Returning to work after time away can feel overwhelming, but practical steps and the right program can make the transition smoother. How To Get Started With Google Return To Work Program For Moms is a straightforward question many parents ask when exploring re-entry options into tech and professional roles. This guide breaks down the initial actions, application tips, and ways to position your existing skills for success in a returnship setting.
Getting started with Google’s return-to-work program for mothers
Google’s re-entry initiatives (often called returnships) are designed to help professionals — including moms — refresh skills, rebuild confidence, and transition back into full-time roles. A returnship typically combines mentorship, structured projects, and networking to bridge gaps after caregiving or other career breaks. Before applying, clarify your goals: are you seeking part-time flexibility, a full-time role, or a step into a new function?
Step 1 — Assess your current skills and goals
Make a concise inventory of what you know and what you want to learn. Include technical skills, soft skills (communication, project management), and volunteer or freelance work completed during your break. This inventory will help you craft a focused resume and cover letter that emphasizes transferable strengths rather than gaps.
Step 2 — Update your professional presence
Polish your LinkedIn profile, refresh your resume to highlight recent projects or relevant coursework, and prepare a short narrative that explains your break positively (e.g., caregiving, education, volunteering). Practice a two-minute elevator pitch that connects your past experience to the role you want.
Step 3 — Research the program and network
Learn the specifics of the return-to-work opportunities available at Google: program length, expected outcomes, mentorship structure, and role types. Reach out to alumni of returnship programs and hiring managers when possible. Networking conversations can provide insider advice about application timing and interview focus areas.
Step 4 — Apply strategically and prepare for interviews
Tailor each application to the specific returnship or role. Use examples that demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving, and recent learning. During interviews, be ready to discuss how you stayed current and how your time away strengthened your priorities and resilience. Ask about flexibility, performance expectations, and the mentoring process.
Practical tips to maximize your returnship experience
- Set clear goals for what you want to learn and what roles you aim for after the program ends.
- Request regular feedback and build relationships with mentors and peers early on.
- Negotiate for reasonable flexibility if needed, and clarify how workload and hours are managed.
For context on how returnship programs work more broadly and why employers offer them, you can read an overview of returnship concepts and history on Wikipedia’s page about returnship programs. Also consider resources that focus on mid-life career changes and re-entry strategies; a helpful companion guide for later-career transitions can be found here: Starting Fresh — new career paths for women at 50.
Common challenges and ways to overcome them
Many returning moms worry about technical skill gaps, biases, or scheduling conflicts. Address these proactively by taking short online courses to refresh tools or languages used in your target role, and by preparing examples that emphasize recent accomplishments. When discussing schedule needs, frame them in terms of productivity and outcomes rather than limitations.
Measuring success during and after the program
Track progress through milestones such as mastering a new tool, leading a project module, or receiving positive mentorship feedback. Set a 3- to 6-month review plan with your manager to align expectations and to map steps toward conversion into a permanent role if that’s your goal.
Quick checklist
- Audit and update your resume and LinkedIn
- Identify 2–3 target roles and relevant programs
- Complete one short course or project to demonstrate current skills
- Network with former participants and recruiters
- Prepare a confident narrative about your career break
FAQ
How long do return-to-work programs usually last?
Most returnship programs last between 8 and 16 weeks, though length varies by employer. Some are full-time contracts with the potential for extension or conversion to permanent roles.
Can I apply if my break was several years long?
Yes. Many programs are explicitly designed for professionals with multi-year career breaks. Emphasize recent learning, project work, volunteer experience, or freelance assignments to show currency and commitment.
What if I need part-time or flexible arrangements?
Be upfront during interviews about your needs and ask about the program’s flexibility. Some returnships and employers offer part-time pathways or phased re-entry options that ease the transition while demonstrating your value.
