Follow these back-to-work tips. They are simple and critical.

DO:

• Include your phone number and email address in your resume so employers can contact you.
  
• Make sure that you speak positively about youself at all times. Have faith in your abilities and your core skills.
  
• Consider the distance between your home and the job.
  
• Consider doing a re-fresh course to ensure your skills are up to date. Compare your knowledge with what job advertisements are asking for. 
  
• Include a cover letter with your application. It gives employers an insight into you and it may give you an edge over other applicants.
  
• Ensure your resume is current. Your resume sells you so invest time and effort into it. If you would like some free tips and hints on how you can improve your resume, send it to emma@mumsatwork.com.au.  
  
• Propose an alternative working arrangement if you like the look of the job and the employer. Nothing ventured....

DON'T:

• Get nervous about talking to employers. It is simply a discussion about how you can help each other. 
  
• Include your date of birth or marital status or child status. It is no one's business except yours.
  
• Apply for every job you see. You need to be targeted in your approach. Focus on your skill set and apply where there is a fit.
  
• Lose confidence in your abilities. You have effectively doubled your skill base since leaving the workforce. You just need to turn your unpaid work into 'work speak'.
  
• Include details of your family, marital status, life goals etc in your cover letter. The focus should be on matching your skills to the advertised job.