Tips On Returning To Work After A Career Break
It really doesn’t matter why you took the career break, what matters is the knowledge that you really can get yourself right back into the job market when you are ready to return.
It is worth a mention that the posy Covid working world has changed, read more from Mitchells and Butlers.
How can you go about getting back to work? These simple tips should make your return to work a ‘walk in the park’.
– Contents
– Analyze your situation
– Get yourself ready to return
– Get your CV to work for you
– Perfect your cover letter
– The interview
– Analyze your situation.
Before you take steps to return to work it is a good idea to sit down and analyze your situation. A potential employer is sure to ask you why you took the career break, what you did while on your break, and your reasons for wanting to return to work. Think carefully about how you will answer these questions. While these are not trick questions, if you do not prepare in advance you could come across more than a little suspicious.
You should also give thought to the type of work you want to do. Don’t panic-apply, instead think about the employment sector you want to be in, as well as hours and locations that will work for you. If an employer does not feel certain that you are serious about the position they will likely fear you may be off on another career break in the near future, not exactly putting you at the top of their shortlist.
Do your homework about the sector and career you want to return to. One of the biggest challenges to people who take a career break is that they are behind when it comes to new processes and technology so make sure that you are up to date with what has changed.
Signing up to industry newsletters or following blogs is a good way to inform yourself of the most recent information. This gives you a daily small shot of what you need to know, over time all of those doses build up to a thorough knowledge.
Check your social media profiles before you head down that route. If you would not be happy with potential employers seeing them, it’s a time to give them a good clean over or if need be, get them deleted.
To ease yourself back into the work environment, volunteering for a little while first can be a good way to acclimate yourself. However, if you are claiming benefits you will need to ensure you are able to do this.
Get Your CV To Work For You
If you had a relatively long career break it would look rather suspicious if you do not make mention of it on your CV. If you had periods of no employment you need to have a section that covers ‘relevant experience’. Carefully show how everything listed makes you a good candidate for the position. Another option, if you were very busy, is to list events just like they were jobs and summarise the skills you learned from each one.
It is important to highlight the skills you gained before you took your career break as well. Really showcase your achievements, regardless of when they took place.
If you feel that the gaps in your CV make you look a little unattractive it may be a good idea to use a functional CV instead. This type takes the focus away from dates and job titles and instead focuses on experience and skills. Research these first as they don’t work for everyone.
Do you need a little helping hand? We have CV templates designed for career breaks here.
Perfect The Cover Letter
Don’t hide your career break, make a point of saying it from the very start. Explain the reason for the break and the reason for your return.
If you will return to the same area of work, make a point of showing your enthusiasm for getting back to what you love doing. If you will be starting into a different sector highlight your excitement at this new chapter. Make sure no doubt is left as to your commitment to returning and your dedication to your new position.
If you are ready for an immediate start, be sure to include this in your cover letter.