Career Resources
View the CareerMums list of useful resources and services. We will continue to update and review services on a regular basis for you. If you can recommend a service, let us know about it.
- Webinar Series
- CareerMums Candidate eNewsletter
- Get All the Answers and Take on the Workforce
- Child Care Information
- School Holidays and Public Holidays
- Return to Work with your Self Confidence & Skills Intact
- Tools & Fact Sheets
- Work, Business, Career
- Flexible Employers and Where To Find Them
- Workplace Obligations and Entitlements
- Your Finances and Financial Security
- Starting Your Own Business
- Parenting Websites
- Dress for Success
- Other Useful Websites
Webinar Series
Join us to talk about everything to do with work and parenthood.
CareerMums understands the challenges you face as a working parent. We are dedicated to helping mums return to the workforce with confidence. How do you start building that confidence? With the best information.
Our discussion forums are limited to 15 people. We run our forums at night after the kids go to bed. The forums are free - all you need to do is dial in.
NEW! Find out about our new TechTalk Webinar series.
CareerMums Candidate eNewsletter
View jobs just listed on CareerMums, and access relevant and targeted career resources.
View the latest issue | Sign up now
Get all the Answers and Take on the Workforce
We are dedicated to helping parents return to work with confidence. How do you start building that confidence? With the best information. We provide you with the answers to the key career concerns and questions working parents need resolved so you too can start thriving again at work. Get all the answers and take on the workforce.
Child Care Information
mychild.gov.au: The mychild.gov.au site is an initiative of the Australian Government. This site is about children, with the main focus being on early childhood learning and child care. You will also find helpful links to other information for families in this site.
Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care: Fact Sheets
This comprehensive set of fact sheets highlight the range of Australian Government services and programs available to families using child care. The fact sheets include information on Child Care Benefit, Child Care Tax Rebate, Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Care fee assistance, Child Care Support program; and Child Care Access Hotline.
Family Day Care Australia - http://www.familydaycareaustralia.com.au/
Find a family day care service in your area or find out how you can operate a child care business from home with resources, support and training.
Child Care Information - Centrelink website
Find out about the child care benefit and the child care tax rebate.
Find A Babysitter - www.findababysitter.com.au - Find A Babysitter.com.au is Australia’s leading childcare introduction site with a large directory of carers online, helping parents find nannies and babysitters in an affordable and effective way. Find out more.
Childcare Chat - Childcare Chat is a forum designed for parents to voice their experiences, opinions, concerns, suggestions and questions regarding ABC Learning Centres and the childcare industry as a whole.
Tips on interviewing babysitters: When interviewing a babysitter it is always recommended that parents view a ‘Working with Children Check’ (WWCC) or a ‘Police Check’.
Before and after school care, and holiday care: We have collected some useful resources to help you find suitable care for your children before and after school and during school holidays. The majority of outside school hours care services are approved child care services. This means that families using the service may be eligible for Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate. Approved services must also show that they are meeting certain quality standards.
- Care for Kids resource: Search for before and after school care in your area
- YMCA: Look for care options for school age children in your area
- mychild.gov.au - Find out about outside school hours care in your area
- Google your local Council for after school and holiday activities
School Holidays and Public Holidays
Find out the dates of school holidays, school term and public holidays in every state and territory in Australia. Click here.
Return to Work with your Self Confidence and Skills Intact
During parental leave, many mums often experience a lack of self confidence when it comes to their career and the prospect of returning to work. It is so common, and happens simply because you are removed from the workplace for a period of time.
View practical information and suggestions from CareerMums
- 5 Things you really need to know as a new mum - Dr Mataji Kennedy is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. She specialises in helping women adjust to motherhood and in helping women with Postnatal Depression.
Tools and Fact Sheets
Australia's paid parental leave scheme - Find out everything you need to know about Government paid parental leave. The initial proposal has been revised to minimise the inpact on employers. It is due to start in January 2011.
Weekly household schedule - CareerMums has created your very own weekly household schedule to ensure an orderly chaos on the homefront. Print a new copy out every time you need to change the schedule.
How to make job sharing a success - CareerMums spoke to Angela from Canberra about her successful negotiation to job share a full time high school teaching role. This case study will give you confidence to explore and negotiate a flexible job opportunity, despite the position being advertised as a full time role.
Making your case for telecommuting: How to convince the boss - If you're seriously thinking you'd like a job where you can telecommute, a few reality checks are in order first.
3 steps to working smarter, not harder - Recently, I was speaking with a career mum on the complexities of furthering her career and juggling family responsibilities. We came up with a game plan on the work front on how to re-think her role and how to work more efficiently - with the focus being on quality not quantity.
Mind Map - CareerMums has created your very own mind map to start mapping out how to get out of the place you are stuck at. Everyone experiences periods of self doubt. The trick is to do something about it. This mind map will help you to define again who you are, what you are good at, and what you want to do with your life.
Working from home - Working from home is something most of us would love to do. Being able to work part time and structure work around your family is so appealing. Current skills shortages combined with globalisation and technological advances are changing the mindsets of organisations about working flexibly. Flexible work options such as part time work, job sharing, flexi-hours, telecommuting and working from home are becoming more prevalent in organisations.
Managing your career as a working parent - Managing your career becomes more challenging after you have children. Before children, all you had to worry about was your career, your social life and your personal relationships. Children add a whole new dimension of responsibility and selflessness to your life, and unashamedly to most people, they take priority to a career. In saying that, it does not mean that you want to give up your career.
A game plan to help you find a flexible job - Despite a national skills shortage, finding flexible working conditions can still be a challenge. Some of our CareerMums have expressed frustration when dealing with recruitment firms who are not as excited about their potential in the job market when they say those 3 little words: “part time job”. Don’t be discouraged. There are employers who want your skills and experience, and are more than happy to ‘think flexibly’. It is just a matter of knowing where to look, who to talk to, and how to approach it.
Keep your skills up to date while on parental leave - During parental leave, many parents often experience a lack of self confidence when it comes to their career and the prospect of returning to work. It is so common, and happens simply because you are removed from the workplace for a period of time. In order to make the transition back to work as smooth as possible, it’s important to maintain your skills while you’re on leave. Be proactive. Seek out opportunities that enable you to retain and build on your current skills.
Meditation Made Easier: Jodie beneviste from www.parentwellbeing.com.au talks about the benefits that meditation can bring - a sense of calm, contentedness and connectedness.
Tips for dealing with recruiters: Like it or hate it, recruiters tend to be one of a few employment channels we pursue when looking for a new job. CareerMums surveys have shown repeatedly that parents have not been impressed with recruiters, particularly post-child.
Being more assertive - respect yourself: If you feel the need to be more assertive, what that is saying to you is that you have a feeling that you want to be heard, that your opinion is worth listening to, standing up for yourself and in what you believe – and that maybe at the moment these things are not happening either at all or not enough for you.
What's the difference between working from home and self-employment?: Many people wanting a better work-life balance tend to focus on two key options when weighing up job choices - working from home and self employment.
Appreciate Me!: Ever felt unappreciated? Ever felt taken for granted? Ever found yourself doing everything for everyone else while no one seemed to do anything (or much) for you?
Are you ready for a home based business?: Whether you are starting a new business at home or setting up a home based franchise, there is much to consider, including your personal qualities and your family’s needs. Take the test.
Re-evaluating your skills when returning to work: If you are considering a new profession or have been out of the game for a while it’s worthwhile completing a ‘skills audit’.
Job Interviews: Mum is the word by Kate Southam, careerone.com.au - Is it ok for a prospective employer to ask if you have children in an job interview?
Women At Work - View various articles by http://www.careerone.com.au/
Work, Business, Career
CareerMums Webinar Series - Join us to talk about everything to do with work and parenthood. CareerMums understands the challenges you face as a working parent. We are dedicated to helping mums return to the workforce with confidence. How do you start building that confidence? With the best information. Find out about our TechTalk webinars to help you get up to speed on technology in the workplace and at home.
Flexible Work Options - Working flexibly explained and examples of flexible work options.
Work and Family Balance Tips - Ideas to help you achieve an improved balance between work and family.
The Facts on Paid Parental Leave - The Federal Government’s parental leave scheme will cost $260 million each year - but it means a lot more for expectant parents.
Career Change - Many women experience a change in their career after having children. Typically, a career change is embarked upon to create more of a balance between work and family. Read about how CareerMums users have transformed their careers.
MyFuture - Discover and explore career options with a personalised career exploration tool.
Volunteering Australia - Find out about volunteering opportunities near you. Gain experience and contacts to help you get back to paid work.
Women on Boards - Women on Boards is the leading online network for women seeking leadership roles. It promotes diversity on boards in the not-for-profit, private, government and public sectors.
Return to Work Tips - Returning to work can be a daunting prospect. Many mothers experience a lack of self-confidence when considering a return to the workplace. here are some tips to assist you.
Resumes and Cover Letters - a practical guide to structuring a resume and cover letter.
Negotiating Flexible Work Arrangements - Tips on how to negotiate flexibility with your employer.
Maternity at Work - The Office of Industrial Relations has compiled everything you need to know about your obligations and entitlements when it comes to maternity leave.
Kidspot Social - has launched a new destination to connect online called Kidspot Social – a true Facebook for mums – in a trusted community. It has all of the tools you’d expect to find – photo uploads, blogging software, messaging and chat, profile building. CareerMums has started a blog group to provide a great platform to talk about anything relating to going back to work. Join us.
Return to Work Toolkit for Parents - a complete guide re-entering the job market, job hunting and confidence building. Full of activities and tips. Visit www.mumsatwork.com.au for your copy of a complete guide to returning to work.
Career Consultation - Careermums works with mums@work to provide return to work guidance to mums and dads needing assistance to re-enter the job market. We can help you with job hunting, preparing to return to work after maternity leave, exploring flexible work options, finding a new career, enhancing your resume and prepare for interviews.
Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) http://www.eowa.gov.au/ - EOWA's role is to administer the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act and through education, assist organisations to achieve equal opportunity for women.
VIC Government Initiative - Returning To Earning - The Returning to Earning program is a Victorian State Government initiative which provides support to parents to return to work after an absence caring for children. Grants of up to $1000 are available which can be used to cover any costs associated with approved training, such as books and materials, course fees, transport and childcare.
Career FAQs – http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/ – Career FAQs is Australia’s leading publisher of career resources. With 45 books in its current catalogue, Career FAQs has a book for every job imaginable – with prospects, prerequisites, salaries, conditions, lifestyles, career paths, and been-there-done-that war stories from industry veterans. The Career FAQs website also has online interviews and articles containing lots of useful career information. In May 2008 Career FAQs interviewed Kate Sykes, founder of CareerMums.
Sphinxx - http://www.sphinxx.org/ is a new website dedicated to advancing women in leadership. The goal of sphinxx is to support women in and outside of their professional careers, by connecting them with targeted products, services, information and events.
Ways2Work - the ways2work website is part of the Victorian Government's commitment to help working families and employers.
Flexible Employers & Where to Find Them
Flexible Recruitment Firms - The following recruitment firms specialise in placing flexible jobs. http://www.priorities.com.au/ | http://www.seedrecruitment.com.au/
EOWA Employers of Choice for Women - These employers invest in programs that recognise and advance their female workplace. View their flexible workplace policies.
Accredited Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces - http://www.breastfeedingfriendly.com.au/ - A list of accredited workplaces can be viewed on the website as well as information for mothers and employers about breastfeeding and paid work. An initiative of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Also, follow our game plan to help you find a flexible job.
Workplace Obligations and Entitlements Resources
National Employment Standards - Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard released the new National Employment Standards, a key element in the Government’s plan for Australian workplace relations. Read the section on flexible work arrangements.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) - www.humanrights.gov.au - ph: (02) 9284 9600 | General enquiries and publications: 1300 369 711
Australian Government Workplace Ombudsman - Protecting your workplace rights - www.wo.gov.au
NSW Anti-discrimination Board - www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb General enquiries and Employers Advisory Service: (02) 9268 5544
Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland - www.adcq.qld.gov.au - ph: 1300 130 670
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission - www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au - ph: (03) 9281 7100
Family Responsibilities: New Guidelines for Employers and Employees by Victorian Equal Oportunity and Human Rights Commission - Changes to Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act mean that employers must consider seriously any request for flexible work arrangements from staff members who have children or people who depend on them for care.
Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia - www.eoc.sa.gov.au - ph: 1800 188 163
Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia - www.equalopportunity.wa.gov.au - ph: 1800 198 149
Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner - Tasmania - www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au - ph: 1300 305 062
Northern Territory of Australia Anti-Discrimination Commission - www.nt.gov.au - ph: 1800 813 846
ACT Human Rights Office - www.hro.act.gov.au - ph: (02) 6205 2222
Your Finances and Financial Security
Understanding Money - The Financial Literacy Foundation was established by the Australian Government to give all Australians the opportunity to increase their financial knowledge and better manage their money. Put yourself in charge of budgeting, saving, investing, controlling your debts, superannuation and more. View their free information sheets for women wanting to build their money skills.
Know your entitlements - are you receiving the Australian Government's Child Care Tax Rebate of 50% for your out-of-pocket child care costs? This is not income tested. You should also find out if you are eligible for other child care assistance. Visit mychild.gov.au to find out more.
Women and Superannuation - The Office for Women, in partnership with the Australian Taxation Office, have developed the brochure 'Women and Superannuation – taking control of your future'.
3 Tips to Achieve Financial Security: A hot topic right now is financial security. Kate McCallum of Multiforte Financial Services shares with you three ideas that she talks to her clients about.
Redundancy Advice: "I just need some simple advice on my redundancy payout," said Julie when she contacted us a few weeks ago. An experienced senior manager in her mid 40s, she had been with a large blue chip organisation for more than 12 years when she was told that her role was to be made redundant.
6 things you need to know in 2010: Kate McCallum of Multiforte Financial Services summarises the top 6 themes from leading investment and economic experts that you need to know in 2010, and provides you with 5 steps to take to improve your wealth this year.
Smart investing: How to survive when two incomes become one: Maybe you have received a redundancy. Or one of you has stopped work to be a full-time parent. Perhaps you’ve decided to study full-time, or your partner has started his/her own business. Whatever the reason, the switch from two incomes to one can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you survive without getting deep into debt.
Only one in three Aussie women are confident they will retire in comfort: BT Super found that most Aussie women will not accumulate the same amount of retirement savings as men over the span of their career, because the majority will leave the workforce either temporarily or permanently to raise a family.
Starting Your Own Business
Australian Business Number - If you are thinking about starting your own business, read up on how to apply for an Australian Business Number.
Confidentiality Agreement Generator - Confidentiality agreements can give you some protection when you need to disclose secret information for meetings with potential investors or business partners. Download this agreement generator and fill in the details prior to discussing your innovation or idea.
Business Plan Guides and Templates - Starting your own business means writing a business plan. Here are some guides and templates to help you get started.
Australian Security and Investments Commission - If you are unsure of a self employment opportunity, visit this website to find out if it is a scam.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Scam Watch - a site to help you recognise, report and protect yourself from scams.
Flying Solo - http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/ - If you are one of Australia's million solo business owners or have dreams of going it alone, you'll find inspiration, advice and a sense of connection through Flying Solo.
Springwise - http://www.springwise.com/ - Springwise scans the globe for the most promising business ventures, ideas and concepts that are ready for regional or international adaptation, expansion, partnering, investments or cooperation.
99Designs - If you need graphic design work done such as logos or a website design, visit 99Designs. Provide a brief and a budget, and an online community of graphic designers will sumbit designs to win your business.
iStockPhoto - Locate a cheap image for your corporate brochure, website or presentation.
GoToMeeting - Use GoToMeeting to present, demonstrate and meet all you want for one low flat fee. Give sales demonstrations, meet and collaborate across the globe, deliver online training.
Top 10 tips for business sucess - Read about my top 10 tips for business success that I have picked up along the way. Importantly, I am still learning.
GrantsLINK - This website helps you find funding available under a variety of grant programs for individuals, businesses and communities to help you to develop solutions to local and national problems, fund ideas and initiatives or provide assistance in times of hardship.
Parenting Websites
Huggies - www.huggies.com.au - Visit the Huggies website for lots of information on pregnancy, parenting, fun and learning activities, special offers and much more.
Kidspot.com.au http://www.kidspot.com.au - A resource for parents and children to find hundreds of extra curricular activities for kids.
Space4 - www.space4.com.au - A national online database for single parents wanting to house share, and/or exchange childcare, friendship or holiday share with other one parent families.
Home Buddies - http://www.homebuddies.com.au/ - Home Buddies is an online directory of services for the home and family. Free search for babysitters, nannies, music teachers, tutors, cleaners, personal trainers and more in your local area.
MumZone - www.mumzone.com.au - An interactive parenting and pregnancy website full of useful and practical resources, ideas, tips, articles, reviews, baby names and more.
Our Little Treasure - www.ourlittletreasure.com.au - Our Little Treasure is a free website designed for anyone caring for young children. Find a host of great Activities, Recipes, Articles, Competitions and much more each month.
Parenthood - parenthood.com.au - A comprehensive information site for women who are trying to conceive or already pregnant, and mothers with young babies.
Parent Wellbeing - www.parentwellbeing.com - Parent Wellbeing helps parents improve their quality of life. Parent Wellbeing does not tell parents how to care for their children. Instead, they help parents care for themselves so they are better able to care for their children.
Single Parent Australia - www.singleparentaustralia.org.au - Parent Australia is an online community, dedicated to connecting single parents.
Acitivites4Kids - www.activities4kids.com.au - Activities4Kids provides an easy to use search directory with all kinds of activities, from team sports to solo pursuits, from holiday activities and birthday parties to weekend clinics and one-off adventures.
Bubs About Town - www.bubsabouttown.com.au - A parenting website for mums in Newcastle NSW.
Melbourne Playgrounds - www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au - An online guide for activities and playgrounds around Melbourne.
Dress for Success
Spring Clean your Wardrobe: As summer approaches, it can be confronting thinking about getting out in those barely there summer clothes. The best way to make that transition is to get organised in your wardrobe and your body care.
Finding your own style after becoming a mum: As women, we can find it hard to feel confident in ourselves and the way we look after having a baby. Who do we now want to be in the workplace and how should we present ourselves?
Look great at work and home: This is not about waiting to dress up in a cocktail outfit and spending a fortune. Looking fabulous is something you want to do everyday and you can regarless of whether you are a working mum or stay-at-home mum.
Decipher dress codes this party season - With the festive season upon us and lot’s of parties and weddings ahead of us throughout Summer, our Stylist guest writer sheds some light on the very confusing area of dress codes.
Other Useful Services
Organic Babe - www.organicbabe.com.au - Organic Babe & Kids Organic Cotton Baby Wear, where busy mums can shop for quality organic cotton baby and childrens clothing.
Take a Break - takeabreak.com.au - Search and book your next family friendly holiday in Australia.
Baby Concierge - www.babyconcierge.com.au - is a complete planning, preparation and consultation service for new and expectant parents. From pregnancy to birth and beyond, Baby Concierge will help you prepare in every way for baby's arrival and the months that follow.
Fitted For Work - www.fittedforwork.org - A volunteer based organisation, Fitted for Work offers business clothing, presentation and interview skills as well as building self confidence and assisting women on their path to self sufficiency
Help Around the House - www.helparoundthehouse.com.au - Connects people who need jobs done around their home with people in their neighbourhood who can provide those services.
