This is session 4 of the Back to Basics Series for ‘Strugglers and Jugglers” to help you create a networking strategy that will suit anyone who has taken a gap from work for any reason at all. It can be parenting leave, maternity leave, sick leave, or a grown-up gap year – it doesn’t matter. Employers frequently cite the lack of a suitable candidate pool but that is because hiring managers and recruiters are looking in all the wrong places.

The World Economic Forum says that 78% of organisations are actively trying to recruit more women. But if you have been out of the workforce for even a short period then the transition can seem daunting and even terrifying. The workplace is moving at an incredible speed and it seems that it’s impossible to catch up. Many Returners are overwhelmed and intimidated by online developments. They feel dated and out of touch.

To cope and usually blissfully unaware, they use the “spray and pray”methodology which lacks structure and precision. It almost always ends in rejection and heartache and leads to a downward spiral sometimes into depression. So don’t let that be you. It takes generally (although not always) between 6-9 months to land a job so it’s important to be strategic and systematic.

Creating a successful networking strategy is something that most people struggle with. Learn how to use simple tools to give you a structured approach.

Download the basics so that you don’t get left behind. This is a vital part of the process and one that many people skip or cut corners on. Don’t let that be you!