Work in Progress, Worklife, Workplace, TIME

July 30, 2007 10:56

10 steps for women going back to work

Posted by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen | Comments (15) | Permalink | Trackbacks (0) | Email This

I checked out a new web site called YourOnRamp.com. It's flawed, but of potential use to women who have left the workforce and are attempting a comeback. I say women because the site is clearly targeted to moms, despite the fact that more and more men are making similar choices. Their loss: gentlemen readers, perhaps a market opportunity?

That's one gripe. Another: its perpetuation of the term "on-ramp," popularized by Sylvia Ann Hewlett and her recent book, Off-Ramps and On-Ramps. It refers to women who have taken the off ramp from the career highway at exit number Mom, and who attempt to take the on ramp back to the fast lane. It's a hackneyed and clunky term that paints people who work for pay as the only ones going anywhere. Bull.

According to the release the company sent me, "approximately 37% of highly qualified women voluntarily leave their careers for some period of time, and 58% of those women take a 'scenic route' (a flexible or reduced-hour option). Among those who off-ramp, however, the overwhelming majority (93%) want to return, but face challenges including a loss of confidence, a neglected network, outdated skills, and confusion about how to balance work and life."

The site is relatively well designed, though the dark grey background and white type made my eyes blink after a while. The networking channel is a little tough to figure out; you'd have to commit some time to signing up and building contacts, and for this I find LinkedIn a far better option (read my tricks for using that network for professionals here).

The job board isn't industry specific, though there are ways to search; however, the search function isn't remotely as sophisticated as some of the more established ones such as Vault.com or TheLadders. Being that the postings ostensibly target women returning to the workforce, however, they could become a valuable collection of family-friendly employers.

The blogs are supposedly a main feature of this site. It appears that anyone can join in, which might explain the erratic quality. Check out this bizarre posting about Italian food; I'm not sure the author is a native speaker of English (I'm not, either, but I watch a lot of TV).

The site also features articles on women and careers. Here's a nice one about an ad exec turned cosmetics entrepreneur by Jessica Dickler. But she's identified as a CNNMoney.com staff writer, so perhaps the article isn't original to the site; it's not clear.

YourOnRamp.com's raison d'etre is embodied in a 10 step plan for women planning to get back into the workforce. It's pretty cheerleady and basic; even the most diaper-addled mom remembers she needs a dang cover letter. But maybe that's the point of this whole site: to rah-rah women preparing to join the paid-to-work society again. Lord knows, working moms need all the support we can get.

1. Clear the decks! Deliberately set aside time and space where you can focus without the multitude of interruptions that often cloud your days (If you are like us!). Spend focused time every day on YourOnRamp "project." That means dodging the email "black hole," saying "no" to volunteer requests that do not contribute to your effort, and outsourcing non essential chores.

2. Gather the right tools. If you don't have a Blackberry or the equivalent, now is the time to invest in one. Computer, DSL, email, voicemail, text messaging, these are basic musts! You want to be organized, efficient and up to date on the technology that is now ubiquitous in the workplace. For online questions, answers and tools visit our business/technology section.

3. Devote time to complete a Self Assessment. This is often the deal stopper, don't let it trip you up! This is a valuable opportunity to recognize what you enjoy doing and when you feel the most successful and fulfilled. We have great tools to help you understand yourself, how you define a balanced life and where you will best contribute.

4. Develop an Elevator Pitch. This is your 1-2 minute description of your self and your job objective (if you have one). It is an essential tool for networking.

5. Build a Network. This is the most important aspect of your onramp effort. Your chances of getting a job are much better when you know someone at the company. YourOnRamp is here to help you build your network in all areas of your life. Start now! A complete personal profile will help friends and colleagues find you with ideas and new connections.

6. Get Educated. Research ideas, industries, companies, people, you name it, there is unlimited information available with a few key strokes. At YourOnRamp, we are working hard to make sure you are current and know where to go for answers. The newsroom, the library, our blog and discuss topics are all designed to help you get up to speed.

7. Compile your Resume. Need help presenting your work and volunteer experiences in a meaningful and effective way? We can help. You should also compile a list of references. See how here.

8. Craft Cover Letters. Yes, you need them! They go hand in hand with your resume and are an essential communication tool, persuasively matching your prior experience to your future career goals.

9. Prepare for Interviews. Preparation is the key to successful interviewing. What questions will I need to answer? How should I explain my time away from the workplace? What if my skills are outdated? Look the part. Ditch the 1980's Brooks Brothers suit and update your wardrobe. We can help you gain the confidence you need to address these basic questions and more.

10. Ask for the Order. Email a prompt thank you highlighting your interest and qualifications for the job. If you want the job, ask for it and tell them why you're the one for the job. Don't be shy.

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Reader Comments (15)

LaDawn:

But once again they are treating mothers like they went stupid when they went and had babies. I find this condescending and wildly irritating! If this is the best advice on the website, skip it. Give brainy brawny women who have become mothers brainy brawny tips not drivel that I learned the first year out of college! And didn't forget just because I have children.

More useful tips might include using moms & tots groups as networking opportunities or volunteering at your child's school to polish up some rusty skills or always carrying a scarf in your handbag to cover up baby spit up on the suit jacket.

Posted by LaDawn | July 30, 2007 12:56 PM

Mdesomma:

Actually, I have been to the site and I was quite impressed. I don't think that they were condescending in the least and I think that it was pretty comprehensive. For a woman who has been out of the workforce for over 10 years because I wanted to take care of my children, I found this website to be extremely helpful. I know you said that cover letters are pretty basic and is a must, but when I decided to re-enter the workforce I actually needed help with the basics, despite having had been a senior professional at an investment bank. You would be surprised to have seen how low my confidence was before this process.

Thank you to the women who founded this! What I particularly liked is that it is comprehensive for the professional woman. For those not ready to re-enter there are articles and RSS feeds to keep them in touch with trends and a section just on Nonprofit. For those looking to re-enter there is a network, which I agree needs a little work, forums and job postings. I look forward to seeing this site grow and develop. I think many professional women can benefit from a site like this.

Posted by Mdesomma | July 30, 2007 3:31 PM

Yadgyu:

People should never quit working to raise a family.

Money has to be the main proirity here. Families will not self-destruct if both parents work. I think it may be wise for one parent to have an easy stress-free job and the other parent to have the high-stress, higher-paying job. But without both parents working, a family will barely be able to afford necessities, let alone a few feel-good items.

Today's economy is different from the past. Both parents must have employable skills. It is not fair for one parent to have to bear the financial burden. Both parents must be partners in raising knids and providing for them. It is not wise to rely on one income. That one income can turn into no income. That is not a situation that any family should be in.

Kids who have a stay-at-home parent turn out be no better or worse than kids who have two working parents. Most women were stay-at-home parents in the past. There were still criminals and deviants in the past.

Posted by Yadgyu | July 30, 2007 6:34 PM

Gerry:

Yagster,

My wife and I both work part-time, which works out to one full-time paycheck between us and we are doing fine financially. We can easily afford all our necessities; the feel-good items are best left for another blog's comments.

Posted by Gerry | July 30, 2007 9:55 PM

Heather:

I have checked out this site and was really impressed. It is not for men, but that is ok, it is for all women who are looking for a community of like minded women who are trying to figure out how to reenter the workplace and do something different than they did before. Most women who left the workforce do not want to pick where they left off, they want a new beginning. I liked hearing about what other women like me were doing.

Posted by Heather | July 30, 2007 10:03 PM

Susan:

I saw this site and liked its message and was blown away by the scope of information: articles, blogs, RSS feeds. I have not found another site that has it all presented in a way that is meaningful to me.

Posted by Susan | July 30, 2007 10:12 PM

Ellie:

Since when are women who are not men, only moms? I am not a mom and I liked this site because it did not assume I was.

Posted by Ellie | July 30, 2007 10:15 PM

Yadgyu:

"My wife and I both work part-time, which works out to one full-time paycheck between us and we are doing fine financially."

Slackers.

Posted by Yadgyu | July 30, 2007 11:18 PM

Gerry:

Yaggie-doodle,

But if "The money is more important than the job" ® Gerry, then we embody your philosophy because we make scads of cash for less work.

Posted by Gerry | July 30, 2007 11:45 PM

Catherine Clifford:

Thanks Lisa for sharing YourOnRamp with Time. Our site is in beta so we
appreciate your feedback. We are adding new content, tools and technical
enhancements daily. Response has been tremendous from many women-with and
without kids, working and not working. Our 10 Step OnRamping Plan is an
overview supported by content and resources to help women get back in.
Lastly, OnRamp means many things to different people which is why we have a
lifestyle, business and a growing nonprofit section. We are creating a place
where women can connect, learn and discover. Please join us.

Posted by Catherine Clifford | July 31, 2007 1:19 AM

daddy in a strange land:

Interesting re: the "on-ramp/off-ramp" metaphor, as a now-defunct SAHD clearinghouse site was called "Slowlane."

As a former SAHD who not only went "back" to work but switched fields entirely, this caught my eye:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19977348/%20

So apparently, parents of both genders, not just moms, who transition from at-home to work-outside-the-home have to deal with assumptions about their ability and drive solely because of that choice. Thoughts from the dad-side?

Posted by daddy in a strange land | July 31, 2007 3:27 PM

Yadgyu:

"...then we embody your philosophy because we make scads of cash for less work."

Gerry, will you adopt me? I do not need love, attention, guidance, or structure. Just give me a $5,000 weekly allowance.

Posted by Yadgyu | July 31, 2007 3:57 PM

Anonymous:

Takeuchi left out the 11th step: Vaginal rejuvenation.

Posted by Anonymous | July 31, 2007 5:51 PM

Bianca Reagan:

My first comment didn't go through. :(

In a nutshell, the first step for these women should be, Figure out who is going to take care of your children. More to the point, why isn't your spouse taking care of your children now? I agree that we should help mothers reenter the workforce. However, they need to help themselves by refusing to take on the entire burden of the household themselves. They need to tell their husbands to take an active part in raising the children that they decided to have together.

Posted by Bianca Reagan | August 4, 2007 9:53 PM

Yadgyu:

"They need to tell their husbands to take an active part in raising the children that they decided to have together."

That doesn't make any sense at all. Men make the money. That is all that hey need to do.

Posted by Yadgyu | August 14, 2007 11:21 PM

About Work In Progress

Nina Subin

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is a staff writer for TIME. She blogs about work. Why? Because TV was taken. Think of her as the grumpy colleague ranting by the water cooler.
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lisa_cullen at timemagazine.com