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Confidence is often the biggest hurdle for mothers returning to the workforce. Many women second-guess their skills, worry about career gaps, and wonder if they’ll be able to keep up in a professional environment again. But here’s the thing, you wouldn’t let someone question your ability to parent, so why let anyone question whether you’ll be good at your job?

To help break down the confidence barrier, we sat down with our founder, Melissa Behrend, a HR expert with over 20 years of experience. Having worked internally at international companies and running her own HR consultancy, Melissa has seen firsthand how confidence (or lack of it) impacts career success. Here’s what she had to say about reclaiming confidence and stepping back into the workforce with self-assurance.

Why Do Women Struggle with Confidence After a Career Break?

Melissa: “There’s a common misconception that taking time away from the workforce means losing professional value. But in reality, the skills gained during a career break, whether through parenting or community involvement, are incredibly valuable. The problem is, many women don’t recognize these transferable skills as assets.”

Reframing Your Mindset: You Haven’t Lost Skills, You’ve Gained Them

Melissa: “As a mother, you’re constantly problem-solving, multitasking, managing schedules, and navigating emotionally complex situations. These are leadership and organizational skills that employers seek in candidates. The key is learning how to articulate them in a way that employers understand.”

How to Boost Your Confidence Before Returning to Work

1. Acknowledge Your Strengths – Write down the skills you’ve gained during your career break and how they translate to the workplace.
2. Update Your Resume with Confidence – Frame career gaps as periods of growth rather than absence. Highlight the strengths you’ve developed.
3. Practice Speaking About Your Experience – Confidence grows when you rehearse. Practice introducing yourself and talking about your skills with friends or mentors.
4. Seek Support and Mentorship – Surround yourself with a network of women who have successfully returned to work and can provide guidance and encouragement.
5. Apply Before You Feel 100% Ready – Research shows that women tend to apply for jobs only when they meet every requirement, whereas men apply even if they meet just a few. Take the leap- you are more capable than you think.

Confidence is the Key to Success

Melissa: “At the end of the day, the biggest barrier to returning to work isn’t your skills—it’s your belief in yourself. Confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about trusting your ability to figure things out. Employers want employees who are adaptable, resilient, and ready to learn. You already embody those qualities.”

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, Women Back to Work is here to help. Through confidence-building exercises, career coaching, and job application resources, we’re committed to supporting you as you step back into the workforce with self-assurance.

Ready to reclaim your confidence? Let’s do this together.