Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Re-entering the workforce Question: I've been a stay-at-home mom for the past three years. Prior to having my child, I was a marketing manager at a fortune 100 company. I'm looking to get back into the workforce this year, what types of things should I be doing to prepare? And what's the best way to explain my time off from work? Amanda Answer: While in the past it was traditional for women to leave the workforce indefinitely to rear their children, it is not at all uncommon today for mothers - some 36% of them - to return to work fulltime before their child's first birthday. Apparently, you were fortunate enough to be able to spend three years with your youngster before making that move which is exactly how you can effectively present that time span to any future employer. Simply, you planned for that amount of time. You took it. And, now you are ready to come back to work - full force. Determine specifically what kind of work you'd like to be doing and if it would take the form of a 40-hour in-office week vs. an at-home opportunity. If you have a particular interest in utilizing your childrearing experience, you might consider looking for a company that is involved in some way with marketing to children where your real life would add significant value. Keep in mind that there is a considerable workplace need for good qualified job candidates. One of the keys to landing such a good return job is to be up-to-date with your resume or biography. Clearly delineate all of your talents and skills along with your prior business experience. Be sure to include anything - attending workshops, seminars, taking classes, doing volunteer work - that you've done in the recent three years that would add to your credentials or qualifications. If you've decided you want to re-enter the marketing arena, catch up on your trade reading and educate yourself about any major trends or changes that have taken place in the industry so you can speak intelligently and knowledgeably. Consider joining a related trade organization so you can demonstrate your seriousness about your profession. In preparation for approaching prospective employees, focus on identifying parent-friendly organizations who will be sympathetic with your possible needs for flexibility in scheduling. Reconnect with your network, arrange some re-acquaintance luncheons and be in touch with former colleagues especially those who have moved on or up. They may well provide internal leads for your return to the workforce. Finally, be confident during your search - knowing that today's employers are much more inclined to respond to what good candidates are looking for in terms of flexibility and alternative work arrangements. In fact, companies that do not offer accommodations along these lines can not really compete in today's business climate. Present yourself positively - with focus and purpose - and your reentry will, undoubtedly, be successful. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.