Packaging qualifications could be key to re-entering the job market

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Dear Joan:
After spending eight years at home with my children, I am seeking full-time employment again. Previously, I was employed professionally for eight years (as a high school teacher). While a full-time mom, I have completed a second Master's Degree in a related profession (library and information science), was inducted into a national honor society, and held minor part-time jobs. I am shocked and dismayed by the reaction I receive from potential employers. Either I am too old, too responsible for my family, or too "out-of-touch" with my profession.

There is nothing I can do about my age (39!). Personally, I view my maturity and experience as an asset. But I haven't convinced anyone else of that.

I try to avoid discussing my young children, but have yet to find a satisfactory answer to these questions: "What have you been doing for eight years?" and "Why did you stop teaching?" I know that potential employers can't ask about my marital status or dependents, but I don't want to sound evasive either. Any suggestions?

One of the major reasons I went to graduate school was to stay "in touch" with my profession. My grades (including a fieldwork experience) are excellent. But some people say that education has changed so much lately, fieldwork is nothing like working, etc. Do you have any suggestions on handling this type of comment?

My professional letters of reference are exemplary, but I did not get one from my most recent employer (a bad mistake made during prepartum excitement and postpartum depression). Although my supervisor is unavailable now, the chairman of my department has offered to be a reference. Would this be a good substitute?

A final question - how important a role does physical appearance play in the job search? I am overweight and can't afford gorgeous clothes, but am neat and stylish.

Answer:
Your problems appears to be one of packaging, not contents. Let's take this apart one issue at a time.

I suspect you are using a classic resume format, which emphasizes your employment gap. Scrap it and redo your resume in a more "functional" format. In other words, identify what the qualifications are for the position and list them down the left-hand side of your resume. Opposite those categories, identify the results you have accomplished (pull results from all of your experiences, past and present) and don't worry about being chronological. Also, don't list employers just yet. Consider fieldwork, volunteer work and past employment when illustrating results.

As you describe your results, keep in mind that you must look up to date. If you are applying for a job in libraries, use the latest jargon and emphasize computer-related information systems with which you are familiar. Don't forget to mine those part-time jobs for any nuggets you can include, in order to emphasize your related talents such as organizational skills and people skills.

You mention that age and being "too responsible for my family" were reasons for employer rejections. Don't believe it -- unless you have been too focused on your family during your interviews or mentioned your family in your cover letters. If you have a functional resume there is no need to bring up your family.

Following the qualifications section, list your employers. When asked about chronological gaps, say, "I went back to school for another degree to broaden my skills," rather than putting the emphasis on, "I decided to stay home with my children." If the employer is trying to find out about your children, I suggest that you confidently state that they have reliable childcare and you are eager and ready for a full-time commitment.

If you're finding rejection in the education world, consider pursuing private sector information-related jobs. Most companies are struggling to find good, qualified talent in this area and may not find your age or job gaps to be as much of a problem.

As far as your references go, the chairman of your department would be a good substitute, as would co-workers with whom you’ve worked on joint projects.

Regarding your weight, if you are moderately overweight it probably isn't that big of an issue (10 to 25 pounds) but if you are over that, I can't pretend that it won't hurt you. Employers will make judgments about things such as your energy level, self-esteem, self-control or potential health problems.

With a little packaging redesign, I think you'll find yourself employed in no time! 

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