What is a “returner”?
A returner is a professional who has taken a career break and is now looking to re-enter the workforce. These individuals often have significant experience and skills but may have gaps in their employment history due to various life circumstances such as caregiving, personal health issues, or pursuing other interests.
Are Returners up-to-date with current tools and technologies?
Returners are brought up to speed with relevant tools and technologies before being presented to clients. Our technical recruiting team identifies any gaps in their knowledge and recommends appropriate courses, training, or certifications. Many of these women have already taken steps to update their skills before engaging with us.
Is hiring someone who has been out of the workforce for a while risky?
There is always some risk in the hiring process, whether it’s for new graduates, experienced professionals, or those returning after a hiatus. To mitigate this, the BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK program advocates for hiring on a contract-to-hire basis, allowing both employers and candidates to assess the fit before committing to full-time employment.
What if I have more questions?
We welcome any questions you might have about starting or managing a Returner program. Please provide your contact information here, and we will get in touch. We are enthusiastic about our program and its positive impact on both companies and the women we support.
How does Women Back to Work find Returner candidates?
We source candidates through multiple channels including targeted ads on social media, partnerships with local groups, coding boot camps, SEO efforts, media outreach, and word-of-mouth. Many returning women share their positive BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK experiences with their networks.
Why should I consider hiring returners?
Hiring returners can bring numerous benefits to your organization:
- Access to a pool of experienced, highly skilled professionals
- Increased diversity in your workforce
- Fresh perspectives and innovative ideas
- High motivation and dedication from employees eager to prove themselves
- Potential cost savings compared to hiring less experienced candidates
Won’t returners’ skills be outdated?
While some skills may need refreshing, returners often bring a wealth of experience, soft skills, and industry knowledge that remain valuable. Many returners also take steps to update their skills during their career break. We offer skills assessment and training programs to ensure returners are ready for the current job market.
What types of roles do Returners typically seek?
BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK candidates are experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds. They are looking for opportunities to prove themselves, having completed their caregiving responsibilities. They aim to re-enter the workforce in full-time or contract roles where they can utilize their skills and contribute effectively.
What exactly does Women Back to Work do?
Women Back to Work is a specialized organization that connects employers with talented professionals, particularly women, who are returning to the workforce after a career break. We offer various services including returnship programs, direct hiring support, and contingent worker placement.
Do managers need special training to hire women Returners?
Hiring a Returner is similar to hiring any new employee, though some may have been out of the workforce for longer periods. Returners who have been absent for a decade or more might need additional support to adapt, but they are typically highly motivated and quick to learn.
Do Returners require additional time off after being hired?
No. In fact, Returners often require less time off, having planned their return to the workforce meticulously. Hiring managers frequently commend their impressive work ethic and high energy levels.
How is Women Back to Work different from other recruiting agencies?
We specialize in returner talent, particularly in the tech industry. We’re backed by an award-winning IT staffing firm, have established relationships with underserved communities, and offer multiple engagement options. Our recruiters are experts in identifying and nurturing returner talent.
What industries do you serve?
While we have a strong focus on the tech industry, we work with companies across various sectors. Our clients include major corporations like Tesla, Amazon, Facebook, Visa, and many others.
Are the candidates in the BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK program diverse?
Yes. We employ a variety of sourcing strategies to ensure a diverse pool of Returner candidates, encompassing different races, socio-economic statuses, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and more. We value the strength that diversity and inclusion bring to the workplace and strive to provide a varied talent pool for our partner companies.
How can my company partner with Women Back to Work to hire returning women?
We offer several engagement options: Full-Service Returnship, which includes designing and managing the entire returnship program; Contract Hire, for hiring returners on a contract-to-hire basis; and BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK Direct Hire, for companies ready to employ returners directly.
Which companies currently partner with Women Back to Work?
Our partners include industry leaders like Google, Adobe, Cisco, Visa, Tesla, and Farmers Insurance, among others.
How does the hiring process work with Women Back to Work?
We offer a streamlined process:
- We discuss your hiring needs and company culture
- Our specialized recruiters source and screen candidates
- We present you with pre-vetted, qualified candidates
- We facilitate interviews and provide support throughout the hiring process
- Once hired, we offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition
Do you offer different hiring options?
Yes, we provide multiple engagement options including:
- Full-service returnship programs
- Contract hiring
- Direct hiring
- Enhancement of existing returnship programs
What is a returnship program and how does it work?
A returnship program is similar to an internship but designed for experienced professionals returning to work. It typically lasts 3-6 months and allows both the employer and the returner to assess fit before committing to long-term employment. We can help you set up and manage these programs.
Can my company hire Returners without bring women back to work’s?
Certainly. However, the Returner talent pool is unique and requires specific strategies for successful engagement. You can download our guide, “6 Must-Use Strategies for Companies Looking to Attract and Hire Diverse, Female, Returner Talent,” to learn more.
How do you ensure returners will integrate well into our company?
We offer comprehensive support including:
- Thorough screening to ensure cultural fit
- Pre-employment training for returners
- Onboarding support and guidance
- Ongoing consultation for both employers and returners
Why do women often take a break from their careers?
Women typically step away from their careers to care for others. This often involves raising children or looking after an ailing family member.
Can companies with existing returner programs still partner with bring women back to work?
Definitely! Many of our partners have their own successful Returner programs but seek to enhance their technical talent pipeline. BRING WOMEN BACK TO WORK can complement and strengthen these efforts.
What if the hire doesn’t work out?
We strive to make the best matches possible. However, if issues arise, we’re here to help mediate and find solutions. In the case of returnship programs, they offer a low-risk way to evaluate potential hires before making a long-term commitment.
How does hiring returners improve our diversity and inclusion efforts?
Returners often represent diverse demographics, particularly women who have taken career breaks. By hiring returners, you’re tapping into a diverse talent pool that may include various underrepresented groups in the workforce.
Do you only work with women returners?
While we have a strong focus on women returners, we work with returners of all genders. We have developed relationships with various underserved communities including LGBTQ+, Black, and Hispanic professionals.
How do we get started with Women Back to Work?
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your hiring needs, explain our services in detail, and develop a tailored strategy for your organization.
Is there a cost to partner with Women Back to Work?
We offer various service models with different fee structures. During our initial consultation, we can discuss the options that best fit your needs and budget.
Remember, partnering with Women Back to Work is an investment in your company’s future, providing access to a unique and valuable talent pool while promoting diversity and inclusion in your workforce.
Do women returning to the workforce take their careers seriously?
Absolutely! Our corporate partners frequently express their admiration for the dedication and work ethic displayed by returning women. These individuals are enthusiastic about reapplying their skills in a dynamic and demanding work environment.