Be Inspired, Be Imaginative, and Be Confident.  Good Luck!

Here's a preview of our 10 Step Plan to OnRamp:

1.    Are You Ready?   Looking for a job takes a lot of time.  It is a job in itself.  You don’t want to start this process if you are not really ready to set aside time and make that time a sacred priority in your busy life.  It is our goal to define this process for you so you have a plan of attack to make the career search easier and enjoyable.  You need to be fair to yourself and understand whether you are really ready or are you in the “talking about it” phase.  The “talking about it” phase is fine, but to accomplish more, you will need to transition to the “do it” phase.  Explore your level of motivation.  How much do you really want to return to work? Do you know how to find the confidence you need?  Our exercises will get you ready.

2. Clear the decks!  Deliberately set aside time and space where you can focus without the multitude of interruptions that often cloud your days (If you are like us!).  Spend focused time every day on YourOnRamp "project."  That means dodging the email "black hole,"  saying "no" to volunteer requests that do not contribute to your effort, and outsourcing non essential chores.  Learn concrete ways to clear your decks.

3. Get the Support You Need.  A support network is critical to your success in getting back in.   Everyone needs a cheerleader or two!  Find a friend, mentor, or colleague who can help you. YourOnRamp’s team is here to help you too.    If you have a spouse, make sure your spouse is on board and understands why you want to re-enter the workforce.  Understanding why you want to go back to work, will make it easier for your supporter to keep you focused and on track when challenges and opportunities appear. It is also important if you encounter any resistance.  We have spoken to hundreds of women who have successfully OnRamped. The vast majority felt that their success in finding a career life balance was due to the support they received from their family.  Without this support, many said their re-entry would have been very hard or even failed.  Learn how to get the support you need.

4.    Discover Your Path. Devote time to a  Self Assessment. This is often the deal stopper, don't let it trip you up!  This is a valuable opportunity to recognize what you enjoy doing and when you feel the most successful and fulfilled.  We have great tools to help you understand yourself, how you define a balanced life and where you will best contribute.  For many OnRampers this is the most important, yet most overlooked step.  Don't fall into this trap.  We've identified the best tools out there to find what makes you tick.

5. Get Educated.  Research ideas, industries, companies, people,  you name it, there is unlimited information available with a few key strokes.  At YourOnRamp, we are working hard to make sure you are current and know where to go for answers.

6.    Develop Your Marketing Tools.  Use our guide to add these marketing tools to your toolkit:

•    Elevator Pitch.  This is your 1-2 minute description of your self and your job objective (if you have one).  It is an essential tool for networking.
•    Resume.  Need help presenting your work and volunteer experiences in a meaningful and effective way?  We can help.  You should also compile a list of references.  See how here.
•    Cover Letters. Yes, you need them!  They go hand in hand with your resume and are an essential communication tool, persuasively matching your prior experience to your future career goals.

7. Build a Network.  This is the most important aspect of your OnRamp effort.  Your chances of getting a job are much better when you know someone at the company.   YourOnRamp is here to help you build your network in all areas of your life.  Start now! A complete personal profile will help friends and colleagues find you with ideas and new connections.

8. Find Your Career. The next step is to search for that perfect job.  Whether you want to work for a company, hang a shingle as a consultant, or start your own business, the job search is the exciting part of the OnRamp process.

9. Prepare for Interviews. Preparation is the key to successful interviewing.  What questions will I need to answer?  How should I explain my time away from the workplace? What if my skills are outdated?  Look the part.   We can help you gain the confidence you need to address these basic questions and more.

10.    Bring it Home.  Now is the time to bring it all home.  You have successfully networked, researched, interviewed your way to a job offer.  But how do you know if it is the right offer for you?  Aside from the obvious gut-feeling you get when it is the right move, you need to analyze the offer to see if it is a winner.   Follow our plan and in no time you'll be evaluating a Job Offer and negotiating a Compensation Package.  You'll also learn when and how to negotiate flexibility.

With our guide you'll have everything you need to bring it home and begin your new journey.  Don't delay.  Take the first step and start YourOnRamp today.

Good luck in discovering your new path!