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Salary.com in the US has conducted a "Mum salary survey" for working and stay-at-home mums. If paid, the salary of the equivalent jobs mum performs, stay-at-home mums would earn US$138,095 and working mums would earn US$85,939 per year. Although these figures are US based, Australian mums are in a very similar position.
At some point a number of stay at home mums will look to re-enter the workforce and in order to help them in this process a number of skills employers value have been highlighted.
"When a mum decides to return to work, she often experiences a crisis in confidence and is overwhelmed by how much time has passed since her last job," said Meredith Hanrahan, chief marketing officer at Salary.com. "Many mothers think their skills aren't transferable or that the work world has passed them by. They're not alone. Many capable, educated, stay-at-home caregivers share this doubt about going back to work. In fact, it is similar to the self doubt employed people experience when negotiating a raise."
"The first step is to acknowledge it and then get it out of your head," recommends Hanrahan. "Don't let doubt discourage you from getting back in the game. Change the paradigm and start thinking of yourself as possessing many marketable skills that employers seek."
Generally, mums expand their qualifications for a job through raising children. In their time away from paying work, mothers have developed transferable skills such as mature decision-making, multi-tasking, organization, project management, patience, conflict resolution and the ability to align various people with different agendas to complete a task.
In the Salary.com survey, employers cited the following as the skills they value most in mums returning to work:
| Skills Employers Believe Mother's Excel At |
| Multi-Tasking Capabilities |
58.8% |
| Compassion/Empathy |
48.5% |
| Dependability |
44.3% |
| Work Ethic |
39.2% |
| Relevant Life Experience |
36.1% |
| Management and People Skills |
24.7% |
Marketable Mum Tips
Be Confident
Many mothers re-entering the workforce convince themselves that it's been too long or their skills are too out of date for an employer to be interested in hiring them. The best thing any mother can do when considering going back to work, is to understand the value their parenting skills will offer to potential employers.
Stay Connected
Seventy-eight percent of employers in the US use employee referrals as a primary method of recruitment. It is important to maintain relations with colleagues and to network with peers through lunches, associations, clubs and alumni events. Many of these outlets have online newsletters, communities, job boards and web conferences - all of which can be done on your time.
Know What You Want to Do
Narrowing the fields you wish to enter will help you focus your efforts on securing a desirable job in a field that interests you.
Stay Current
Being knowledgeable of current trends allows you to talk intelligently with any prospective employer. Keep tabs on the top websites, blogs and trade publications relevant to your field or industry. Quick reads of key publications will keep you on top of major companies, players and developments and will give you the confidence to talk about work issues even though you haven't been in the workforce.
Make Your Volunteer Work Count
Be selective with the type of volunteer work you commit to. Select jobs or tasks that will enhance your workplace skills, such as payroll, project management and fund raising. Volunteer work will help keep your skills sharp and can be a strong resume builder.
Get Smart, Take Classes
Taking courses online, at the local college or community center will help you land a fulfilling job when you re-enter the workforce. By keeping your mind active with relevant coursework and certifications, you also increase your market value and exhibit dedication to your career.
Update Your Resume
Don't be daunted by gaps in employment. List the skills you have acquired through volunteer and past work experience. Make sure you have references available who can speak to your skills.
Redefine Success
Don't raise the bar so high that you feel like you're missing it. As a mum, you have different requirements and expectations of work than before you entered motherhood. Things like flexible work hours, short commute and good benefits are now more important than the prestigious job title.
Additionally, women should consider what they value in a job and whether their interests have changed since their previous jobs. According to recent survey responses, the workplace rewards mothers cite as the most important are:
- Flexible Schedule (manage own time)
- Passion for the Work
- Mental Stimulation and Challenge
- Skill Enhancement (on job experience)
- Promotion and Advancement
Considering a mothers workplace needs and the skills valued by employers, Salary.com identified the following jobs as good matches for mums re-entering the workforce:
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