Hi I am a 29-year-old MBA from Mumbai. I quit my job in 2021 during Covid to take care of my son who was unwell at the time. I took up some freelancing and remote jobs during the lockdown to stay relevant. Now that he is better, I want to continue working but I am not getting relevant job offers. I used to earn 15 LPA before I quit. But now I am getting offers as less as Rs 6-8 LPA. I am not sure if I should take it. What can I do to get better job offers that match my education and skillsets?

Ans: Hi there!

Firstly, kudos to you for prioritizing your family during such a challenging time. It’s great to hear that your son is doing better now. Transitioning back into the workforce can be tricky, but with your background and skills, I'm confident you'll find your way. Let's break down some steps to help you get back on track and land those job offers that match your worth:

1. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

- Showcase Your Freelance Work: Highlight the skills and projects you handled during your freelancing and remote work. This shows that you stayed productive and honed your skills.
- Use Keywords: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile contain keywords relevant to your field. This will help recruiters find you more easily.

2. Skill Enhancement and Certification

- Online Courses: Consider taking online courses or certifications in areas that are in high demand in your industry. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer great resources.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and tools in your field to show potential employers that your skills are current.

3. Networking

- Reconnect with Former Colleagues: Reach out to former colleagues and let them know you're back in the job market. They might have leads or be able to refer you to relevant positions.
- Join Professional Groups: Participate in industry-specific groups on LinkedIn or other professional networks. Attend webinars, virtual meetups, and conferences to expand your network.

4. Job Search Strategy

- Targeted Applications: Apply to jobs that closely match your skills and experience. Customize your resume for each application to highlight the most relevant aspects of your background.
- Consider Recruiters: Engage with recruitment agencies that specialize in your industry. They can help you find better opportunities and negotiate salaries.

5. Negotiation Skills

- Know Your Worth: Research industry standards for your role and experience level to ensure you’re asking for a fair salary. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale can help with this.
- Be Ready to Negotiate: When you get an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Highlight your experience, previous salary, and the value you bring to the table.

6. Consider Short-Term Compromises

- Bridge Jobs: If a job offer is significantly lower than your previous salary, evaluate if it's a strategic move that could lead to better opportunities in the future. Sometimes, accepting a slightly lower offer can help you get back into the industry, rebuild your network, and then move up quickly.

Conclusion

Remember, your journey back into the workforce is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, and don’t lose hope. Your experience, education, and dedication are invaluable, and the right opportunity will come along.

Stay confident, keep pushing forward, and soon enough, you’ll find a role that matches your skills and expectations. And always remember, the road may have a few bumps, but every step forward is a step towards your goal.

Best of luck, and keep going strong!