Restarting your career after taking an extended break to care for your children can be an emotional experience. However, with the right assistance and support, the transition can be made smoother.

Claire began her career journey with Inspira as she was looking for part-time employment, after having a 12-year career break to raise her children. With her youngest child about to start nursery school, she thought now was the ideal time to resume work on a part-time basis. During her career break Claire had volunteered as a School Governor holding the position of Vice Chair.

The first step was to have a telephone appointment with Julia an Inspira Careers Adviser, where Claire wanted assistance and guidance to update her CV so it accentuate her skills and experience. With her Adviser’s help, this was accomplished during the appointment.

After spotting a job vacancy for a part-time Customer Service Administrator at Westfield Housing Association, Claire booked a further appointment with Julia for assistance with the application. Julia provided guidance on tailoring her CV to match the job description and highlighting relevant skills such as customer service, administration, and IT along with being able to multi-task and meet targets.

Claire's personal profile was developed to include how her school governor experience had helped with being able to build working relationships quickly and developed her confidence dramatically. Finally, Claire and Julia drafted a cover letter and discussed what information needed to be evidenced. Signposting to resources on ‘how to write a cover letter’ on the Inspira and National Careers Service websites were also provided.

Clare completed up her application and supporting statement at home, before sending it to Julia for review.

Shortly after, she got notification that she had been shortlisted for the position and reached out for help with the interview process. Interview tips, questions to anticipate, and the importance of having questions ready to ask were discussed. Additionally, the importance of researching the company before the interview was emphasised.

Clare had a successful interview and was offered the job.

More more advice on getting back to work after a career break click here.