You’re ready. Now let’s find the right opportunity.
You’ve rebuilt your confidence, recognised your skills, explored your options, developed your career story and prepared for interviews.
Now it’s time to take the next step.
Back To Work Connect works with employers who recognise the value of experienced professionals, Returners and career changers. This roadmap will help you search strategically, apply with confidence and stay motivated throughout your job search.
Estimated time: Ongoing until you secure the right opportunity.
Before You Begin
A reminder…
Looking for a job can be exciting, but it can also be challenging.
Not every application will lead to an interview, and not every interview will lead to an offer.
That doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Every application is helping you:
✔️Build confidence
✔️Improve your CV
✔️Practise your interview skills
✔️Understand the market
✔️Learn what employers are looking for
Your goal isn’t to apply for the most jobs. It’s to apply for the right jobs.
✅ Step 1
Create Your BTWC Profile
If you haven’t already, create your free Back To Work Connect account. Sign up HERE
By registering you’ll be able to:
- Apply for Returner Friendly jobs
- Receive weekly Job Alerts
- Access our Membership area and resources
- Discover employers committed to inclusive hiring
- Stay informed about community events and workshops
✅ Step 2
Search Strategically
Don’t apply for every vacancy.
Instead, spend time identifying roles that genuinely match your:
✔️Skills
✔️Experience
✔️Interests
✔️Lifestyle
✔️Career goals
Quality applications are far more effective than quantity.
Watch back 10 Ways To Job Search Like A Pro
10 Ways To Job Search Like A Pro
During the session Eoghan will discuss:
- being honest about skills/ transparency
- importance of including gaps in the resume and explaining why
- tracking applications and staying resilient
- transferable skills (parent focus)
- employer’s mindset
✅ Step 3
Get to Know the Employer
Before applying, spend a few minutes learning about the organisation.
Read our Employer Spotlights to understand:
- Company culture
- Flexible working opportunities
- Career development
- Returner-friendly practices
- Employee stories
Finding the right employer is just as important as finding the right role.
✅ Step 4
Tailor Every Application
Avoid sending the same CV for every role.
Instead:
- Read the job description carefully
- Match your experience to the role
- Highlight relevant transferable skills
- Include examples of your achievements
- Explain why you’re interested in that employer
A personalised application is far more likely to stand out.
Download our Job Application Checklist here.
✅ Step 5
Stay Connected
Job searching can feel isolating.
Stay connected by:
Joining community events – Community Events
Reading Returner Stories – Success Stories
Following Back To Work Connect on social media
You’ll gain practical advice, encouragement and reminders that you’re not alone on your journey.
Sign up for our Newsletter
✅ Step 6
Celebrate Every Step Forward
It’s easy to focus only on the end goal, but progress happens one step at a time.
Celebrate:
✔️Completing your CV
✔️Sending an application
✔️Receiving an interview invitation
✔️Building your confidence
✔️Learning something new
Every action moves you closer to your next opportunity.
Before you click “Apply”
Ask yourself:
Does this role match my strengths?
Can I explain why I’m interested?
Have I tailored my CV?
Have I researched the employer?
Am I excited about this opportunity?
If the answer is mostly yes…
Take a deep breath and apply.
Community Support
Need a little encouragement?
Job searching can be emotional, especially after a career break.
Watch back Building Resilience on Your Returner Journey
Building Resilience on Your Returner Journey
The biggest obstacle that can derail individuals on their journey of returning to work is dealing with how they react to inevitable setbacks, obstacles and uncertainty encountered along the way.
Managing turbulent emotions is a key part of building emotional intelligence skills and wellness which is often an overlooked or unmanaged element, yet the biggest factor that hijacks job seekers.
Whether you’ve had a rejection, need help deciding whether to apply, or simply want someone to talk things through with, our Community Care Team is here to support you.
We’re here to answer questions, share resources and help you keep moving forward.
Contact Community Care on email at communitycare@backtoworkconnect.ie or mobile 089-4057839
You’ve come further than you think.
Take a moment to recognise everything you’ve achieved. You’ve invested time in rebuilding your confidence, identifying your strengths, exploring new possibilities and preparing for interviews.
Now it’s time to put all of that into action. The right opportunity may be closer than you think.
🎉 Congratulations!
You’ve completed your Return to Work Roadmap.
Whether you complete it in a few days or over several weeks, every step you’ve taken has been an investment in your future.