Hi I'm a M Com Graduate and CA Inter completed. After my pregnancy I quit my job due to health reasons and later to take care of my baby. There is a gap of 8+ years, now I want to resume my professional life. My work experience were in Accounts and finance. I haven't applied for any job in the fear being rejected. I'm willing to learn and really want to work. But I don't know where to start. How to bridge the gap of 8+ years. I didn't develop any professional skills. Even if I want to develop any skills i don't know how and where to start.

Ans: Dear Mam,

This is commendable to know you are planning to restart your career. This calls for the celebration :)

Few things you can consider-

Update your skills as per the industry you are looking at so that you are better prepared for the interviews.
Networking is very helpful. Start connecting with the individuals in the industry through professional platforms like linkedin or any other.
Address the career gap in your resume with a brief and positive explanation. Highlight any/all the skills you have developed during your time away, for example multitasking, time management, or organizational skills gained through managing a household or any other appropriate.
While you are looking for a permanent job also try other options like consulting or freelancing kind of work. This will help you gain practical experience to showcase.
Build your online presence by updating your linkedin profile and join relevant online groups per your industry.
While you are hunting for a job invest your time in learning new skills or completing the certifications which will also build your profile stronger.
Look for organizations who are hiring women specifically after a long bag. There are multiple organizations who run such programmes.
Importantly have patience and keep working towards meetings your dreams.

Hope this helps

To Your Success
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: There are jobs available, you will have to keep searching. Check your network of friends, apply through placement agency, upload your cv on job portals etc. Try to take up a job in relevant domain even if you are not completely satisfied with it and then keep searching, Else the gap would increase,

Ans: Re-entering the workforce after a long career gap can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make a successful transition. Here are some steps to help you get back on track. Reflect on the reasons for your career gap, what you've learned during this period, and how it has shaped your skills and experiences. Ask yourself: What are your current skills and strengths? Are there any new interests or fields you want to explore? What kind of roles are you looking for? Identify any skill gaps and take steps to address them. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer a wide range of courses that can help you update your skills. Consider taking on volunteer work or freelance projects to gain recent experience and showcase your commitment to returning to the workforce. Be ready to address your career gap positively and confidently. Be honest about your career gap, explaining it in a positive light, and focusing on what you've learned and how you're prepared for your next role. Practice common interview questions, especially those related to your gap. Emphasize your eagerness to return to work and your proactive steps to stay current in your field. Networking is crucial when returning to the workforce; hence, Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and professional contacts to let them know you’re looking to return to work. Become active in professional associations or online groups related to your industry. Look for part-time positions to gradually re-enter the workforce. Explore remote job opportunities that offer flexibility. Remember, many professionals successfully re-enter the workforce after a gap. With the right approach and mindset, you can find a fulfilling role that leverages your experience and skills. Good luck!

Ans: It's understandable that the gap in your formal employment might be frustrating, but it doesn't diminish your 12+ years of experience and your ongoing efforts to stay updated. Here's a strategic approach to relaunching your IT career: Revamp your resume to showcase your core IT skills and accomplishments, not focusing heavily on the exact dates of your employment. Quantify your achievements with metrics whenever possible (e.g., increased website traffic by X% through SEO improvements). Frame your freelance projects as valuable consulting experiences where you independently tackled real-world problems. Your websites demonstrate your initiative and technical abilities in managing projects. Don't aim for the exact same senior-level positions you held before the break. Consider mid-level roles that allow you to re-enter the workforce and demonstrate your updated skills. You can gradually progress within a company. Reconnect with former colleagues or classmates on LinkedIn. Inform them you're re-entering the workforce and seek informational interviews to learn about current industry trends and potential opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile and consider creating a professional website or portfolio showcasing your IT skills and freelance projects. Volunteer for a non-profit organization or take on short-term contract work to gain recent technical experience and build your resume. Remember, re-entering the workforce after a break takes time and perseverance. Focus on your strengths, strategically tailor your job search, and don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. By effectively showcasing your skills and experiences, you'll land the right IT opportunity to relaunch your successful career.