A Simple LinkedIn Guide for Moms Returning to Work (Plus Tools & Job-Search Tips!)

If you’re returning to work after a career break, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to help you reconnect and find new opportunities. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through five easy steps to set up your LinkedIn profile for success, highlight some useful LinkedIn tools, and wrap up with bonus tips to help you find a job. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Update Your Profile Picture and Headline

Profile Picture: Choose a clear, friendly photo of yourself. You don’t need a professional photo studio; a good smartphone picture in a well-lit room works! Just make sure it’s a close-up of your face, looking approachable.

Headline: The headline is the line under your name. Instead of just putting “Looking for work,” try a simple description that says what you do or want to do. For example, “Customer Service Professional” or “Experienced HR Specialist Seeking New Opportunities.”

Why? This helps people and recruiters quickly understand who you are and what type of role you’re interested in.

Step 2: Write a Short, Friendly Summary

Introduce Yourself: In a few sentences, talk about who you are, what you’re good at, and the kind of work you’re looking for. Mention that you’re excited to be back to work after your break.

Be Real: It’s okay to mention your break and say you’re ready to bring your skills back to the workplace. For example: “After a career break to focus on family, I’m ready to reenter the workforce with fresh energy and a strong background in [your field].”

Why? The summary helps people quickly get to know your personality and understand your background.

Step 3: List Your Skills

Choose Your Skills: Scroll down to the “Skills” section on LinkedIn. Add skills that relate to the type of job you want. For example, if you’re looking for an office job, list skills like “Communication,” “Time Management,” or “Customer Service.”

Prioritize What You’re Good At: Think about what you’re confident in—whether it’s something you learned on the job, a skill you practiced during your break, or just something you’ve always been great at.

Why? This makes it easy for recruiters to see what you’re good at, even if you’ve been out of the workforce for a bit.

Step 4: Start Building Connections

Add People You Know: Begin by adding former coworkers, friends, family, or anyone who knows you in a work-related way. LinkedIn will suggest people you might know, which makes it even easier.

Reconnect: If you had a good relationship with former colleagues, send them a quick message to catch up. For example, “Hi [Name], I’m reconnecting with people as I get back into work. Hope all is well!”

Why? Connections can help you learn about job openings and keep you updated on what’s happening in your industry.

Step 5: Share and Engage on LinkedIn

Share Your Journey: Once in a while, post something about your journey back to work or an update on your skills. A simple post could be, “Excited to be looking for new opportunities after my career break!”

Engage with Others: Like and comment on posts by others. For example, if someone shares a job-related tip, you can say, “Thanks for sharing this!” •

Be Consistent: Even a little interaction once or twice a week can keep your profile active and help people remember you.

Why? Sharing a bit helps people notice you and keeps you connected to the job world.

Helpful LinkedIn Tools to Use

In addition to the steps above, LinkedIn offers several built-in tools to make your profile stand out. Here are a few:

1. Open to Work Feature: Turn on the “Open to Work” option under your profile picture. This signals to recruiters that you’re looking for new opportunities and can help them find you.

2. Career Break Feature: This feature lets you add a career break as part of your work experience. Use it to explain your time away confidently.

3. Skills Assessment: LinkedIn offers assessments for specific skills, like Excel or Project Management. If you pass, a verified badge will appear next to the skill on your profile, making it more credible.

4. LinkedIn Learning: This tool offers courses in various fields and skills. If you complete a course, you can add it to your profile to show that you’re committed to learning and growth.

5. Recommendations: Ask former colleagues or mentors to write you a recommendation. This feature, located in the “Recommendations” section of your profile, can add a lot of value by highlighting your strengths from the perspective of others.

Why? These tools not only help build up your profile but also make it easier for recruiters to see your commitment to returning to work with fresh skills.

Bonus: Tips for Finding Jobs on LinkedIn

With your profile set up, you’re ready to start job searching. Here are a few ways to find job opportunities:

1. Use the “Jobs” Section: Head to the “Jobs” tab at the top of LinkedIn to browse listings. Set up job alerts based on your location and job title so LinkedIn can notify you of new opportunities.

2. Search with Keywords: Use keywords related to the roles you’re interested in, as not all jobs are titled in obvious ways. Sometimes, checking similar job titles helps you find opportunities you may have missed.

3. Ask Your Network: Don’t be afraid to reach out to connections and let them know you’re looking. A simple message like, “Hi [Name], I’m reentering the workforce and exploring opportunities in [Your Field]. Do you know of any openings?” can go a long way.

4. Connect with Recruiters: Search for recruiters in your industry, and connect with them. Many recruiters post about job openings and can be a great resource if you’re open to connecting.

By following these steps, using LinkedIn’s tools, and applying the job search tips, you’ll be set up for success as you reenter the workforce.

Remember, LinkedIn is a powerful platform—take things one step at a time, and soon you’ll feel confident navigating it like a pro!

Hello, my name is May. Here are my top 4 free resources to help you in your return to work/ career transition journey.

• Discovery Call: Book your no-obligation session to get personalized advice and direction. https://topmate.io/may_buendia_palabrica/665074

Webinar Replay "5 Steps to Success in your Return to Work” https://topmate.io/may_buendia_palabrica/1030410

Free Guide: “What Options are Out There for You? A for Moms Exploring Career Transitions” https://topmate.io/may_buendia_palabrica/1243358

Mom’s Net Move Podcast where I interview moms who have successfully navigated their career transitions http://www.youtube.com/@MomsNextMovePodcast

LinkedIn Newsletter where I publish weekly articles with inspirations and tips specifically for mom returners https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7246157169539063808

Work with me:

- Career Re entry Coaching for Mom Returners

- Career Transitions Coaching for Moms who want a change/ pursue other passions outside of work

- Keynote Talks (topics I cover: Career Transitions, Interview Preparations, Personal Branding)