While staying home with your newborn is a cherished experience, it often comes with financial challenges. Unless both parents are employed in steady positions, a year spent in baby bliss can lead to significant debt and heightened concerns about finances. Currently, I am nearing the end of my parental leave and have been actively seeking new job opportunities in and outside of my field. After a few minor successes, I landed an interview at an organization I truly admire.
I dedicated hours to my preparation. I compiled a portfolio showcasing my achievements, reached out to my references to ensure their availability, and even got a haircut the night before. I purchased a new skirt, polished my heels until they gleamed, and took care to moisturize my hands, which bore the marks of motherhood. I dry-cleaned my blazer and even packed a spare blouse in my bag, just in case of any unexpected baby-related mishaps. I felt ready and excited.
However, I severely underestimated the impact of “Mummy brain.” For those of you preparing to re-enter the workforce, here are some lessons I learned—perhaps too late for my first interview.
1. Avoid Bringing the Baby
Though I didn’t take my baby to the interview, the thought did cross my mind. The interview was during the day, and finding childcare was a challenge. I fantasized about my little one peacefully napping in the corner of the room or even considered bringing my brother along to help manage the baby. In retrospect, this was not a practical idea.
2. Punctuality is Key
While my babysitter was on time, I found myself delaying—worrying about food supplies and emergency contacts. My preoccupation led to my first tardy arrival at an interview, which is something I had never experienced before.
3. Keep the Focus on Your Professional Skills
It’s easy to gush about the joys of motherhood, but interviews are meant for showcasing your qualifications. If you gain employment, there will be opportunities to share family experiences later on. However, during the interview, it’s best to keep personal anecdotes to a minimum—no baby photos, please!
4. Practice Speaking Like an Adult
After a year of communicating with toddlers, I discovered that my professional vocabulary had atrophied. I struggled to articulate my skills and qualifications, often fumbling for words that once came easily. Preparing by reading professional literature or even rehearsing my résumé aloud would have been beneficial.
5. Don’t Rely on Memory Alone
I realized mid-interview that I not only had difficulty articulating my experiences but also recalling specific details from my previous roles. I shared irrelevant stories instead of presenting solid evidence of my capabilities. Additionally, my short-term memory faltered; I often forgot the question I had just answered! To address this, I recommend bringing a checklist to help jog your memory.
Ultimately, I found out that I did not secure the job, but I did receive my period—thanks for that, universe!
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Summary
Transitioning back into the workforce after having a baby can be daunting. From ensuring punctuality to focusing on professional qualifications rather than personal anecdotes, there are many lessons to learn. Preparation is vital, and it helps to have tools on hand to support you through the interview process.
Keyphrase: job interview after baby
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