The kids are back at school, so now what?

Women returning to work after a period of time away from the office feel they have more to offer prospective employers than their younger counterparts. The results of this yearís annual Pitman Training Return to Work survey have revealed that far from being worried about competing for jobs against younger, fresh out of school or college candidates, thereís a new breed of women returners who are more confident about their value in the workplace than ever before.

While two thirds of respondents recognised that they might have more to prove at interviews than the younger candidates with no personal commitments, they certainly did not consider this a challenge. ìAge counts for a lotî said one woman returner. ìI have bundles of life experience and have worked on and off for years. Time at university spent with people just like yourself simply doesnít compareî.

Stan Knights, managing director, Pitman Training said: ìThe women returners surveyed set a good example for women considering returning to work after a break, however long or short. This newly found confidence is justified, as experience in the workplace, and in life generally, is invaluableî.

Whether youíve been out of the office for a few months or many years, the benefits of updating your skills portfolio is priceless. 90% of respondents were enthusiastic about returning to work and said it was a ëchoiceí rather than a necessity, a noticeable improvement when compared with a third putting it down to necessity in 2005.

Stan Knights continued: ìSelf-confidence and enthusiasm is important and very attractive to any prospective employer, but it is vital to bring your skills set up to date if you have been out of the office for any period. Technology and systems adopted in the office are updated regularly and keeping on top of the way they work increases productivity and reduces stress. A Pitman Training course will ensure you know your way around the latest systems, which in turn means you can get straight to work rather than spending time struggling with the office ITî.

New secure and self-assured women returners have replaced last yearís more self-doubting candidates. This yearís survey results are far more positive than last yearís, with only 22% of respondents worried about self image and general chit chat at the water cooler, compared to last yearís 66%. One respondent noted: ìThanks to programmes such as ëWhat Not to Wearí and ëHow to Look Good Nakedí, women are learning that confidence leads to looking good and are feeling much better about themselves.î

Last year half of respondents were worried about making private phone calls during the working day, whilst this year this has reduced to just a third. Confidence shone through yet again when asked about using email and the internet at work. Only 22% of women returners expressed concerns, compared with last yearís 37%.

The governmentís efforts to promote flexible working hours in support of a family-orientated nation have paid off. In 2005 over half of survey respondents were concerned about asking for time off work due to childcare emergencies, but this year only 11% felt this was an issue. ìMost companies are flexible and understanding to family commitmentsî said another respondent, proving understanding from the boss is fast becoming expected.

Stan Knights concluded: ìWomen returners have regained confidence and are ready to get ahead in the world of work. Two thirds of women returners believed women can be successful in their careers and be good mothers, and with refreshed skills, self-belief and plenty of enthusiasm to boot, it should be the college leavers who are worried about proving themselves in the interview room.î