Whether you’re returning to work after taking maternity leave or have been out of work for other reasons, getting back on the corporate ladder after an extended break can be intimidating to say the least.
We spoke to luxury industry insider and founder of MO Luxury, Melinda O’Rourke, about the issues women face when returning to work, how we can overcome them and what it takes to break into the luxury industry.
RESCU: What are the key issues facing women re-entering the work force?
Melinda O’Rourke: Relevance. This answer depends on how long you have been out of the workforce. Business moves at such a fast pace these days so it is crucial to ensure they are on top of their core skills in addition to broadening their overall knowledge base.
RESCU: How long is too long to take off before one should seriously consider re-training and obtaining new skills?
Melinda O’Rourke: More than twelve months off should certainly flag the need for re-training and up-skilling. It’s always better to be on the front foot when being considered for a position.
Knowledge is not only power but also confidence, and that is something that is often lacking in women returning to the workforce. Being pro-active and doing something about it will ensure your confidence and relevance.
RESCU: Is this a good time for women to consider career transition?
Melinda O’Rourke: Yes. When there has been a significant break in the continuity of a career it is often a time where career transition can be more easily explored, it can be both by necessity (less relevant skills equal reduced chances for a position you had before you took a break) or by choice (shift in career goals)
RESCU: What are the key things to emphasise in a CV when returning to the workforce- how far back should we go?
Melinda O’Rourke: Core competencies, strengths and career highlights. We believe for someone with say a twenty-year working career should have details of the 10-15 years with one line bullet points describing earlier career experience.
If someone has a ten-year career experience then they should present all their experience.
Also important is to directly address extended periods not working due to travel, for personal reasons or otherwise.
RESCU: What are the most sought after skills in the luxury industry?
Melinda O’Rourke: The luxury fashion industry is largely retail based. Management roles are highly sought after and the key is to have foundation experience.
On-the-floor experience covers retail operations including sales, inventory management, visual merchandising, client relationship and staff management.
A Store Manager of a luxury brand can be managing a business in the range of $5-50 million so the scope of responsibility is enormous and demonstrated relevant and deep experience is essential to the success.
RESCU: If I’ve not worked in luxury before, do I have to start on the shop floor? What are the entry points for a career in luxury?
Melinda O’Rourke: This depends on the job. As stated above luxury goods is largely retail based so not having experience in the dynamics of retail is a barrier to entry.
Some of the entry points for a career in luxury are sales consultants, boutique administrators, assistant brand managers, marketing/PR/Communications coordinator roles, however for every one role in these disciplines there are probably 20 retail opportunities.
All our luxury clients have key strategies to promote from within their core teams, so that is why we are so passionate about the opportunities available to those who are open to a retail position, and when you are in the company and performing, opportunities become available.
In need of a career makeover? We’re giving our Facebook fans the chance to WIN one of two power sessions with Melinda O’Rourke and her specialist team as well as an interview styling session with Dijanna Mulhearn of Wardrobe 101. Plus 15 runners up will have their CVs professional reviewed and rewritten! Click here to enter.
Melinda O’Rourke is a luxury industry expert and the owner of MO Luxury www.moluxury.com.au
