Q&A

One of the greatest professional assets is who you know and who knows you. According to a study of over 600 MBA grads, with 56 % earning over $100,000, “Fifty-eight percent of respondents believe a person skilled at networking could see a ‘significant, substantial or dramatic’ impact on income — even up to a 100-percent increase.”

That means “soft work” like networking can have a pretty substantial ROI.

  I am over 50 and am feeling like my window to
re-enter the workforce has closed.  Are there women
who are having success getting back into the game in
the later years of life?  If yes, what are some things
that they are doing to get their foot in the door?

Your Question, Alexandra's Answer..

 I'm in the process of trying to figure out what I want my next career step to be. People have told me "informational interviews" would be helpful, but I'm not really sure how to go about conducting them. Any pointers?

Your Question, Ilene’s Answer…

I just turned 40 and have been home with my three
children for the last 7 years.  My youngest is now in
first grade and I am itching to get back to work.  I
have always dreamed of starting a business, but now I
am wondering if my “dream” is a bit unrealistic at
this later phase of my life.  Any thoughts?

Your Question, Ilene’s Answer

I’ve been home for the last five years and am now ready to return to the workforce.  My closet features a stylish park and carpool wardrobe, however my career attire has remained untouched and in dry cleaning bags!  Not only did I mentally check out of work, but I feel like my sense of career fashion also came to a screeching halt.  Can you guide me on how to look current and appropriate for my interviews?

I love being at home with my two-year old son, but I've begun to feel really disconnected from the career path I enjoyed prior to his birth.  In a few years, I plan to return to the field I left, and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations about what I can do in the meantime to overcome this feeling of being out-of-the loop.

After taking two years off from my career to be at
home with my children, I have decided that I miss my
career and want to return to employment.  How should I
address my leave on my resume and in an interview?

Experiencing a change of heart after taking time off
from employment is not unusual for moms. 

  I've been out of the paid workforce for several years to raise my kids. Now that I'm ready to go back to work, I want to figure out what my career "passion" is, but it seems so hard to make the time to think about anything of this magnitude. Any advice on how to get started easily?