It's an age old quandary. Career-minded woman decides to stay home for a few years to raise children on maternity leave, then eases back into the work force via contract or part time work, to regain a working reputation. But how to get back to where she left off, let alone get ahead? Is this any different for someone who takes a leave of absence?
How To Get Back Into the Human Resources Department
Q: I have a question about getting back into human resources. I went back to school after being home with my son- found a part time job (contract) in hr while in school and was able to stay there from 2003 until 2005 (finished my diploma in 2004) I then found a position in admin (part time) in 2005-2008 with some hr duties. I wanted to start working full time but my employer was unable to accomidate the request so I found a FT position but again in admin. I found HR very difficult to get in without any background in payroll or benefits. I am finding that I really want to get back into HR, as I enjoyed my last 2 postions very much. I am finding the job markets to be a lot better now but I find without working in a current HR role, I am unable to find any work. Do you have any suggestions to get my foot back in?
Thanks, G.
Get Appropriate Training to Augment Experience
A: First and foremost is what did you graduate with – you don't mention that important detail. One can assume you were in Human Resources before taking maternity leave, so that you do have experience in your chosen field of Human Resources. You are on the right track to work part time and further your education with courses. However, the courses and/or diploma may not be what is now needed to work in Human Resources.
You mention the specific request by employers for a background in payroll or benefits. This is your clue on what you are missing from your repertoire. You need to take courses in these areas – and most likely specific ones for the special software now being used for payroll and benefits. A general bookkeeping and accounting course would also help. It would be a great idea to talk to your old company and find out what they are using now, and how you could get training in that area. If you can't contact your previous employers, try contacting a company you'd like to work for and ask them what training they would recommend for someone getting back into the field. Or go to an employment agency that specializes in placing Human Resource personnel – both for possible employment as well as advice. As well, check out professional sites for HR training.
Consider taking a short term job as an accounting clerk within a payroll/benefits department - just to get some experience. If you do have previous HR experience, tell the company you are looking to round out your previous experience by working as a clerk, with the intention of moving up the ladder as you prove your worth to the company.
Also, although your contact here was via email and of a more casual nature, always ensure all business correspondence is grammatically correct and free of all errors. This includes emails. As an HR worker, you must maintain your professionalism in all contacts.
Bottom Line
Getting training to get back into the work force is the right track, but ensure the training is appropriate for the desired career. Look beyond colleges for the training; talk to those in the field to see what is appropriate, and if there are specific training programs to upgrade existing knowledge. It doesn't matter if it's maternity leave or a leave of absence. It's up to the employee to ensure adequate upkeep with what's been happening in that field.
**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
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