Take your parenting skills into work
If you've been looking after children full-time, it can feel like your skills have been on hold since you left work. But this isn't the case! You'll have developed lots of useful skills you can transfer into the workplace.
Your next step is to relate them to the world of work and present them in the right way on your CV, application forms and in interviews.
Look at the skills you might be able to offer:
Home |
Skill |
Work |
Making yourself understood by your children; helping your children learn to talk; running parents' groups |
Communication |
Verbal and written communication skills; training; team-working |
Getting children to school or playgroup on time |
Time-management and prioritising |
Prioritising your workload; working to deadlines |
Managing the household budget |
Budgeting |
Managing a department budget |
Organising a large outing with other mums and kids |
Organisation |
Organisational skills to manage a complex project |
Supervising and organising activities for more than one child |
Multi-tasking |
Prioritising and juggling responsibilities |
Liaising with schools, hospitals and other public bodies |
Negotiation |
Dealing with external bodies |
Dealing with tantrums |
Manage conflict |
Handling difficult customers |
Keeping your cool when your child won't get dressed in the morning |
Keeping calm under pressure |
Working under pressure |
You may think 'but that was with children, not adults in the workplace.' But if you listen to some office jokes you may find that they're not that different! The skills you use are exactly the same, just in different environments.
You can get help identifying your transferable skills on our skills and interests assessment. Our careers coaches can also help you to:
- sell the skills you've developed in the home
- decide which job suits you best
- put together a CV
- update your skills
- build your confidence
- decide how to return to work - part-time, job share etc.
You can speak to a careers coach on 08080 100 333. Lines are open 8am to 10pm seven days a week. Call now and see how many skills you've already got!
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