3 Confidence-Building Steps for Moms Reentering the Workforce

If you're feeling nervous about job interviews (or even just thinking about job interviews), you're not alone. Most of us don’t wake up one day suddenly bursting with confidence. Especially after spending years focused on family, it can feel like the professional world moved on without us.

But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come before you start—it grows as you take each step.

Three Simple Steps to Start Building Confidence Today

1. Remind Yourself What You Already Know
   Think of your skills like tools in a drawer—you might not see them every day, but they’re there when you need them. Take 10 minutes to list out things you’ve done (at home, in the community, in past jobs) that required planning, patience, leadership, or problem-solving. You’ll be surprised how full that drawer really is.
2. Write Down Your Wins
   Grab a notebook or open a note on your phone. Jot down three things you did this week that show your strength—whether you navigated a tough conversation, finished a project, or made time for something that matters to you. These moments are proof of your capability.
3. Do One Brave Thing
   Confidence doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing. Send that email. Register for that webinar. Schedule that phone conversation. It doesn’t have to be big. Just one small action moves you forward and reminds you: I’m doing this.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about recognizing that you’re showing up for yourself in a new way. 

So if you’re feeling unsure right now, that’s okay. Confidence doesn’t come in a lightning bolt--it comes in layers. And every small, brave step you take adds another layer.