Mentor parents to return to work

How you can use your knowledge of career development to help a parent return to the workforce.

Help a parent find the confidence to return to work

Returning from a career break can be daunting for anyone. For some it involves overcoming significant barriers, and it can require a level of self-confidence that can be difficult for those without recent work experience.

That’s where you come in. As an expert in recruitment and career development you know what employers are looking for. Who is better placed to help others navigate their way back into good work, step by step? You can give a returner the inside track on the practicalities – job search, transferable skills, CV, interviews or flexible working options. You’re equipped to ask the questions that raise self-awareness, boost confidence, tap into potential and prepare someone to give their best at work.

Speaking with a professional who recognised my ability, skills and potential gave me a lot of confidence. And having guidance on how to answer key questions in interviews was very useful. The mentoring sessions have reconnected me with the person I was before my career break.”
– Shabana, parent returner, Manchester

How does it work?

The programme runs on a cohort basis. Register your interest below and we’ll let you know when the next cohort is due to begin.
We’ll have a chat with you about the programme and how you can help.
You’ll sign up to our online platform and match with a parent returner.
You’ll mentor them to find work for up to 6 months.
Generally mentoring sessions take place once a month but frequency and duration of sessions are agreed by mentor and mentee during dates and times that suit both.
Sessions happen online either in our dedicated platform or on your preferred platform or phone call.

Register your interest

Make the most of your expertise

We welcome HR professionals as job search mentors and we look for people working at different levels in different organisations and sectors.

What matters most is that you know your way round the recruitment process and career development, so that you can support parents returning to work as they:

find opportunities, assess their suitability and access them.
identify and demonstrate their unique talents and transferable skills.
write their CVs, job applications, cover letters and personal profiles.
prepare for interviews and build their networks.
manage their confidence and prepare for employment.

If this is you, we’ll provide the information to get you started, connect you with a jobseeker, and support you in making the most of your valuable expertise.

Job search mentor (parent returners) role profile

Job search mentor (parent returners) role profile 57.21 KB

Frequently asked questions

What can I gain from becoming a job search coach?

Increased awareness of job search challenges. for young people
A new challenge and the chance to change someone’s life.
The satisfaction of using your expertise to help people find good, fair work.
Opportunities to meet new people, broaden your network and gain new perspectives.
Practice your mentoring and coaching skills.
Support for your Continual Professional Development (CPD).

What is the commitment?

To maintain a minimum 12-month involvement in the programme
To be available to support at least one jobseeker within three months of joining
To commit to coaching sessions at least every month for the duration of the coaching relationship.
To be available to coach at least one jobseeker every 12 months.

What skills and experience do I need?

Experience of different recruitment and selection methods.
An understanding of coaching methods.
Experience working in Recruitment, Human Resources, Learning and Development or Organisational Design at any level.