Welcome to Your Go-To Source for Returnship Information

Tired of having to search through multiple company sites or random lists to find a returnship that’s current and relevant? We’ve got you! Introducing Path Forward’s new Returnship Matcher! This eagerly anticipated directory is the one-and-only source for EVERY returnship program in the US. You can use this free one-stop tool to find paid return-to-work opportunities that meet your criteria at companies nationwide. What does it include? We’ve aggregated information…

Recommended Resume Formats for Returners (With Templates)

Here at Path Forward, we receive a lot of questions about resumes. While the answers to each of these questions differs from case to case, there are a few fundamental principles that remain consistent in how you present yourself and your work: 1.  The resume is a marketing tool that is meant to showcase your relevant work experience (including unpaid work), degrees, and certifications to make the case that you…

5 Ways Volunteering Will Help Your Job Search

Volunteering your time and service has countless benefits. It’s fulfilling to help others and make a positive impact on the world.  Plus, volunteering during your career break can help you return to the paid workforce. According to a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering increases your odds of getting a job by 27 percent compared to job seekers who don’t volunteer. Volunteering is one way…

5 Ways to Connect and Grow Your Network Virtually

The official Path Forward networking motto is, “Who you know is what you know.” Networking is a key part not just to landing a new job, but figuring out what job you’d like to do in the first place. Talking with friends, old colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances can broaden your perspective on what the job market looks like, what skills are in demand, and the different roles that exist in…

What to Do Before, During, and After an Interview

Job interviews are tough for most people, and it can feel especially daunting to go on an interview after you’ve taken a break from the workforce. Depending on the length of your career break and how long you were working before you stepped away, it may be a long time since you’ve been the subject of a job interview. All the latest returnship jobs, events, and advice. Get Path Forward’s…

‘Soft’ Skills Will Help Your Return to Work | Real Advice from Returners

Sure, technical skills are important. But it’s actually the so-called “soft skills” that are often the hardest to master and also the most in demand by employers For mid-career roles especially, a high level of communication, teamwork, and management abilities are crucial. Here’s the good news: the skills you gained from your previous work experience are still there. Plus, you’ve almost certainly honed these skills even further during your career…

How to Showcase Your Technical Skills and Stand Out as a Job Seeker

When it comes to returning to the workforce, many job seekers ask the same thing: “How do I stand out?” While you can and should practice telling your story, consider that to be just one piece of your return-to-work strategy. Showcasing your skills online, rather than just talking about them, is a great way to create a compelling case for yourself.  Creating and curating online content gives your skills new…

Telling Your Story When You’ve Been on a Career Break

Every person who steps foot in a job interview has a career story to tell, weaving together the strands of where they’ve worked, what they’re doing now, and where they’re looking to go next. If you’re applying for a job or returnship after a career break, your story is probably going to be a bit different from a traditional candidate’s story. You might think that puts you at a disadvantage,…

Master Behavioral Interview Questions with the STAR Method

During an interview, you’ll likely be asked a few questions that start with “tell me about a time when…” or “give me an example of…” These are called behavioral interview questions and their aim is to show the interviewer how you handle common challenges and situations on the job. They often touch on topics like leadership, teamwork, project management, problem solving, and conflict resolution. How you choose to answer these…

7 Tips for a Successful Video Interview

More and more companies are using video interviews to talk with job applicants. If you’re trying to rejoin the workforce after many years away, video interviewing may be unfamiliar, adding stress to your interview prep. Here is our advice for how to put your best (virtual) foot forward! 1.  Find your space and manage interruptions (or be transparent if you cannot). If you don’t have a home office, making do…