Be open-minded about your career options. You might prefer to return to the industry you left but, in today's market, you should consider other industries as well, especially if you have transferable skills or knowledge. Be open to contract or part-time work too.

Have realistic expectations. Be prepared to make concessions regarding salary, seniority and level of responsibility. You need to prove yourself before you can ask for more.

Talk to a recruitment consultancy. It can help you evaluate your strengths and map out your available options.

If you have a strong network, let people know you are looking for a job and are open to new opportunities. Someone who knows and trusts you could refer you to a hiring company.

You could also try job portals, career fairs and newspaper ads.

Update your resume. As you have been out of the workforce for a while, fill in the gap with any courses or seminars you might have taken. Highlight skills and knowledge picked up from other activities such as volunteer work or helping out at your children's schools.

Such details show you have been making an active effort to keep yourself updated and relevant.

Prepare for the job interview. Focus on your key strengths, whether these are related to your merits as a working professional or a housewife. Highlight past achievements and provide examples to show you have kept yourself relevant.

Demonstrate that you can add value to the company.

Stay positive and objective throughout the interview. Do not be defensive or belabour the point that being a housewife is not easy.

Tips provided by Ms Peony Lim, manager of Robert Walters' sales and marketing recruitment division, and Mr Josh Goh, senior manager of The GMP Group's corporate services arm.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.