Client stories

What returners noticed along the way

These accounts describe specific coaching steps — CV drafts, interview rehearsal, Teilzeit proposals — rather than vague praise. Names are shortened for privacy.

After 14 months of Elternzeit I kept rewriting my CV and never hitting send. The coaching sessions forced me to pick three target roles in Baden-Württemberg and practise how I would describe the leave. I still felt nervous in the first interview, but I had words ready instead of apologising.

Mara K. Returned to project coordination, Stuttgart area Return-to-Work Coaching Programme

The interview practice helped most with the Teilzeit question. I had been answering vaguely; we built a concrete 30-hour proposal with on-site days named. One reservation: the homework between sessions was heavier than I expected while caring for a toddler, so plan your weeks.

Jonas L. Finance professional, career break of three years Interview Confidence Sessions

I only booked the CV refresh at first. Seeing the gap framed as parental leave with a short skills note made applications feel honest rather than defensive. Two weeks later I asked for the full programme.

Elena R. Marketing returner, remote-first search CV & Application Refresh

Flexible-work negotiation support gave me language for a phased return with my former employer. We did not get every day I wanted, but we locked Wednesday mornings off for Kita settling — which was the non-negotiable.

Priya S. Operations lead, internal return Flexible Work Negotiation Support

Longer paths

From undecided to a six-month experiment

After nearly five years away from nursing administration, I could not tell whether I wanted clinical coordination again or a quieter office role. Career Direction Clarification did not push me into applications immediately. We mapped childcare hours, commute limits from Altdorf, and what I missed about the old work. I left with a six-month plan: two informational talks per month and a short certificate before deciding. That slower pace was what I needed; rushing would have sent me into the wrong vacancy.

Anja W. · Healthcare administration returner · Career Direction Clarification

A structured return after parental leave

My partner and I timed the coaching to start eight weeks before my Elternzeit ended. The assessment surfaced that I was aiming at full-time roles while still needing pickup coverage three days a week. Midway through the programme we narrowed to hybrid Teilzeit openings and practised explaining that choice without sounding unsure. I accepted a 28-hour role in month three of the search. The closing 90-day plan kept me from saying yes to overtime I could not sustain.

Sofia H. · HR generalist, Karlsruhe region · Return-to-Work Coaching Programme

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