Professional references, after a long unemploy gap

Hi all, after being a stay-at-home mom for over 12 years, I am jumping back into the working world. My youngest daughter is in 1st grade and it's time!

I am concerned if/when a potential employer asks for professional references. In my years out of the workforce and in moving out of NYC, I have lost touch with many, many people. I'm not on Facebook and never set up any professional accounts like LinkedIn.

I worked in industries that we very volatile...many mergers, acquisitions, new company names, lots of corporate shakeups, etc. Not sure where to find many of my old bosses.

Advice?

Re: Professional references, after a long unemploy gap

First, definitely set up a LinkedIn account. Many people are on it. Link to old colleagues (you can find them when you enter your company info in - my old company was disbanded & people still list the company & the parent company on resumes), co-workers, alumni, friends.

Next, track down your old boss or at the very least have the info of whatever parent company took over for your old company. When I do an employment verification, the HR departments still have that info & can verify employment.

Then, whatever skillset you need for the jobs you are applying for, make sure they are up to date. Take free classes at your library for new versions of outlook, word, etc.

Professional references, after a long unemploy gap

Thanks so much for responding with such great advice. Truly appreciated!

Off to set up account and track down some old colleagues. I spent a great deal of time and effort building a solid professional reputation. I hope that it stood up to the test of time!

Thanks again

Re: Professional references, after a long unemploy gap

I have also known SAHMs when they are getting to the point about getting serious about work again, will find something very limited P/T for reference purposes.

A potential employer does not have to know that one is only working 12 hours or less a week ;).

I know that this is not totally related to your question, but for anyone else who is a SAHM considering going back to work down the road, I think it's VERY important in general.