While the joy of staying at home with a newborn is immeasurable, the financial strain it can impose is quite the opposite. For families without two steady incomes, a year of parental bliss can quickly escalate into a significant debt burden and anxiety over future finances.
As my current contract approaches its end, I have spent the last few months proactively seeking new opportunities both within my industry and beyond. After receiving a few minor responses, I finally landed an interview at a company I greatly admire.
I dedicated hours to prepare. I crafted a portfolio showcasing my achievements, reached out to my references to ensure they were ready to support me, and even treated myself to a haircut the night before. I purchased a new skirt and polished my heels, while also taking care to pamper my hands. I dry-cleaned my blazer and even packed a change of blouse in case of any unexpected baby-related incidents. I felt prepared and excited—until I realized how much I had underestimated the influence of “Mummy-brain.”
Essential Tips for Mothers Returning to the Workforce
For all mothers returning to the workforce, here are some essential tips I learned a bit too late for my initial interview:
- Do Not Bring the Baby: While I didn’t actually take my baby to the interview, the thought crossed my mind more than once. Finding a sitter during the day was challenging, and I wondered if my infant might sleep quietly in a stroller during the interview. When I finally secured a sitter (my younger brother), I foolishly considered inviting him along for moral support. What was I thinking?
- Punctuality is Key: My sitter arrived on time, but I found myself lingering. I worried about whether there was enough food, if emergency contacts were written down correctly, and if I should check with the neighbor to ensure they were available for any potential emergencies. By the time I finished my pre-interview fussing, I was late—an unprecedented occurrence for me.
- Avoid Personal Tales: While motherhood is a rewarding journey, interviews should focus on your professional qualifications rather than personal anecdotes about parenting. Once hired, you will find that there is room for family within the workplace, such as a space for a family photo or invitations to company events. But during the interview, keep personal matters to yourself—no photos, please!
- Steer Clear of Baby Talk: After a year of communicating in simplified language with my child, I found it challenging to articulate my thoughts professionally. I struggled to express ideas that would have previously come easily. In hindsight, I should have practiced speaking to adults before the interview to reestablish a professional tone.
- Memory Lapses Happen: Midway through the interview, I realized I couldn’t recall specifics about my previous work, such as programs I had led or the names of colleagues. This lapse led to irrelevant stories rather than compelling reasons for why I should be hired. Even my short-term memory faltered; after answering one question, I forgot what the question had been! Ironically, if asked about the types of baby food in my freezer, I would have answered with confidence. A checklist could have alleviated this issue, so remember not to rely solely on your “mama-brain.”
Ultimately, I learned that I didn’t get the job, but I did receive my period. Thanks, universe!
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Summary
Navigating the transition back to work after having a baby can be challenging, particularly when it comes to preparing for interviews. Key points include being mindful of professionalism, punctuality, and the tendency to let personal anecdotes overshadow your qualifications. Always remember to prepare adequately and consider practical aids like checklists to support your memory.