1 00:00:00,009 --> 00:00:03,690 Speaker 1: Shortlisted is brought to you by Future Women's Jobs Academy. 2 00:00:04,079 --> 00:00:07,190 Speaker 1: Getting back to work after a career break isn't easy. 3 00:00:07,510 --> 00:00:11,300 Speaker 1: Future Women's Jobs Academy is a free online programme supported 4 00:00:11,300 --> 00:00:15,560 Speaker 1: by the Australian government. It's proven to increase confidence and 5 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:22,850 Speaker 1: connect women with meaningful and flexible jobs. Apply today at jobsacademy.uwomen.com. 6 00:00:23,079 --> 00:00:26,209 Speaker 1: We'll support you to find the right job and thrive. 7 00:00:29,170 --> 00:00:31,760 Speaker 1: Nothing makes a person go weak at the knees quite 8 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:36,449 Speaker 1: like a job interview. Enter shortlisted. A podcast by future 9 00:00:36,450 --> 00:00:40,080 Speaker 1: women where Helen McCabe and I hold your virtual hand, 10 00:00:40,330 --> 00:00:43,279 Speaker 1: walking with you every step of the way, right to 11 00:00:43,279 --> 00:00:46,810 Speaker 1: the interview door and straight onto the shortlist. 12 00:00:47,509 --> 00:00:50,009 Speaker 1: In this episode, we teach you how to speak about 13 00:00:50,009 --> 00:00:54,500 Speaker 1: career breaks and career interruptions without it hurting your chances 14 00:00:54,500 --> 00:00:58,669 Speaker 1: of getting the job. We've included not only tips but 15 00:00:58,669 --> 00:01:02,270 Speaker 1: example scripts to help you get started and boost your 16 00:01:02,270 --> 00:01:03,819 Speaker 1: confidence at the same time. 17 00:01:05,029 --> 00:01:10,110 Speaker 2: How to explain a career break. Normally means taking time 18 00:01:10,110 --> 00:01:12,080 Speaker 2: out to raise children, but it can 19 00:01:12,370 --> 00:01:16,410 Speaker 2: Extend to a whole range of other activities. Anything from 20 00:01:16,410 --> 00:01:21,389 Speaker 2: a year off to travel, to health concerns or issues, um, 21 00:01:21,410 --> 00:01:24,569 Speaker 1: to caring for someone who's sick or a sibling with 22 00:01:24,569 --> 00:01:29,569 Speaker 1: a disability, elderly parents. Perhaps you became unemployed and just 23 00:01:29,569 --> 00:01:32,649 Speaker 1: getting back into the workforce got really tricky. Maybe you 24 00:01:32,650 --> 00:01:35,410 Speaker 1: were physically unwell for a period, maybe you were mentally 25 00:01:35,410 --> 00:01:36,010 Speaker 1: unwell for a 26 00:01:36,010 --> 00:01:39,169 Speaker 2: period. So in this episode, Jamila, do we need to 27 00:01:39,629 --> 00:01:45,209 Speaker 2: Explain all of those circumstances, or do we just have 28 00:01:45,459 --> 00:01:47,610 Speaker 2: a simple explanation for why I took time out? 29 00:01:48,510 --> 00:01:50,790 Speaker 1: I think it's a simple explanation. I think it's about 30 00:01:50,790 --> 00:01:54,470 Speaker 1: being really upfront, and it starts with recognising yourself that 31 00:01:54,470 --> 00:01:56,980 Speaker 1: this isn't something to be ashamed of. A career break 32 00:01:56,980 --> 00:02:00,790 Speaker 1: is not just normal, it's common. A survey that was 33 00:02:00,790 --> 00:02:04,819 Speaker 1: run in Australia in 2019 by Hayes found that 64% 34 00:02:04,819 --> 00:02:08,350 Speaker 1: of women have taken a career break. Children is the 35 00:02:08,350 --> 00:02:11,990 Speaker 1: primary reason, but it's not the majority reason. 36 00:02:12,470 --> 00:02:15,789 Speaker 1: 69% of women have said they've also encountered challenges when 37 00:02:15,788 --> 00:02:19,910 Speaker 1: they've tried to re-enter the workforce. And in particular, they've 38 00:02:19,910 --> 00:02:23,539 Speaker 1: said that, how do you answer that job interview question 39 00:02:23,910 --> 00:02:26,710 Speaker 1: about how you've held onto skills or what you've done 40 00:02:26,710 --> 00:02:29,419 Speaker 1: with your skills, or what you haven't learned or experienced 41 00:02:29,669 --> 00:02:32,190 Speaker 1: during the time you've had out of the workforce. That 42 00:02:32,190 --> 00:02:33,509 Speaker 1: is where the big challenge comes in. 43 00:02:34,250 --> 00:02:38,970 Speaker 2: So, the fact is that for women over 45, it 44 00:02:38,970 --> 00:02:44,250 Speaker 2: is much harder to regain employment if you've taken a 45 00:02:44,250 --> 00:02:45,038 Speaker 2: career break. 46 00:02:45,679 --> 00:02:47,869 Speaker 1: Yeah, it's uncomfortable to say it out loud, isn't it? 47 00:02:47,990 --> 00:02:50,830 Speaker 1: That that's the truth. But we do tend to be 48 00:02:50,830 --> 00:02:54,710 Speaker 1: more forgiving, this is the collective way, of younger people 49 00:02:54,710 --> 00:02:56,750 Speaker 1: being out of the workforce for a period, whether it's 50 00:02:56,750 --> 00:02:59,038 Speaker 1: because they're unemployed or whether it's because they've taken a 51 00:02:59,038 --> 00:03:02,149 Speaker 1: deliberate break. Now, that's not said to dishearten you in 52 00:03:02,149 --> 00:03:04,190 Speaker 1: any way. That's why you're listening to this podcast in 53 00:03:04,190 --> 00:03:04,978 Speaker 1: the first place. 54 00:03:05,210 --> 00:03:07,979 Speaker 1: I think it's important to go into an interview, being 55 00:03:07,979 --> 00:03:10,500 Speaker 1: aware that biases do exist, and that you might have 56 00:03:10,500 --> 00:03:13,649 Speaker 1: to work pretty hard in that interview to overcome them. Now, 57 00:03:13,669 --> 00:03:17,258 Speaker 1: that bias isn't your fault, it's theirs, but nonetheless, you're 58 00:03:17,258 --> 00:03:19,359 Speaker 1: the one that's going to have to prove that that 59 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:22,649 Speaker 1: career break doesn't mean that you don't have something to contribute, 60 00:03:22,740 --> 00:03:24,179 Speaker 1: because you absolutely 61 00:03:24,179 --> 00:03:27,948 Speaker 2: do. And Jamila, I think the good news is that 62 00:03:28,288 --> 00:03:31,830 Speaker 2: It's better. Things are better. It, it was really rubbish 63 00:03:31,830 --> 00:03:35,029 Speaker 2: for women over 45, 5 years ago, but a bunch 64 00:03:35,029 --> 00:03:37,770 Speaker 2: of things has happened to make that a little bit easier. 65 00:03:37,850 --> 00:03:39,789 Speaker 2: And one of them is that there's a jobs and 66 00:03:39,789 --> 00:03:43,830 Speaker 2: skills shortage. So, in our work, uh, at the Future 67 00:03:43,830 --> 00:03:48,389 Speaker 2: Women Jobs Academy, we talk to employers from every sector 68 00:03:48,389 --> 00:03:51,949 Speaker 2: right across Australia, and we know that they are literally 69 00:03:51,949 --> 00:03:55,020 Speaker 2: changing their mind on this issue of women over 45 70 00:03:55,229 --> 00:03:57,740 Speaker 2: in the workplace as we speak. So, 71 00:03:58,179 --> 00:04:00,410 Speaker 2: We're not here to dishearten you. There is plenty of 72 00:04:00,410 --> 00:04:02,720 Speaker 2: good news, and there are plenty of employers who know 73 00:04:03,130 --> 00:04:09,279 Speaker 2: that you have extraordinary skills to offer great companies, and 74 00:04:09,570 --> 00:04:12,919 Speaker 2: our job today is to help you find the right language. So, 75 00:04:12,929 --> 00:04:13,839 Speaker 2: let's go to it. 76 00:04:14,050 --> 00:04:17,600 Speaker 1: Question number one is, do you bring it up at all? 77 00:04:17,690 --> 00:04:19,570 Speaker 1: If they don't bring it up, do you mention it? 78 00:04:19,690 --> 00:04:21,160 Speaker 1: Do you let it be the elephant in the room 79 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:22,488 Speaker 1: that no one's talking about? 80 00:04:22,769 --> 00:04:24,988 Speaker 1: The tricky thing here is that the advice from the experts, 81 00:04:25,149 --> 00:04:30,070 Speaker 1: from recruiters and HR experts, it is mixed. Different people 82 00:04:30,070 --> 00:04:33,190 Speaker 1: give different advice, and often what they say depends on 83 00:04:33,190 --> 00:04:35,820 Speaker 1: the length of the break. If you've had a really 84 00:04:35,820 --> 00:04:37,910 Speaker 1: long break from the workforce, if you've been out of 85 00:04:37,910 --> 00:04:40,470 Speaker 1: work for 2 years or more, especially if you've been 86 00:04:40,470 --> 00:04:42,738 Speaker 1: out of work for 5 or 10 years or more, 87 00:04:42,950 --> 00:04:43,219 Speaker 1: then 88 00:04:43,273 --> 00:04:45,342 Speaker 1: You do need to mention it. You do need to 89 00:04:45,342 --> 00:04:47,662 Speaker 1: bring it up. You don't need to dwell on it 90 00:04:47,662 --> 00:04:50,303 Speaker 1: if you don't want to. Your focus should be on 91 00:04:50,303 --> 00:04:52,942 Speaker 1: why you're ready to return now and what you bring 92 00:04:52,942 --> 00:04:55,101 Speaker 1: to the workforce now. But I think if you don't 93 00:04:55,101 --> 00:04:57,743 Speaker 1: mention it, it just looks a little odd. If you've 94 00:04:57,743 --> 00:05:00,062 Speaker 1: taken a shorter break, maybe a few months or even 95 00:05:00,062 --> 00:05:02,941 Speaker 1: 6 months, even up to a year, you don't necessarily 96 00:05:02,942 --> 00:05:03,662 Speaker 1: need to bring that up. 97 00:05:04,055 --> 00:05:08,015 Speaker 1: That's not a particularly significant period of time. And Helen, 98 00:05:08,096 --> 00:05:10,776 Speaker 1: I think a lot of this is about, again, doing 99 00:05:10,776 --> 00:05:13,716 Speaker 1: your research, making sure you understand the culture of the 100 00:05:13,716 --> 00:05:17,045 Speaker 1: organisation and the industry that you're looking to work in. 101 00:05:17,295 --> 00:05:19,335 Speaker 1: And that will give you an idea of how much 102 00:05:19,335 --> 00:05:22,565 Speaker 1: that break might be relevant and how much you need 103 00:05:22,565 --> 00:05:24,174 Speaker 1: to reveal or talk about. 104 00:05:24,850 --> 00:05:26,880 Speaker 2: And the good news is that if you're going to 105 00:05:27,119 --> 00:05:30,320 Speaker 2: a job interview through the Future Jobs Academy, we've done 106 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:32,479 Speaker 2: some of the hard work for you. So we've spoken 107 00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:36,000 Speaker 2: to that employer, and we've asked them about how they 108 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:40,079 Speaker 2: feel about career breaks, small, large, in between, and we know. 109 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:42,910 Speaker 2: That they're OK with it. So, you can feel a 110 00:05:42,910 --> 00:05:45,178 Speaker 2: little more confident that if you're applying for a role 111 00:05:45,428 --> 00:05:48,420 Speaker 2: that you've seen through any of the FW partner employers, 112 00:05:48,869 --> 00:05:51,790 Speaker 2: that they're up for the discussion. They know that you 113 00:05:51,790 --> 00:05:54,549 Speaker 2: are likely to have taken a career break and they're 114 00:05:54,549 --> 00:05:55,308 Speaker 2: OK about it. 115 00:05:56,119 --> 00:05:59,450 Speaker 2: So, we want to reassure you about that. But certainly, Jamila, 116 00:05:59,529 --> 00:06:01,190 Speaker 2: I don't think you necessarily have to bring it up 117 00:06:01,190 --> 00:06:03,928 Speaker 2: if it's 1 or 2 years, uh, and you say 118 00:06:03,928 --> 00:06:06,600 Speaker 2: you've got 2 children, again, you don't have to do that, 119 00:06:06,690 --> 00:06:09,399 Speaker 2: but most women tend to do that at some point 120 00:06:09,399 --> 00:06:12,089 Speaker 2: in the interview process. Either that there's a phone call 121 00:06:12,089 --> 00:06:14,928 Speaker 2: halfway through the interview process, or they're late because something's 122 00:06:14,928 --> 00:06:15,519 Speaker 2: gone wrong because 123 00:06:15,565 --> 00:06:18,635 Speaker 2: Because a child's been unwell. Like, it's just part of 124 00:06:18,635 --> 00:06:22,113 Speaker 2: interviewing women with families, particularly when it's on Zoom, that 125 00:06:22,113 --> 00:06:25,035 Speaker 2: there is a, it's an obvious telltale sign that you've 126 00:06:25,035 --> 00:06:27,195 Speaker 2: got other things going on in your life. So, I 127 00:06:27,195 --> 00:06:30,505 Speaker 2: would say, be totally comfortable with that. And the other 128 00:06:30,505 --> 00:06:32,424 Speaker 2: point to dwell on that just a little bit longer, 129 00:06:32,875 --> 00:06:35,035 Speaker 2: everyone in that organisation is going to have women with children. 130 00:06:35,760 --> 00:06:41,019 Speaker 2: They are all juggling caring responsibilities already in that organisation, 131 00:06:41,070 --> 00:06:45,350 Speaker 2: so don't feel too defensive or scared about that as 132 00:06:45,350 --> 00:06:45,940 Speaker 2: an issue. 133 00:06:46,399 --> 00:06:48,149 Speaker 2: Would you agree that it has shifted? Yeah, 134 00:06:48,279 --> 00:06:51,929 Speaker 1: absolutely. I think workplaces are becoming more accommodating and more 135 00:06:51,928 --> 00:06:54,790 Speaker 1: flexible on the whole. I think it depends on the industry, 136 00:06:54,959 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 1: but certainly post pandemic, I think we've all had an 137 00:06:57,440 --> 00:07:00,040 Speaker 1: exposure through a little camera to what life looks like 138 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:03,910 Speaker 1: in our colleagues' homes, and we've come to understand that 139 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:07,519 Speaker 1: dogs and partners and children and elderly parents appear on 140 00:07:07,519 --> 00:07:09,390 Speaker 1: the back of a zoom. And I think as a result, 141 00:07:09,559 --> 00:07:12,160 Speaker 1: perhaps we've become a little bit more accepting of the 142 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:14,679 Speaker 1: various reasons that a career break might happen. 143 00:07:15,260 --> 00:07:16,859 Speaker 1: Also, I want to point out that there are some 144 00:07:16,859 --> 00:07:19,899 Speaker 1: benefits to taking a break. There are some massive benefits, 145 00:07:19,980 --> 00:07:22,940 Speaker 1: not only in terms of your own personal life and 146 00:07:22,940 --> 00:07:26,179 Speaker 1: what you have experienced or gained from your career break, 147 00:07:26,329 --> 00:07:29,380 Speaker 1: but the perception of a career break can be positive 148 00:07:29,380 --> 00:07:32,980 Speaker 1: as well. There was a global survey by LinkedIn of 149 00:07:32,980 --> 00:07:34,859 Speaker 1: hiring managers, and they found that 150 00:07:35,049 --> 00:07:38,299 Speaker 1: Half of hiring managers believe people returning from a career 151 00:07:38,299 --> 00:07:42,339 Speaker 1: break have often gained really valuable soft skills, and over 152 00:07:42,339 --> 00:07:45,619 Speaker 1: half of workers say that they acquired new skills or 153 00:07:45,619 --> 00:07:50,179 Speaker 1: improved existing ones, including problem solving or communication and budgeting 154 00:07:50,179 --> 00:07:52,459 Speaker 1: while they were on a career break. So it's certainly 155 00:07:52,459 --> 00:07:54,619 Speaker 1: not all bad news. 156 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:58,329 Speaker 2: And over 50% of women say they are better at 157 00:07:58,329 --> 00:08:01,649 Speaker 2: their job than they were before when they've had that 158 00:08:01,649 --> 00:08:04,730 Speaker 2: career break, and 74% of people who've taken a career 159 00:08:04,730 --> 00:08:10,209 Speaker 2: break believe employers valued the skills they gained. And again, 160 00:08:10,339 --> 00:08:14,649 Speaker 2: speaking from personal experience, running an organisation called Future Women, 161 00:08:14,690 --> 00:08:18,450 Speaker 2: you need that diverse experience in life. You have to 162 00:08:18,450 --> 00:08:21,339 Speaker 2: have women that are, you know, living in the real 163 00:08:21,339 --> 00:08:23,290 Speaker 2: world and raising kids and 164 00:08:23,739 --> 00:08:25,329 Speaker 2: Tackling all of those challenges. 165 00:08:25,579 --> 00:08:27,420 Speaker 1: So Helen, let's try and give people a bit of 166 00:08:27,420 --> 00:08:30,450 Speaker 1: a script or even a couple of different variations here 167 00:08:30,779 --> 00:08:33,780 Speaker 1: about how to talk about a career break if you're asked. 168 00:08:34,229 --> 00:08:37,190 Speaker 1: Um, ideally, of course, folks, we want you to focus 169 00:08:37,190 --> 00:08:40,770 Speaker 1: in an interview on your professional skills. Focus on your 170 00:08:40,770 --> 00:08:43,520 Speaker 1: professional memberships that you've kept up. Focus on the fact 171 00:08:43,520 --> 00:08:46,599 Speaker 1: you've attended conferences, maybe the future Women Leadership Summit was 172 00:08:46,599 --> 00:08:48,960 Speaker 1: something you went along to. The fact that you know 173 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:51,239 Speaker 1: what's been happening in your field while you've been out 174 00:08:51,239 --> 00:08:53,799 Speaker 1: and about doing something else. Perhaps you've mentored 175 00:08:53,844 --> 00:08:57,424 Speaker 1: The people, or you've volunteered, or you've been active on LinkedIn, 176 00:08:57,674 --> 00:09:00,914 Speaker 1: keep your focus there if you possibly can. But if 177 00:09:00,914 --> 00:09:04,315 Speaker 1: you are asked about your career break and asked what 178 00:09:04,315 --> 00:09:06,434 Speaker 1: was happening there, or what was going on there, or 179 00:09:06,434 --> 00:09:09,234 Speaker 1: tell us about why the gap between job 2 and 180 00:09:09,234 --> 00:09:12,424 Speaker 1: job 1 on your resume, Helen, is about 6 years, 181 00:09:12,674 --> 00:09:13,464 Speaker 1: what was going on? 182 00:09:14,070 --> 00:09:18,070 Speaker 2: Well, that's right. Some recruiters encourage you to talk about 183 00:09:18,070 --> 00:09:21,190 Speaker 2: family budgeting as an example of budgeting skills or childcare 184 00:09:21,190 --> 00:09:24,630 Speaker 2: as an example of time management. This is a little 185 00:09:24,630 --> 00:09:27,669 Speaker 2: bit fraught. So if you're going to do that, do 186 00:09:27,669 --> 00:09:32,190 Speaker 2: it firmly and quickly. I don't think you can point 187 00:09:32,190 --> 00:09:36,390 Speaker 2: to that as a significant component of what you bring 188 00:09:36,390 --> 00:09:38,549 Speaker 2: to the table, but you can do it and think 189 00:09:38,549 --> 00:09:40,030 Speaker 2: about how you express that. 190 00:09:40,390 --> 00:09:43,630 Speaker 2: Other examples, and this comes from our own experience with 191 00:09:43,630 --> 00:09:46,739 Speaker 2: the Jobs Academy. Caring for my children over the last 192 00:09:46,739 --> 00:09:49,468 Speaker 2: 5 years has certainly given me a wealth of valuable 193 00:09:49,469 --> 00:09:52,500 Speaker 2: skills in patience and parenting, and the time to think 194 00:09:52,500 --> 00:09:55,229 Speaker 2: more deeply about my passions, values, and what I want 195 00:09:55,229 --> 00:09:57,429 Speaker 2: in my career. I'm grateful to have this time to 196 00:09:57,429 --> 00:10:01,109 Speaker 2: care for my children, but I'm ready for my next job. 197 00:10:02,260 --> 00:10:06,090 Speaker 2: That bit where you say, I'm ready for my next job, 198 00:10:06,219 --> 00:10:11,450 Speaker 2: that tends to resonate, again from hiring and from talking 199 00:10:11,450 --> 00:10:12,369 Speaker 2: to a lot of women. 200 00:10:13,020 --> 00:10:16,820 Speaker 2: Who are applying for work, it is very plausible and 201 00:10:16,820 --> 00:10:20,539 Speaker 2: authentic to say, I have spent 5 years on the 202 00:10:20,539 --> 00:10:26,119 Speaker 2: floor playing with blocks, going to childcare appointments, etc. etc. 203 00:10:26,440 --> 00:10:29,320 Speaker 2: And I loved it, and I love my children, and I'm, 204 00:10:29,419 --> 00:10:32,419 Speaker 2: it's the best thing I've ever done, but I now 205 00:10:32,419 --> 00:10:35,579 Speaker 2: want and need a role or a job, and to 206 00:10:35,580 --> 00:10:37,320 Speaker 2: be around adults. And 207 00:10:37,989 --> 00:10:41,439 Speaker 2: I can't wait to get into full-time work and to 208 00:10:41,440 --> 00:10:45,559 Speaker 2: leave those caring responsibilities for the time being, so. 209 00:10:46,010 --> 00:10:51,520 Speaker 2: I would encourage people to be fairly confident and straightforward 210 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:55,489 Speaker 2: about explaining that they're ready to work and that looking 211 00:10:55,489 --> 00:10:58,469 Speaker 2: after children is something that you've done and you're ready 212 00:10:58,469 --> 00:10:59,140 Speaker 2: to move forward. 213 00:10:59,969 --> 00:11:02,530 Speaker 1: I've taken some shorter career breaks over the last 5 214 00:11:02,530 --> 00:11:04,809 Speaker 1: years or so when I've been unwell, and they have 215 00:11:04,809 --> 00:11:08,890 Speaker 1: been shorter breaks, but nonetheless, if someone asked me about 216 00:11:08,890 --> 00:11:11,679 Speaker 1: those career breaks in a job interview, 217 00:11:12,270 --> 00:11:16,949 Speaker 1: I wouldn't shy away from explaining what I got out 218 00:11:16,950 --> 00:11:20,218 Speaker 1: of those career breaks. I think there's nothing wrong with saying, 219 00:11:20,989 --> 00:11:24,789 Speaker 1: you're hiring a person, not just a worker, and at 220 00:11:24,789 --> 00:11:27,150 Speaker 1: a personal level, the last few years have made me 221 00:11:27,150 --> 00:11:27,869 Speaker 1: who I am. 222 00:11:28,270 --> 00:11:30,580 Speaker 1: And I have a sense of self and a sense 223 00:11:30,580 --> 00:11:33,630 Speaker 1: of purpose that perhaps I didn't have before. And then 224 00:11:33,630 --> 00:11:35,949 Speaker 1: turn the conversation as quickly as you can to what 225 00:11:35,950 --> 00:11:38,469 Speaker 1: comes next, which is the job you're applying for. And 226 00:11:38,469 --> 00:11:40,919 Speaker 1: I am ready to move forward. I am so eager 227 00:11:40,919 --> 00:11:44,109 Speaker 1: to get going. I am sick of sitting around and 228 00:11:44,109 --> 00:11:46,589 Speaker 1: being unwell. I am so ready to throw myself back 229 00:11:46,590 --> 00:11:48,820 Speaker 1: into my life, and I want to start with this job. 230 00:11:49,070 --> 00:11:50,500 Speaker 1: There is absolutely nothing wrong with 231 00:11:50,684 --> 00:11:54,455 Speaker 1: Pivoting quite quickly from the period that you've been out 232 00:11:54,455 --> 00:11:57,026 Speaker 1: of the workforce and the setbacks that you've experienced, all 233 00:11:57,026 --> 00:12:00,375 Speaker 1: the wonderful caring work you've been doing into where you 234 00:12:00,375 --> 00:12:02,856 Speaker 1: wanna go next. The other thing, Helen, that I wanna 235 00:12:02,856 --> 00:12:06,495 Speaker 1: just mention is mentioning older work experience. If you haven't 236 00:12:06,495 --> 00:12:09,616 Speaker 1: been in the workforce for 10 or 15 years, it 237 00:12:09,616 --> 00:12:12,885 Speaker 1: doesn't make that work experience redundant. It may not be 238 00:12:13,481 --> 00:12:16,921 Speaker 1: Entirely up to date. And of course, workplaces have changed, 239 00:12:16,961 --> 00:12:19,540 Speaker 1: and you should acknowledge that too. But don't be afraid 240 00:12:19,541 --> 00:12:23,122 Speaker 1: of using those examples. The work that you did in your, say, 241 00:12:23,202 --> 00:12:25,502 Speaker 1: your 20s or your 30s before you took a longer 242 00:12:25,502 --> 00:12:29,641 Speaker 1: career break isn't irrelevant. It's part of your work story 243 00:12:29,642 --> 00:12:32,002 Speaker 1: and your work experience, and you shouldn't be afraid of 244 00:12:32,002 --> 00:12:35,161 Speaker 1: mentioning that and mentioning your achievements in a job interview. 245 00:12:35,520 --> 00:12:38,349 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it's easy to see who the whole 246 00:12:38,349 --> 00:12:42,598 Speaker 2: person is if they say, I started as a receptionist, 247 00:12:42,830 --> 00:12:46,030 Speaker 2: and I was quickly promoted to an account, and then 248 00:12:46,030 --> 00:12:49,669 Speaker 2: I was the account manager on 10 different accounts. Then 249 00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:53,228 Speaker 2: I met this great guy or person, got married and 250 00:12:53,229 --> 00:12:54,189 Speaker 2: had children. 251 00:12:54,580 --> 00:12:55,949 Speaker 2: And I've been out of the workforce for 5 years. 252 00:12:56,049 --> 00:12:58,510 Speaker 2: If you tell me that, I immediately know what sort 253 00:12:58,510 --> 00:13:01,710 Speaker 2: of person you were in the workplace, and that just 254 00:13:01,710 --> 00:13:03,869 Speaker 2: indicates to me that you are still that person, and 255 00:13:03,869 --> 00:13:06,669 Speaker 2: you can very happily walk into a role, be adaptable, 256 00:13:06,679 --> 00:13:09,070 Speaker 2: and end up running a team of 40 people, because 257 00:13:09,070 --> 00:13:10,669 Speaker 2: it's a natural life progression to do that. 258 00:13:11,244 --> 00:13:13,353 Speaker 2: Uh, and to, and to take that time out. So, 259 00:13:13,525 --> 00:13:16,205 Speaker 2: I do think if you've had one of those sorts 260 00:13:16,205 --> 00:13:19,204 Speaker 2: of careers where you've done a lot quickly and you're 261 00:13:19,205 --> 00:13:22,364 Speaker 2: really proud of it, or you've not even necessarily done 262 00:13:22,364 --> 00:13:24,875 Speaker 2: a lot quickly, you're really proud of your achievements prior 263 00:13:24,875 --> 00:13:28,085 Speaker 2: to taking time out. Yes, mention it, because it does 264 00:13:28,085 --> 00:13:30,775 Speaker 2: help us get a bigger picture about who you are 265 00:13:30,775 --> 00:13:32,674 Speaker 2: and who you will be in the new role. 266 00:13:33,359 --> 00:13:34,229 Speaker 2: Does that make sense? 267 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:37,239 Speaker 1: Yeah, it absolutely does. And finally, I'd just say, if 268 00:13:37,239 --> 00:13:40,679 Speaker 1: you're someone who has struggled to get back into the 269 00:13:40,679 --> 00:13:43,718 Speaker 1: workforce and that shows on your resume, that you're someone 270 00:13:43,719 --> 00:13:45,840 Speaker 1: who has had a lot of jobs for a short 271 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:49,039 Speaker 1: period of time, or you're someone who has been doing 272 00:13:49,039 --> 00:13:51,400 Speaker 1: a lot of interviews while you've been unemployed and not 273 00:13:51,400 --> 00:13:53,959 Speaker 1: had the success. And if that comes up, if you're 274 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:56,640 Speaker 1: asked about it, I wouldn't necessarily bring it up, but 275 00:13:56,640 --> 00:14:00,109 Speaker 1: if you're explicitly asked about it, I think acknowledging it, 276 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:02,239 Speaker 1: being truthful, do not lie. 277 00:14:02,510 --> 00:14:05,949 Speaker 1: And then moving on is a great idea. So, again, 278 00:14:06,039 --> 00:14:08,840 Speaker 1: the kind of script you could use is, yeah, it's true. 279 00:14:08,960 --> 00:14:11,599 Speaker 1: After my husband was unwell and I had a period 280 00:14:11,599 --> 00:14:13,880 Speaker 1: of time out of work, it became really hard to 281 00:14:13,880 --> 00:14:17,359 Speaker 1: get back, and I lost confidence and I really struggled 282 00:14:17,359 --> 00:14:19,869 Speaker 1: to get a foothold. But let me tell you this, 283 00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:22,239 Speaker 1: if you take a chance on me today, I will 284 00:14:22,239 --> 00:14:24,919 Speaker 1: pay it back in spades. I am ready to deliver. 285 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:27,080 Speaker 1: I am ready to get back to work, and I 286 00:14:27,080 --> 00:14:28,549 Speaker 1: hope that you'll give me that opportunity. 287 00:14:28,950 --> 00:14:32,380 Speaker 1: That, to me, speaks to someone who really wants this 288 00:14:32,380 --> 00:14:35,190 Speaker 1: and is gonna work really hard. And even if there 289 00:14:35,190 --> 00:14:37,270 Speaker 1: are some things that perhaps they're going to need to 290 00:14:37,270 --> 00:14:40,070 Speaker 1: learn quickly or overcome, that we're gonna be able to 291 00:14:40,070 --> 00:14:41,000 Speaker 1: work through it together. 292 00:14:41,390 --> 00:14:46,059 Speaker 2: Yeah, never shy away from indicating how keen you are 293 00:14:46,059 --> 00:14:49,150 Speaker 2: for the job. Jamilla, some quick questions, and we won't 294 00:14:49,150 --> 00:14:52,150 Speaker 2: give you answers to these, but just to run through 295 00:14:52,150 --> 00:14:54,989 Speaker 2: them for anyone who's in this predicament to start to 296 00:14:54,989 --> 00:14:55,510 Speaker 2: think about. 297 00:14:55,859 --> 00:14:57,820 Speaker 2: So these are the sorts of questions you might get asked. 298 00:14:57,969 --> 00:15:00,780 Speaker 2: Tell me about the evolution you saw in yourself during 299 00:15:00,780 --> 00:15:04,270 Speaker 2: this break. What did you learn about problem solving? How 300 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:07,270 Speaker 2: would you apply those skills in this role? The environment 301 00:15:07,270 --> 00:15:09,549 Speaker 2: for this role is fast-paced and requires our team to 302 00:15:09,549 --> 00:15:12,309 Speaker 2: be able to change directions frequently. Tell me about a 303 00:15:12,309 --> 00:15:15,059 Speaker 2: time during that break that required you to change course 304 00:15:15,059 --> 00:15:18,469 Speaker 2: and what you learned about staying agile. The role will 305 00:15:18,469 --> 00:15:20,989 Speaker 2: have many competing priorities, and you'll be asked to balance 306 00:15:20,989 --> 00:15:21,390 Speaker 2: many work. 307 00:15:21,594 --> 00:15:26,594 Speaker 2: Streams effectively. What have you learned about prioritisation and multitasking, 308 00:15:26,705 --> 00:15:30,395 Speaker 2: and how might you apply that to the role? They're 309 00:15:30,395 --> 00:15:33,244 Speaker 2: good questions, they're ones you can all answer because that's 310 00:15:33,244 --> 00:15:36,155 Speaker 2: what you've been doing in your career breaks, and it's 311 00:15:36,155 --> 00:15:39,275 Speaker 2: just worth working through in your own mind how you 312 00:15:39,275 --> 00:15:41,234 Speaker 2: would answer those questions before you go into an interview. 313 00:15:43,330 --> 00:15:47,489 Speaker 1: Shortlisted is produced by Future Women's Jobs Academy. To apply 314 00:15:47,489 --> 00:15:53,409 Speaker 1: to join, head to jobsacademy.uwomen.com or go to Futurewomen.com to 315 00:15:53,409 --> 00:15:55,330 Speaker 1: become a future women member today.