Find a New Job After the Split

    It’s often difficult for a recently divorced woman to return to work after an extended absence after taking time off to be a homemaker or stay-at-home mom. While the emotional ramifications will typically be significant and your need to return may be financially driven, there are other potential obstacles to returning to work in a job that’s comparable to the one you left.      

To compensate for the gap in your resume, it’s often necessary to focus on your education and skills and put less emphasis on your employment history. So instead of utilizing a traditional resume format, you might opt to use a skill-based resume format. A resume book or online career website, such as Monster.com or Hotjobs.com, will offer resume formatting advice for a skill-based resume.      

Depending on the type of career path or specific job you’re pursuing, one way to find the best possible job opportunities, including the ones that aren’t advertised, is through networking. Talk to the people you know. Pinpoint a handful of companies you might want to work for, and then find people who will be able to make a personal introduction for you to those employers. Personal referrals are one of the best ways to get your foot in the door with a potential employer.       

Friends, relatives, spouses of friends, past professional acquaintances and your college’s career guidance office, for example, might be able to provide valuable leads about job openings. Newspaper ‘help wanted’ ads, career-related web sites, plus attending industry trade shows and job fairs are other sources for potential job leads.       

“According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 63 percent of all jobs were found by job seekers through networking, not through responding to job listings,” said Robin Ryan (www.robinryan.com), a career counselor and career book author. “Focus on jobs you’re qualified for. In doing so, consider all of your options, including job opportunities offered by small, medium and large-size companies, as well as with various government agencies and non-profits. Figure out exactly how much money you need to earn, and then focus on pursuing positions that will meet your salary requirements.”       

Part of setting your budget and determining how much money you need to earn involves being realistic. “While you were married, you might have driven a BMW with a $1,200 per month payment. Now, you may need to drive a Honda Civic that has a $250 monthly payment, because that’s currently what you can afford,” said Ryan, who also recommends that women update their wardrobe prior to kicking off their job search efforts.      

“Many women who have been out of the work force for a while don’t understand what ‘business casual’ means in today’s working world. I recommend asking your employed friends, reading magazines, and looking at what people are wearing at the companies you want to work for. Determine what’s appropriate. Dress pants with a nice blouse or jacket are usually acceptable. If you’re a manager, executive or business professional, chances are a business suit will be more appropriate, especially for the job interview. Look like you’re focused on success. Wear contemporary clothing and have a current hairstyle,” added Ryan, author of "60 Seconds And You’re Hired (Penguin Group)." A new edition of this bestselling book will be published in January 2008.