How to Get Jobs After Being Self Employed

Going from being self employed to being employed by somebody else is a transition that is not always easy to make. Some self employed individuals fear that they are no longer marketable in the job force; however, the number of people that have successfully made the transition proves that this is not true.

Instructions

1. Write a list of all of your experience. On your list be sure to include industry, work and responsibility experience. Industry experience is the knowledge you have gained that is specific to your field or industry. Work experience is the "on the job" training you acquired through self employment; this might include things such as the software you learned to use. Responsibility experience refers to experience managing and running a business.

2. Use this list to help you determine what types of jobs you are most qualified for. You should also refer to the list when writing your resume to help you highlight your skills. It is also helpful when it comes time to market your skills to potential employers.

3. Highlight your self employment on your resume. Instead of being ashamed of the fact that you do not have recent traditional employment history, be proud of the fact that you have been self employed. Employers like to see self starting people that can work with little supervision and are ambitious. These are all qualities that self employed people must have to be successful in self employment.

4. Stress the positives. During the interview, you know that you will be asked why you want to return to traditional employment. Instead of focusing on the negative things associated with self employment that are sending you back to traditional employment, focus on the positives of traditional employment. Answer the question by saying that you miss the teamwork associated with working for a larger company, or that you like working on larger projects than you could handle working alone.

5. Understand that returning to a traditional job takes a period of adjustment. Initially you may feel restricted and confined by the new schedule or uncomfortable working with a group of co-workers. Answering to a boss might also be difficult at first. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to make the adjustment.