Affrontare un colloquio di lavoro per mamme

Summary

This insightful video explores the challenges mothers face when returning to work after maternity leave. Clinical psychologist Alessandra Badalamenti offers practical strategies for overcoming common fears such as self-doubt, concerns about part-time work, and fear of demotion. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, using tools like the STAR method and exercises like the 'angel vs. devil' approach to reframe negative thoughts. With a focus on recognizing personal values, skills, and achievements, the discussion empowers women to confidently approach job interviews and make informed choices about their careers after maternity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project 'Genitori Sicuri, Famiglie Felici' provides valuable strategies, resources, and tips to support parents in navigating the challenges of parenthood.
• 😀 The interview emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing the doubts and fears that arise when balancing work and family life, especially during maternity leave.
• 😀 Maternity can create a strong emotional bond between mother and child, but it may also lead to the desire to return to work, triggering various doubts and fears about the future.
• 😀 Common concerns for mothers returning to work include contract types (part-time or full-time), the fear of separation from their child, and the potential impact on their career progression.
• 😀 Self-reflection is crucial for determining what a person truly wants, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Listening to one's own needs is vital when making career choices.
• 😀 The interview suggests that mothers often internalize societal biases about their ability to work effectively after having children, leading to feelings of frustration and self-doubt.
• 😀 Focusing on internal desires, values, and goals instead of external judgments can help overcome fear and self-doubt during the job application process.
• 😀 The method 'STAR' (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is recommended as an effective way for mothers to present their skills and experiences in a job interview, emphasizing achievements and competencies.
• 😀 Recognizing one's competencies, both old and newly acquired during motherhood, is key. This includes skills developed through life experience, not just professional experience.
• 😀 Acknowledging and reframing negative self-talk using the 'angel and devil' exercise helps balance doubts with positive affirmations, improving self-confidence.
• 😀 The outcome of applying these methods is increased self-confidence, which is essential for entering interviews with a positive mindset and feeling prepared to return to work.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this interview with Alessandra Badalamenti?

The interview focuses on helping women navigate the challenges of returning to work after maternity, addressing fears, doubts, and practical strategies for success during job interviews and in balancing work with motherhood.

What are some of the common fears that women experience when returning to work after maternity?

Women often experience fears related to separating from their child, returning to a lower job position, choosing between part-time and full-time roles, and the judgment of others regarding their ability to balance work and motherhood.

How does the separation from the child impact women returning to work?

The emotional and psychological challenge of separation can be significant, as there is often a deep connection formed with the child during the early months of motherhood, making the transition back to work difficult.

Why do women worry about being demoted or losing career progress after maternity leave?

Women may fear that taking time off for maternity leave will negatively impact their career trajectory, leading to a demotion or a loss of the progress they had made prior to their leave.

What is the significance of self-reflection in preparing to return to work?

Self-reflection is crucial as it helps women reconnect with their values, understand their goals, and recognize the type of professional and mother they want to be. This clarity helps in making decisions aligned with their personal and professional aspirations.

How does recognizing competencies help women regain confidence in returning to work?

Acknowledging both past and newly acquired skills during maternity helps women realize their strengths, boosting their confidence and self-worth. Often, women underestimate the competencies they've gained during maternity, such as time management and multitasking.

Can you explain the STAR method and how it helps women during job interviews?

The STAR method involves describing a Situation, the Task to be accomplished, the Actions taken, and the Result achieved. This structured approach helps women clearly articulate their skills and experiences during a job interview, allowing them to present themselves confidently.

What is the 'angel vs. devil' exercise, and how does it help with overcoming self-doubt?

The 'angel vs. devil' exercise involves comparing negative self-talk (devil) with positive, supportive thoughts (angel). It helps women challenge their self-doubt and reframe their mindset, fostering a more balanced and confident perspective.

Why is it important to shift the way we talk to ourselves when preparing for a job interview?

Changing the way we speak to ourselves is important because our self-talk influences both our verbal and non-verbal communication. Negative thoughts can undermine confidence, while positive self-talk helps women feel more capable and ready for the interview.

What role do external judgments play in the challenges faced by women returning to work?

External judgments can exacerbate women's fears, leading them to internalize societal expectations about their ability to balance work and motherhood. These judgments may cause women to doubt their own capabilities, which can affect their confidence and job search efforts.