Contributed by Eisha Armstrong - Regional Owner, Cincinnati

More and more, women are using the economic downturn as an opportunity to start their own businesses. In fact, the National Association of Women Business Owners is reporting a surge in membership in some parts of the country. Experts predict that within the next decade, female-owned small businesses will grow from creating 16% of the US economy's jobs to creating more than one-third of jobs.

What is driving this increase in women entrepreneurs? Some women may be using the event of a layoff or buyout package to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. Others could be re-entering the workforce by starting their own venture. Many believe, as I do, that if you have a great idea and some capital, a recession is the perfect time to launch a new business.

This past fall, I took the plunge and became an entrepreneur after a more than decade-long career with a business research company. I purchased a franchise of Mom Corps, a staffing firm that places top-tier professionals in flexible work arrangements. Although I am still early in my new career as an entrepreneur, I would advise other aspiring entrepreneurs to do the following:

1. Talk to other entrepreneurs to get a sense of all of the different options that are out there for you to launch and structure a successful business. Plus, being an entrepreneur can be lonely and it will be very helpful for you to build a network of other entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off of. I found the book 50 Entrepreneurs useful in helping me understand what the life of an entrepreneur is like.

2. Research your market. Take the time to assess market demand for your product, to understand who the competition is, and to decide if your market is growing or shrinking. You'll want to do enough research to answer those questions, but don't succumb to "analysis-paralysis," either. At the end of the day, you'll need to make a gut decision on whether to launch a new venture. In my case, I saw a great market opportunity for the Mom Corps concept – more professionals need flexibility and more companies need a flexible workforce. Plus, in my market research I discovered that the staffing industry tends to be one of the first to recover in a recession.

3. Manage the risk. Opening a new business is always risky, so think of creative ways to gain access to capital and to keep your costs low and/or variable. One of the best ways to manage the risk of a new business is to launch it while still keeping your day job. I am managing the risk of my new business by having plenty of capital on hand (courtesy of diligent savings and a buyout package) and by purchasing a franchise of a proven business that comes along with a support system of the Mom Corps founders and other franchise owners. In addition, I have started this business from my home, which helps me keep my overhead costs down and frees up more capital to invest in marketing. Apparently, I am not alone. There has been an explosion of successful home-based companies the past few years.

4. Have passion for your product. Starting a new business is hard. It can take long (and lonely) hours and requires a leap of faith that you will be successful. If you are passionate about your product or service, that passion will fuel you through times of uncertainty and will make you a much better representative of your company.

5. Have a plan. I don't believe you need to create a full business plan (unless you will be applying for credit or seeking investors). But you should at least have some idea of who you will market your product to, how you will create the product, what investment is required, and how much you need to sell and at what price in order to make money. Your business plan will constantly change as you learn more about the market and uncover new opportunities, but it's good to have some sense of what you need to do to be successful. I am a fan of a having a six-week operating plan (with success metrics), a one-year revenue and market penetration goal, and a five-year dream for your business.

Of course, every entrepreneur's story and advice is going to be different, which is what makes opening your own business so exciting. Some other resources that you should consult are:

• SCORE - http://www.score.org – Get free advice on running a small business from volunteer business professionals

• National Association of Women Business Owners - http://nawbo.org/index.cfm - Members can network with other women business owners, access resources and training to help grow their businesses, and stay abreast of trends affecting small business owners.

• Small Business Administration - http://www.sba.gov/ - Access tools and services to develop your business plan, seek capital and grow your business.

Eisha Armstrong is the Regional Owner of Mom Corps for Cincinnati, Ohio. You can follow her business at www.momcorpscincy.com.

There are many terms for women who choose to take a detour from traditional full-time employment--my favorite is "sequencing". There are also various reasons women give for this move: taking care of children, taking care of a sick spouse or parent, changing careers, going back to school, or devoting more time to personal investing. But what is common among most of these women is that finding a part-time, professional level position presents considerable challenges. Here we will discuss how to stay in the workforce on a part or flex-time basis and still find challenging, gratifying, high-paying positions.

If you feel your current full-time position is not conducive to your personal life right now for whatever reason, ask yourself some of these questions:

• Have I established myself in my job as a high-performer?
• Have my performance reviews been exemplary?
• Have I been given increasing responsibilities over time?
• Have I demonstrated commitment to this company?
• Have I always focused on solutions rather than problems?

If you answered YES to all of these questions, then you are in a good position to make a proposal. Notice I did not say, "ask permission," or "ask for part-time or fl ex-time." You can make a proposal that includes some of the following points: Exploit current gaps in your functional area – for example, projects that do not get enough attention, results that always fall short, etc. Convince your supervisors that you, on a part-time basis, can specialize in these much-needed but neglected areas and allow your current job to be filled, demonstrating to your employer that all business-critical needs will be met without hiring another full-time "head".

Additionally, you can train the new person (include exactly how in your proposal) so productivity is not lost during your transition. It is important to emphasize your commitment to the company, to your career and to your reputation. Also stress that you are not falling off the career path, but remain focused on continuing to learn and improve your skills so that you will be prepared when a full-time opportunity becomes an option again.

If you are faced with finding a part or fl ex-time position out in the open job market, first, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my top 3 transferable skills?
• What measurable accomplishments can I demonstrate?
• What's in it for them if they hire me?
• Do I have credible references?
• Did I help friends or colleagues while I was not on a payroll?
• Do I know what I'm worth?

Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to start your job search. Here are some tips and strategies that worked well for me.

Look for jobs posted as regular or full-time (or non-specific). Why? First, you are creating more opportunities for yourself. Second, you never know what can happen and you might find a perfect position with a person or company thrilled to have you on any terms (if you sell yourself right!). Focus on small companies who are in a growth atmosphere. They might be more open to alternative schedules, especially in exchange for a high-performer who will cost less than a full-time employee.

The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to mention part-time work until you are offered the job. This is not deceptive because you might actually work full-time on a flexible schedule. Or, you might tell them you want the position but would prefer to limit your in-office time to 30 hours/week. The key here is to use your leverage – they want to hire you. Focus on a solution that works for both parties. You might accept a lower salary than offered in exchange for fewer hours. You can also build in a performance-based bonus system to prove you are going to be a significant addition to the company, and offer assurance that part-time hours don't equate to part-time effort!

Kristin Scott owns and operates her own marketing consulting firm, Monday Morning Marketing. She has two children and lives near Philadelphia, PA. This article originally printed in Wise Women Investor.

The Charlotte Mom Corps team is excited to start the New Year off with you! Come in from the cold and meet your new Charlotte Mom Corps team - Bonnie Ceran, Gretchen Rost, and Stacy Keefer - enjoy some hot coffee and great networking with other local professionals just like you.

While we spent last quarter building our client contacts and focusing on business development, we are now looking to familiarize ourselves with our candidate base, as well as expand our growing network of Charlotte professionals. The staffing industry has seen recent gains in a number of areas, and in Charlotte especially, we have seen an increase in both temporary and contract hiring. Please join us to discuss the current work opportunities we have available and to learn more about how Mom Corps can help you find a flexible, contract, or full-time work arrangement that works best for you.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Drop-In: 7:30 am - 10:30 am
FABO Gallery & Cafe: 1523 Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 120, Charlotte, NC
FREE to attend, FREE parking behind Carpe Diem

Don't miss this chance to meet our team and to spend time with some of Charlotte's premiere merchants offering products and services geared towards busy professionals. PLUS - register to win a number of fabulous giveaways!

Feel free to forward to other moms, friends, or colleagues! Please RSVP to momcorpscharlotte@momcorps.com to let us know you will attend. We look forward to meeting you!

You didn't think you needed another social network to propel your job search? You're on LinkedIn – isn't that enough? I'm here to share information about my favorite social network...You could say I'm a bit of a Twitter evangelist!

Let's face it, when Time Magazine devotes a cover story, Oprah is a fan, you can't watch late-night TV without hearing references to Twitter and various media outlets are sharing stories about people who landed job opportunities as a result of their effective tweets – you need to know about Twitter.

Briefly, what is Twitter?

Technically, Twitter is an online "microblogging" platform that allows participants to send brief, 140-character messages to a group of people who choose to "follow" them. Think of it as a service that facilitates information sharing between people with common interests.

Maybe you have heard that people hop on Twitter to share what they had for lunch, that their flight has been delayed or what cute thing their kids said that day. I'm not going to lie to you – people share all of that on Twitter. However, there is so much more to this social network that makes it a terrific choice for job seekers and careerists hoping to expand their networks of helpful and useful job search connections.

Unique Aspects of Twitter

1. It is casual, immediate and a great place to "meet" informally.

2. You may be surprised by how easy it is to connect with all types of people via Twitter. It's one-stop shopping for your networking needs. You'll be surprised to find that stars in your field may follow you if you reach out to them!

3. Unlike Facebook, where it is kind of creepy if you start trying to "friend" people who are connected to your contacts, it is acceptable (and expected) to follow people on Twitter because another friend or colleague does.

4. Unlike LinkedIn, where you are admonished not to connect with anyone you don't "know," Twitter is a place specifically to connect with people you do not know.

5. It forces you to be brief. Many people, even writers, comment that using Twitter really forces them to get to the point quickly. When writing a "tweet," there is not much space, so you need to be brutal in editing. It helps you focus and gain clarity about what is important in what you are trying to share and to think about how to communicate it in a way that is interesting and makes sense.

6. For job seeking clients, coming up with a "Twit-Pitch" - what you have to offer in 140 characters or less - will help you clarify your value proposition. Remember: less is more!

Why should you spend time incorporating it into your daily routine? What Can Twitter Do For You?

1. The numbers – best estimates are more than 44 million users.

2. Twitter is a democratic gathering place to share ideas and helps create a level playing field that helps you communicate with people of interest for your job hunt. From celebrities to CEOs to your colleagues, recruiters (more and more recruiters are turning directly to Twitter to source candidates) and potential clients,

3. Affords access to other professionals in your field. When you follow industry leaders, you'll know who spends time with them, what conferences they attend (and what they think of the speakers!), what they're reading and what is on their minds.

4. Allows you to demonstrate your expertise to a broad audience in order to gain credibility and job opportunities. Twitter is the easiest and quickest way that I know for someone to share ideas, insights and information. It offers you a venue to demonstrate your expertise and share information in quick, pithy bursts of wisdom. This is perfect if you don't have the time or energy to create a blog.

5. Provides exposure and credibility as well as personal and professional relationships when you connect to others in your industry.

6. If you want to have your finger on the pulse of your industry, using Twitter is a cutting-edge approach. Your colleagues will share blog posts and news items of interest – it's like having a slew of personal librarians, anxious to share knowledge that appeals to you or helps you land a job! Becoming a part of a strong Twitter community will actually save you time and help cull down the informational overload we all face on a daily basis. Let your "tweeps" (Twitter friends) tell you what's worth reading!

Using Twitter

You do not need to be a rocket scientist to learn how to use Twitter, but there are a lot of ins and outs, lingo, resources and etiquette that, when used properly, will make your time on Twitter more productive, useful and fun!

We know that you do not have the time to ramp up your learning curve to the point where you can be an expert tweeter. Having used Twitter successfully to help fuel my business and make a name for Keppie Careers (I have even been listed on CNN's "top 10 job tweeters to follow"), I can help you get up-to-speed in no time at all. For starters (and a few additional tips), CLICK HERE to read my intro to Twitter for the job search on my blog at Keppie Careers.

Miriam Salpeter, owner of Keppie Careers, is a job search coach and resume writer with a Master's degree and over 12 years of experience encouraging, enlightening and empowering job seekers. She offers her clients and readers confidence, clarity and job search know-how and authors a highly regarded blog at www.keppiecareers.com. Miriam is well known as a top resource for job seekers on Twitter. You can follow her tweets @keppie_careers.

You may also read Miriam's advice on the nationally known Examiner.com site, where she serves as the National Career Coach Examiner and on GreatPlaceJobs, where she is both the in-house career advisor and serves as the Networking and Social Media Strategy Coordinator.

Don't Miss Mom Corps' Nadia McKay, VP Sales, as the panel moderator at the MA Conference for Women in Boston today!

How They Do It: Executives Discuss their Balance Strategies-MR 157
"Work/Life Balance". It's a phrase that has been elevated to mythical proportions, and everyone wants the secret formula. But the truth is that the definition of 'balance' is different for everyone. This is your opportunity to hear tried and true strategies from top executives. You will be inspired to:

* Find your own balance niche
* Rethink your approach to work
* Make smarter decisions with your time

Panelists:
- Renee Connolly, VP of Communications, EMD Serono
- Kip Hollister, Founder and CEO of Hollister Staffing
- Heather Campion, Co-Founder, Chief Administrative Officer, BALANCE

With kids back in school, this is the time of year that many mothers think about going back to work, or "relaunching" their careers as we call it; this year perhaps more than ever before. Although the job market is tight, we've heard from relaunchers all over the country who have found (or created) opportunities in this market, despite the difficult economy. I've been wondering . . . what distinguishes these women from other stay-at-home moms seeking to return to work? Are they extremely brilliant or well-connected? Although some of the women we've heard from do fall into these categories, the majority are regular folks whose qualifications are not particularly extraordinary. But they all shared one important trait: a strong desire to return to paid work, not just a need, not just a whim, but a deep, compelling drive to "get back in the game." How can you tell if you have that kind of commitment? Take Part I of our Relaunch Readiness Quiz to measure your motivation:

I miss working . . .

Not at all Somewhat A lot

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

For the time being, I am very happy being a stay-at-home mother.

Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree strongly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I have a hobby or volunteer work that substantively engages me.

Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree strongly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I could see myself going back to work in _______ years
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(Circle the number in the second row below the answer you choose in the first row.)

The average number of hours per week that I would be willing and able to spend working is . . .
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 40+
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(Circle the number in the second row below the answer you choose in the first row.)

Our family could materially benefit from my earning money. Disagree strongly Agree somewhat Agree strongly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Add up all the numbers you circled. This is your score _______________

Interpretation of Scoring

If you score 45 or above, you have a strong desire to relaunch. Your family's financial need may be a major factor, but you also genuinely enjoy working and/or you're bored at home. With this level of drive, you should be willing to invest the time and energy to conduct a strategic and methodical job search or take steps toward securing consulting work or start your own business.

If your score falls between 30 and 45, you currently have a moderate appetite for work. You may get lucky and fall into an opportunity, depending on your experience and contacts; or you may develop a passion for something (whether volunteer or paid) that eventually leads to earning an income, but to secure employment in a competitive corporate environment you'll need to kick up your ambition a notch to communicate the necessary energy and drive.

If you score less than 30, you're not very motivated to return to work at this time. Consider investing more time in your hobbies and volunteer work, particularly those that might open up career options for you later. Also, use this time to explore what might interest you when you're ready to go back to work in the future. If you scored high on question 6 but low on everything else, you need to try to develop a more positive view of work or pursue only those positions that do not demand much intellectual or emotional commitment.

For parts II and III of the Relaunch Readiness Quiz, visit www.iRelaunchcom.

Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-authors of the acclaimed career reentry book Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work , and the co-founders of iRelaunch, the nation's leading provider of career reentry programming. Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com or follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/iRelaunch.

GUEST POST by NY Working Moms Examiner Amy Impellizzeri.

At iRelaunch's "Career Relaunch Forum" held at Seton Hall University last week, co-founders, Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin, delivered one powerful message to the nearly sold-out crowd of 150+ attendees: YOU can relaunch your professional career after a hiatus at home.

No matter if headhunters dismiss you.

No matter why you left in the first place.

No matter how long the hiatus.

The Career Relaunch Forum was an intensive day jam-packed with presentations from actual relaunchers, Q&A sessions, as well as networking opportunities and presentations by employer sponsors (including Accenture, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Goldman Sachs, MomCorps, Bloomberg, MIT Professional Education, Hooray For Books, Deutsche Bank, Tyco, Credit Suisse, and MyWorkButterfly.com). (For a complete list of event sponsors, click here.)

The presentations and break-out sessions left attendees that I spoke with feeling "motivated" "encouraged" and "optimistic."

Cohen and Rabin are passionate about the subject of relaunching and, having relaunched their own careers after 11 and 7 year hiatuses, respectively, bring tremendous credibility to the subject. The authors of Back on the Career Track have made the study of relaunchers an art form, focusing on, and in their words, "trumpeting success stories", in order to both encourage would-be relaunchers and also to educate potential employers about the benefits of hiring relaunchers. (Reduced probability of maternity leaves, reduced spousal re-locations, and the benefits of mature perspective, being just a few of the advantages touted by Cohen and Rabin that separate relaunchers from the rest of the candidate pool.)

But according to Cohen and Rabin - presenting on the issue for the 82nd time last week - the single most important character trait that separates would-be relaunchers from the rest of the workforce is the trait that was palpable in the room at the Career Relaunch Forum: enthusiasm. Would-be relaunchers are anxious and eager to get back to the workforce once they make that decision. As one attendee told me, "I had lunch with a former colleague recently and he told me, 'you know why you're going to be successful now? Because you WANT to work. We [all of us that have stayed in the industry continuously while you've been gone] are tired and looking to get OUT."

Of course, relaunching is not just for moms, and neither is iRelaunch. About 10% of the attendees at last week's Career Relaunch Forum were male, and one male attendee pointed out, "This information is just as relevant for me as it is for all the moms here. I'm so glad I came."

For FOX NEWS television coverage of the October 29 Career Relaunch Forum, click here.

For more about iRelaunch, check out their website here.

Direct Link to Amy Impellizzeri's examiner.com article, click here.

Q: What things should I NOT include on my resume?

A: A good resume needs to be crafted with great consideration, and should be a strong representation of the candidate that you are. YOU are the expert on YOU and a resume is your opportunity to highlight your professional strengths for a prospective employer. A strong resume is an enticing synopsis of the professional experience and related qualifications that you bring to the table. It should tell just enough to make the reader want to learn more and thus call you for an interview. There are several items, however, that your resume should NOT include:

(1) Personal details and photographs - Do not include any information about your height, weight, age, marital status, children or other detail that might elicit subconscious discrimination from the person reading your resume. Do not ever include a photograph of yourself unless it is a mandatory qualification for the job, like at a modeling agency.

(2) Hobbies - What you do for fun outside of work is your business. It should have no bearing on your perceived ability to do a job. Do not waste valuable space on your resume with this information.

(3) Clubs, organizations and volunteer work NOT related to your industry or profession - These activities, if not work-related, should have no bearing on your abilities to do the job, so don't mention them. The only exception might be for very recent graduates who may have held leadership roles in college clubs or organizations. This information may be more applicable for them considering the absence of more extensive work experience. If you are more than a few years out of school, leave it off.

(4) Religious and Political affiliations - Although your religious and political involvement outside of work may be an enormously important part of your life, it has nothing to do with your ability to successfully fulfill the expectations of a job. It may not be fair, but if you share it on the resume, you are leaving yourself open to be prejudged and possibly eliminated from the candidate pool based on someone else's bias. Unless you are applying for a job at a campaign headquarters or a religious organization, do not include this very personal information.

(5) Your "Objective" - It may seem counter-intuitive to leave this off, but the statement of a specific Objective can be very limiting. A better use of space is to write a 5-8 sentence "Summary of Qualifications" that highlights your professional assets. Summarize your best qualities as a candidate right at the top of the resume and entice the hiring manager to read on.

When in doubt, the best way to determine what information to share with a potential employer is to ask yourself this question, "Does this information have anything to do with my professional background or my ability to do this job?" If not, then leave it off and save the room for something that will distinguish you professionally from another candidate. After you get the job, based on the merits of your professional background, there will be plenty of time to get to know the people in your office and to share more about your interests outside of work. Let your resume sell why you are a great candidate you are for the position. Market only your professional strengths and leave the personal information out.

Hannah Morris is the owner of HBM Human Resources & Career Consulting based in Charleston, SC. She has 15 years of experience in Human Resources management, recruiting and career counseling. Additionally she is the owner of Pots & Petals, a gardening business that she has started while being a stay-at-home mom.

Q: What can women who are taking time out of the workforce to be stay-at-home moms do to keep their skills and experience relevant and up-to-date?

A: If you have made the choice to stay at home with your children for an extended period but you plan to eventually return to regular, full-time work, then there are several things you might consider doing to keep your skills, knowledge and credentials updated. Here are ten suggestions:

(1) Read! - Continue subscribing to industry magazines or newsletters that will provide you with the latest information and updates about what is going on in your field. Additionally, consider starting a book club in which your group reads and discusses books about business-related topics.

(2) Maintain your memberships in industry or business-related organizations. - By continuing to attend meetings you will stay connected to people in the business community. Once you begin looking for a job again, these networking contacts will be essential. Your active membership in such an organization is something you can definitely include on your resume.

(3) Join (or start) a networking club/meeting with other moms who are taking a break from their careers - Without a doubt there are other women who have made the same choice to stay home with children, but ultimately plan to go back to work. Seek out women in your neighborhood, children's school, or other community group who are also interested in networking and mentoring one another.

(4) Attend continuing education seminars and educational programs - Take advantage of classes and programs related to your area of expertise or other business-related topic. Also check with industry organizations and local colleges and universities to find out when and where they will offer training or continuing education classes in your area.

(5) Volunteer in your field - Use what you know to benefit those who may not be able to pay for your services. Although a paycheck is great, volunteering still allows you an opportunity to utilize your knowledge as an expert in your field and could be a nice addition to your resume.

(6) Manage a community, school or non-profit project or event- Even if it is not specifically related to your career, taking a major role in the planning and execution of this type of event will allow you to use the same organization, prioritization and management skills needed in a work environment.

(7) Look for consulting opportunities in your field - Taking on an occasional project for a client is a great way to keep your skills fresh, to build your resume, and earn a little extra money. The best way to find this kind of opportunity is through networking. Utilize your business contacts and pursue connections through family, friends, and neighbors.

(8) Keep your resume updated and your interview skills polished - You never know when you might be asked for a resume. A great consulting opportunity may arise and you want to have your resume read to send out upon request. Additionally, if you have not interviewed for a while, make sure you have a nice suit that fits well and makes you feel confident. Take time to practice selling yourself as the best candidate for the job.

(9) Keep your licenses and/or certifications up-to-date - Stay on top of what training or coursework you need to complete to maintain your credentials even if you are out of the workforce. If it is important to have certifications in your field, be sure that you are keeping yours up-to-date in preparation for when you return to work.

(10) Have a mentor- Contact a former boss, co-worker or other professional whom you respect and ask them to be a mentor to you. Get together every couple of months for coffee or lunch to catch up on business-related news and to get advice on what else you can be doing to keep yourself prepared to re-enter the workforce.

If you are staying at home to be with your children, enjoy this time. It won't last forever. Little children grow up and they older they get, the more time you will have for your own pursuits. You will have a chance to get back to your career. For now, make an effort to keep your skills, knowledge and connections in tact to help smooth your transition back into the workforce when the time comes.

Hannah Morris is the owner of HBM Human Resources & Career Consulting based in Charleston, SC. She has 15 years of experience in Human Resources management, recruiting and career counseling. Additionally she is the owner of Pots & Petals, a gardening business that she has started while being a stay-at-home mom.

My iRelaunch co-founder and I recently heard from two acquaintances who landed jobs using some of our favorite strategies. Although their stories are unique, their strategies can be used by almost anyone. Here are their stories and strategies:

Erica's story (Erica is a 15-year Wall Street veteran who had taken a long career break):

"After 9 years out of the corporate world raising my family, I interviewed intensely for months with several financial services firms, only to have each job filled by an internal person who was about to lose his/her job. So I decided to switch angles. I volunteered for Resources for Children with Special Needs as a Parent Educator (I have a special needs child myself, and they had been extremely helpful to me in the past), and after the agency received additional funding they offered me the choice of a full-time or part-time job as a Parent Educator. I opted for a part-time position, since my youngest still requires homework attention and transportation to after-school activities, and the agency was willing to accommodate me. At Resources, I work with parents and conduct workshops. Recently, I've been busy giving presentations about the agency at Department of Education fairs and conferences. I never thought I would end up in this field. However, I find it extremely rewarding and love the flexibility."

Strategy: Volunteer for an organization you like. When a paid position opens up, you'll be well-positioned to get hired.

Martine's story (Martine worked in the financial services industry for almost 10 years prior to becoming a career counselor and career coach five years ago)

"After running my own career counseling and coaching business, I have accepted a position with a university career office focusing on MBA students as a career consultant and program director. I'll work four days a week during the fall and winter recruiting seasons and 2-3 days a week during late spring, summer and holidays. It's pretty flexible and fits my needs at this time. I got the job by simply emailing the director my resume. I wasn't responding to an ad or posting. I just researched them and thought I would be a good match. It turns out, they were actually expanding the office without advertising, called me a week later for a phone interview, invited me in for a face-to-face, and then offered me a job right then and there. It was a unique situation, but I'm certainly glad I took the initiative to contact them."

Strategy: Research organizations you're interested in. Pinpoint the department where you think you're a fit, and email the department head a brief cover letter, along with your resume. This strategy works more often than you might think, but is best suited to targeting smaller companies, nonprofits and educational institutions.

Note: The names and university mentioned have been changed for privacy reasons.

Originally posted on Yahoo Shine.

Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-authors of the acclaimed career reentry book Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work, and the co-founders of iRelaunch, a company that produced career reentry programming, events, and content for employers, universities, organizations and individuals. Download our webinar on LinkedIn. If you're on career break in the Tri-State area, register for our Career Relaunch Forum October 29, 2009 at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com.