It can be daunting going back to work after having a long career break, so if you want to pick up where you left off or start a new career Returnships could be for you. The job market in 2024 seems to be in need of skilled people with experience within their profession, and you just may be the ideal fix for this kind of employee profile. It may be an ideal time to make your move back into a career, companies always need skilled workers and quite a few are now offering Returnships. Even if they are not, this may be something you could suggest to a target company on your wish list, let's take a look at all the ins and outs.
What is a Returnship?
Returnships were introduced to Britain in 2014, they are like advanced internships created for experienced skilled people, professionally paid that can last anywhere between 10 weeks and 6 months. They are designed to help experienced professionals who have taken a career break, get back into roles whatever the level.
Returnships have been extremely beneficial for women and men who have taken a career break to start a family. This is not the only use for them. They also apply for anyone who has been out of their career for a while, whatever the circumstances.
Returnships help build confidence by getting you involved with the day to day fundamentals of a role, to better understand the job and guide you through industry and cultural changes since you last held a position. They usually cover all technology changes within an industry as well as coaching and mentoring, so they are a great way to retrain and get up to date with tech, marketplace regulations and new cultural working practices that have occurred since your time off. This can give you the confidence to move forward once again in your career!
Why are Returnships Beneficial?
A returnship can be beneficial for people as it can give them a chance to pick up from where they left off however you do not have to go back into the position or industry that you were in before your career break. A lot of people take this opportunity to go into something totally different, it's a great way to reskill. It is also a great way to not have to start your career again from the bottom, this means all your experience has not gone to waste! This is why "Returnships" are becoming so popular. According to ReturningWomen.co.uk, the success in these programs has sparked national interest, which is now rising every year. Returnships don't just focus on employee skills, but how to get people back into a working environment.
The following three points are how they can achieve this:
Integration with Flexible Working
It can be overwhelming coming back to a full-time job after having time off, so Returnships can focus on bringing employees back in gradually if it is necessary.
Support and Job Satisfaction
It is important people feel supported especially if they haven't been in their job for a while, which again is something Returnships focus on and offer more support if needed.
An Experienced Workforce
Returnships consist of experienced people who know how to work with people that haven't been in a working environment for a while, which can make such a difference to an employee.
How do I Find a Returnship?
Besides doing a general google search, have a look at https://womenreturners.com they are an amazing resource for Returnships! They have led the growth and development of returnships and other returner programmes since 2014, across sectors within the UK. Their website is packed full of really useful information and also a good array of career opportunities.
Your Old Company?
If you loved working for your old company why not reach out to them and see if they would be interested in getting involved with a Returnships scheme? You never know, you may be doing them a favour by highlighting this is available to them.
Need to Get Back Into the Swing of Looking for Jobs?
If you don’t know where to start, have a look at our Ultimate guide. It focuses on how to find your dream job, which will also give you ideas if you are just returning to your previous role!
Stay Connected
Digital transformation is constant, and regardless of how long your break has been, you will be surprised how much things will have changed. So, get online and start looking around! This will always be the best way to stay connected with people and see what's going on in your market! If you aren't confident online, platforms like LinkedIn are ideal to be involved with.
Get Your Story Straight
When you have decided it’s time for you to get back to work, make sure your reasons for your break are consistent. Even if it is maternity leave, illness or a career break, having consistency will just make it easier to explain to people. This will also be one less thing for you to worry about in an interview!
Revise Your CV
It’s good to get into the habit of revising your CV whenever you’ve done something new, that way it will always be up to date and ready to go!
We have some great resources linked below on CV writing.
Tips for Negotiating Returnships
Negotiating the terms of a returnship can be just as critical as finding the right opportunity. Here's a guide on how to approach these negotiations to ensure both your immediate and long-term career needs are met:
1- Define Your Goals and Needs
Before entering any negotiation, clearly define what you hope to achieve through your Returnship. Are you looking to update your skills, explore a new career path, or simply get back into your previous line of work? Also, consider your logistical needs, such as part-time hours, flexible working days, or remote work options. Having a clear understanding of your objectives and requirements will help you communicate more effectively with potential employers.
2- Research the Company's Policies
Before approaching a negotiation, do your homework on the company's existing policies. Many organisations in the UK now offer structured returnships, and understanding the standard format can give you a baseline for discussions. Check if they typically offer flexible working arrangements or if there are precedents for the goals and accommodations you're considering.
3- Propose a Flexible Working Arrangement
Flexibility is key for many returning to work after a break. Discuss various flexible working options with your potential employer, such as compressed hours, reduced hours, or remote work. Be prepared to explain how these arrangements can work in practice by outlining how you've managed similar arrangements in the past or how such flexibility can increase productivity and job satisfaction.
4- Set Clear, Achievable Objectives for the Returnship
Work with your potential employer to set clear objectives for what you want to accomplish. These goals should be mutually beneficial, aligning with the company's needs and your career aspirations. Clearly defined objectives not only provide a roadmap for your Returnship but also help you measure your progress and success.
5- Discuss Support and Development Opportunities
A returnship should be a period of growth and learning. Discuss what kind of training and development opportunities the company offers. This might include formal training sessions, mentoring, or shadowing opportunities. Express your desire for feedback and regular performance reviews to help you adjust and grow throughout your Returnship.
6- Leverage the Experience for Long-Term Advancement
Consider how you can leverage the Returnship for long-term career advancement. Discuss with the employer the possibilities of transitioning from a Returnship to a permanent role. Enquire about the success rates of previous returnship participants and the typical career paths they have taken within the company. Make it clear that your goal is to re-enter the workforce with a long-term perspective.
7- Prepare for the Negotiation
When preparing for the Negotiation, plan what you'll say and anticipate potential questions or objections. Practise your talking points, remain positive, and focus on the value you bring to the organisation. Remember, Negotiation is a two-way conversation aimed at finding a mutually agreeable solution.
By following these steps, you can effectively negotiate the terms of your Returnship, ensuring it meets your career goals while accommodating your current life circumstances. This preparation not only sets you up for a successful returnship but also lays the groundwork for a revitalised career path.
Conclusion
With a bit of research, you will be looking at many options for how you can best use a Returnship to launch your new career! If you're just coming back to work it is important to say yes to any interviews that come your way, especially if you are out of practice. This will increase your confidence and allow you to network with lots of different people which in turn could make all the difference and open up new avenues and relationships.
More Resources
If you want to invest in yourself to get the best results, make sure you look at our other blog posts and articles to help you. Start with these two and you will not go wrong! How to Find a Job and our Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Dream Job! Then we have some great shorter blogs on interview techniques and CV writing below. Have a look at all these and you will be set for any interview! Remember, 'Luck favours the prepared! We wish you all the luck and success with your future!
The Top 10 Interview Questions You Should ALWAYS Prepare For!
Research You Should Consider Before An Interview
Ultimate Guide to Preparing your CV
How To Completely Nail Your Zoom, Skype or any other Video Conferencing Interview!
What questions should you never ask in an interview?
How to Answer the Question: What are your Strengths?
How to Answer the Question: What motivates you at work?
Finding a New Job? - It's Time To Clean Up Your Social Media Presence
Also, remember if you are attending interviews you may get rejected, do not take this personally! A lot of things in life are a numbers game, meaning the more you get rejected the closer you will come to getting the job. It is simple maths, the more you do the better the chance of success. It is a healthy part of the process so read the article below and don't let rejection slow you down!
10 Top Tips for Coping With Those Soul-Destroying Job Rejections!