Our career expert interviewed hundreds of women asking about their successes and mistakes while writing a book about how you can take an extended leave from work without losing your contacts and momentum.
Featured in this Show
-
Social Media Is Key To Returning To Workforce, Expert Says
Women who have taken an extended leave from the workplace should stay up-to-date on technology and social media, according to career expert and Fox Business News anchor Cheryl Casone.
Casone interviewed hundreds of women for her book, “The Comeback,” asking about their challenges returning to the workforce after taking an extended leave. “The Comeback” offers advice on resume building, interviewing and networking in-person and online.
People entering today’s workforce can easily find information about individuals and companies online. Social media networks also help women network outside of the workplace to reach out to other people and organizations.
Casone said all of this information is at our fingertips and encourages people not to discount social media as a networking tool. She added that women can keep in touch with their former colleagues via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
“I think that everyone needs to have a LinkedIn profile, really,” she said.
LinkedIn is a better and more interactive way for individuals to sell themselves and form a network with other people, Casone said. It allows users to list their skills and receive endorsements from others.
About 40 percent of women didn’t go back to their original career, and at least 50 percent never thought they were going to go back at all, Casone said. However, when returning to work, previous skills gained might be applicable to new jobs.
“This isn’t about getting a job, this book is about getting a career because if you’re going to leave your children, it’s got to be something you love,” she said.
Casone explained that research and social media help women who have been away from work for a while stay up-to-date with the industry from home. This applies for those who might not want to continue in their original profession.
Although Casone’s career advice, drawn from her own expertise and the stories of other women, is especially helpful for mothers returning to work after maternity leave, her advice applies to everyone.
“It is in every company’s best interest to listen to mothers and take advantage of their collective clout, skills, wisdom, and insight,” she wrote in her book.
Episode Credits
- Larry Meiller Host
- L. Malik Anderson Producer
- Cheryl Casone Guest
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
