Jobs for mums?

I often get emails from mums trying to get work close to home and with hours that fit their family responsibilities. It is tough to find the perfect fit. The amazing thing is that many employers would be able to attract excellent candidates usually way out of their league if only they would think outside the box and offer flexibility or be prepared to re-engineer a role so that it could be done in “mummy hours”.

If employers would only think about how best to structure their hours to attract return to work mums, the rewards would be there.

I’ve met women who have had very high level jobs that now want something at a more reasonable pace and hours to suit. For example, one woman I know was a merchant banker and then the director of strategic development of a mid-sized digital company. Another had been the HR director of a food company while another had been a senior accountant. Truth is, these woman could accomplish more in three days or just working between the hours of 9.30am and 2.30pm than many of us could achieve in five days working regular hours. I don’t think it would be strictly legal for employers to advertise jobs under a heading like: “Suit mothers” as that could be seen as discriminatory to non-mothers. However, working mums have enough to deal with so making life easier with headings or keywords in the job ad like “flexible hours” or even by stating that the hours are say 9.30am until 2.30pm for the right candidate would be fantastic.

And a woman doesn’t have to be a former corporate power house to be worth accommodating. A keen return to work mum on any level is worth more than an apathetic quit stay – especially if all she wants in return is a fair go and flexible hours.

I recently heard back from an Ask Kate and return to work job hunter “KI” about her experiences trying to break back into the workforce. She had gone for many interviews and despaired of getting anywhere. Then, victory. KL wrote: “When I was looking to get back into the work force on a part time basis I did explain in my letters and resume that my work history gap was due to parenting. I was looking for 10 to 20 hours a week, which allowed for managing family as well. Well, I just got a job. Had my first day today working for Coles as a checkout operator. The first time I got an interview I got the job. So please pass on to others not to give up hope. It is the perfect job with my hours and less than a kilometre from my home. Thanks for your support.” We will post any info for working mums in this section. Another way to get there is to go to www.careerone.com.au and click on the News & Advice tab at the top of the home page and scroll down to Women at Work.