Try the following tips for getting the job you want, not the one you think you should settle for.

• Be your own spin doctor.
  Everything you do has a value to a potential employer. Anything from arranging a party or holiday to decorating the spare room. Your job is to make the link between what you have achieved and what the employer needs.
• Build your career break into your life plan.
  Weave into a story of what you have achieved in your career so far, where you expect to resume your career and where you plan to be in 3,5, and 10 years. Make sure that they see the value in employing you now.
• Pre-empt and solve any potential barriers to an offer employment.
  While its illegal to discriminate simply because you are a parent it may sway the decision. E.g. Drop into the conversation that you are highly organised which includes childcare and that you are really lucky to have xyz in place to cover any eventuality.
• Develop a range of "stories" to demonstrate the qualities you bring.
  Telling how you managed to run a house, organise the builders and get the car serviced before lunch is far more compelling than say you are will organised and a good time manager!
• Know what qualities and skills your interviewer is looking for.
  The easiest way is to get a copy of the job description. Get into the habit of making sure that your stories/experiences match what they need. Pointless relating a story about how structured and organised you are if they are looking for a free spirited, creative events organiser.
• Make sure you are current on what is going on in the industry.
  Being up to date on current thinking and relating your knowledge to the role you are applying for will erode any perception that your career break has dated your skill and knowledge.
• Avoid weak or leading questions.
  How much leave, working hours, sickness benefits overtime rates may all start alarm bells ringing. Give careful thought to what questions your questions might raise for the employer.
• Prepare a few strong question.
  Anything that causes the interviewer to imagine you in the role. "what would be the first , priorities, problems to solve, targets to achieve etc all require the interviewer to mentally place you in the role.
• Never discuss salary.
  If asked what your salary requirements are, be polite but firm, tell them that you would'nt want to prejudice yourself by asking for too much or too little. Ask what salary range applies to the role then follow up with "given my experience and expertise I would expect to be close to top of the range" (or what ever is the best match for your experience and status.
• Finally "ask for the job" if you want it.
  Thank the interviewers for their time, let them know that you enjoyed meeting them, that that you like what you have heard and that if they offered the role you would accept, subject to terms and conditions.