Thinking about going back to work following a career break was a hurdle in itself; how would I manage working and juggling home life ? How do I justify my gaps on my CV to a potential employer? These were just a few things whizzed around in my head about until someone asked me how up to date my IT skills were. Up to date? Well that I needed to think about. Updates on phones are stressful enough but I soon realised that I needed to not only brush up on some of my IT skills but a plan on how I could do that . I needed a plan on how I could be ‘update’ so I could feel comfortable to talk about my currently ‘rusty’ computer skills. Oh where to start?!
You may have taken time out of your professional field of expertise to raise children, volunteer or simply taken some time off. Thinking about returning to work can be stressful enough, thinking about working hours, childcare and the support you will need to ensure that it fits around your family, never mind finding the right role suited to your skills.
With so much to think about practically about returning to work you may feel that some of your IT skills have been come rusty or simply outdated, you may have heard new technologies being mentioned and would like to become knowledgeable on what they are.
Follow our Career-Mums tips to help strengthen and update those IT skills, leaving one less thing to worry about and help you feel prepared and job-ready.
How to find out the Key IT Skills you will need to update
Start with identifying what IT skills you will need. As we know, technological development happens so fast nowadays, so even the IT systems that we used five years ago or even one year ago will undoubtedly have moved on in our absence. In a fast moving IT market with frequent IT developments, new Smartphone and app changes, videoconferencing and social media channels, it’s a wise move to keep abreast of what these mean and how to use them.
Research what the role you are applying for requires, is it basic office management or more specific technical software? Sifting through online -job postings and job descriptions are usually a good way of doing this. (Try searching www.monster.com) They will help you identify a trend of the ‘lingo’ that is being used and the skill level expected for your ideal role. Being prepared and being able to show you have invested some time thinking about and updating your skills will put the interviewer and yourself at ease and hopefully bag you that ideal job.
Tips on how to update your IT skills
Once you have reviewed the key IT skills you need to update, you can put together a plan on updating them.
Start with exploring what’s free. The internet can be a great source of on- line tutorials and sites that will simplify some of those topics. Wiki pages, Google searches of your chosen IT topic and YouTube are a good start. There are lots of sites and channels offering interactive ways to update Excel queries, how to do Pivot Pages, pull together a Power Point presentation, social media help, coding etc. All great if you are comfortable being self-directed, however this approach does not to suit all.
You may prefer to attend a course. Research local training and adult learning centres, run privately or by your local council, who often run IT courses in small groups, with a trained “go to” expert leading the sessions.
Another option is to ask someone, perhaps a friend, relative or ex-colleague, to offer personalised training, where you can pull apart some of the areas you need extra support with and get useful practice. For apps and other smartphone and tablet technology, it’s always worth asking your children!!
Confidence
Lack of confidence can sometimes be a barrier for women who have taken a career break. Updating your IT skills can give you a sprinkle of confidence to really showcase what you are able to offer a future employer.
It’s easy to play down your work experience and forget to take into account your work experience since leaving a paid position. It’s also easy to not learn new skills and get to grips with new technology – but this won’t give you what you want in the long term and may leave you with feelings of being left behind. Spending time updating your IT knowledge and skills shows conscientiousness, diligence and preparedness – all great attributes that are attractive to any employer.
Work out your IT gaps and begin your back to work journey!
