Top Tips from Returner Employers

For those of you who missed our Conference on Monday, we'll be sharing tips, advice and video on this blog over the coming weeks. To get started, here's some advice from our returner employer panel.

Be clear on the skills you bring

The panel suggested that returners practice articulating what skills they bring, and also advocating for the skills they developed while on their career break. Sharmini Selverajah, Head of the Returner Policy Team at the Government Equalities Office said “Remember to recognise the skills you gained outside of paid work”. She confirmed that she is much better at her work as a result of experience raising her children, including managing and negotiating.

Flexibility is possible

The panel confirmed that many returners are working flexibly. Stephanie Marshall, Talent Acquisition Lead for Fidelity International, stated that flexible working is now requested by employees throughout the organisation, including millennials. Five years ago, no one would ask about flexibility. “Now, they are much more up front about it,” she said. 

Practice your negotiation skills

Tricia Nelson, Head of Talent at EY, suggested women returning to work should practice their negotiation skills, be direct about what they need and not talk themselves out of a higher salary or better terms. “Ask for what you want and then zip it,” she said. “Don’t unpack it live.” Alexander Clifford-Turner, EMEA chief financial data offer for Bloomberg, agreed: “It’s a very good tactic to say what you want and shut up.” 

Don’t sell yourself short

Returners are now seen by many employers as a valuable talent pool. Sharmini Selverajah said "The business case is clear". Of course, you need to find the employers who will value your skills and experience - looking for companies with returner programmes and/or family-friendly working policies is a good way to do that.

Quotes from : ‘Ask For What You Want and Then Zip It:’ Advice For Women Returning To Work After a Career Break Government Executive, 21 Nov 2017