What's would be your strategy after 7 years out of the workplace

[CareerSchmareer]

I had a fairly good (director level) career up until 7 years ago when I took a step back for 6 months - 6 months that turned into 7 years. I worked within digital, product, change management.

(The step back was due to some caring responsibilities)

I am now looking to re-enter the workplace (in the worst job market for years obviously 🙄) and not having much luck getting anywhere which is not unexpected.

I feel completely paralysed with how to be most productive in my job search - mindlessly tailoring my CV/cover letter for job after job isn't really working. Is it really just a numbers game? Recruiters (apart from a few specialist "mum" ones) aren't interested because of the gap.

Just posting in case anyone has any good tips or specific job sites or anything really!?!

Great typo in the subject line. I can write an accurate CV and letter I promise.😂

I was out of the workplace for 8 years (including maternity) with my 4 Dc. I didn’t have that level of role so not quite the same. But I career changed from management role in a well known postal service to education. I trained, Degree, lots of online & relevant courses, but also volunteered a lot in schools & youth groups. Volunteering got my role off my first application & one I wanted. It’s a TA role but I’m starting teacher training in September. My advice, volunteer whilst applying. Volunteering demonstrated my desire to work, experience & plugged that gap. Good luck OP!

I’d be having a look at some of the large corporations (particularly in Financial Services) that offer a “Re-entry” or “Returners” scheme for those that have had a career break. It’s generally a 3 month “internship” to get settled in, with the opportunity to gain a permanent post and support for returning to the workplace after a break.

Thanks for replying both. I've been looking for returners schemes but they seem to have died a bit of a death. Very few and far between. Which is a shame as I suspect I was exactly the target market! Timing is everything as they say.

When I've been stuck for work I've done volunteering for charities. You meet people, shows you're keen, and sometimes they can lead to job offers. Also temp agencies, specifically ones that want admin help in offices. I'm in the same position again now but in a rural area so even less options than I've encountered before. Good luck op!
You could also try reaching out to your network, even if it's been a long time I doubt a polite email will do much harm.

Thanks Cats - I seem to have a ridiculously small network considering my 20+ year career but it is true that I could probably reach out a bit more than I have!

Don't expect to jump back in at the same level. You might need to pivot on the kind of role or the sector.

Do some upskilling, What's changed in your sector and how can you get yourself up to speed to show potential employers you're not completely out of touch. E-learning, courses, conferences, shadowing.

Are you on LinkedIn? I bloody hate it but it's where recruitment and connections seems to be happening. Do you have any connections from your previous employment that you can use to pick their brains about getting a foot back in the door.