate. It is acceptable to ask for more and yet 60% of women say they never negotiate their salary. Know how much you want to earn in your next job. Check what the current job market offers and aim high. Don’t be afraid to ask for an amount that is higher than your ideal pay. You can always come down from a high goal.
JWM: Any others?
SR: Yes, practice, practice, practice. In other words, practice asking what you want and be confident to make the first offer. Be prepared, do your homework about your market value. Anticipate responses and how you may deal with them.
JWM: Any take-away pearls of wisdom for our audience?
SR: I recommend these four steps: Don’t be afraid to make the first offer. Aim high and ask for more. Practice negotiating to get comfortable. Knowledge is a weapon—arm yourself!
Finally, here is Jane Wilkens Michael’s one pearl of wisdom: Ladies, it’s okay not to be Wonder Woman. You know, she’s the one who gets up at 5 am, sprints to the gym, then showers, answers all e-mails, fixes her family a breakfast of made-from-scratch flaxseed banana waffles and is ready to go to the office or take a Zoom meeting as soon as she drives her equally perfect children to school. Oh, and she runs the NYC Marathon and, in a pinch, can rewire a lamp.
Yes, I too, once tried this foray into Super-parenthood. Until, one day, I accidentally sent my daughter to kindergarten in her pajamas.
Know that being Better Than Before doesn’t mean that you have to change the world. Just direct a little more positive energy each day toward improving your life—plus the lives of all those you touch, at home, at work—and beyond. You got this!
Applications for The Comeback close on April 1, 2022. The six-week summer program begins on June 6, 2022. To learn more or to apply for the Light + Fit Returnship program, visit www.jointhecomeback.com. And to learn more about Dannon Light + Fit, visit http://www.LightandFit.com.
