Taking a career break can be one of the most rewarding and rejuvenating decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s to travel, care for family, continue your education, or simply to reset, stepping away from your career can provide a fresh perspective. But what happens when it’s time to step back into the workforce?
Re-entering the job market after a break can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can make a strong comeback. Here’s how to stay prepared during your time away and ensure a smooth transition back into your career.
1. Keep One Foot in the Door
Even though you’ve stepped away from work, staying connected with your industry is key. It doesn’t require a full-time commitment, but small efforts will make all the difference when it’s time to return.
Stay Engaged:
- Attend occasional industry webinars, conferences, or virtual networking events.
- Stay subscribed to newsletters, publications, or relevant blogs in your field.
- Maintain connections with former colleagues and mentors—sometimes just catching up for coffee or chatting online keeps your professional network alive.
By staying in touch, you remain visible and in the loop with changes, making re-entry less of a leap.
2. Use Your Time Wisely: Learn Something New
A career break isn’t just a pause; it’s a chance to enrich yourself in ways your busy career may not have allowed. Whether you pick up a new skill, gain a certification, or explore a side passion, learning something new can boost your resume when you’re ready to return.
Grow During Your Break:
- Enroll in online courses related to your field or even in a new area that excites you.
- Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about—it’s a great way to sharpen your skills and demonstrate leadership.
- Take up a personal project, whether it’s a blog, a portfolio, or learning a new software that could be valuable in your next role.
Not only will these activities show that you’ve been proactive during your break, but they’ll also help you re-enter the workforce with a more enriched skillset.
3. Preparing Your Story: Addressing the Gap
The dreaded resume gap: it doesn’t have to be a career-breaker. It’s all about framing your time away as a productive chapter in your professional life. Be honest, but focus on the skills you’ve developed or experiences you’ve had that make you a better professional today.
Frame the Gap Positively:
- On your resume and LinkedIn, highlight any freelance, consulting, or volunteer work you did during your break.
- In interviews, confidently explain how the break gave you fresh perspectives and helped you grow in ways that will benefit your future employers.
- Be upfront and brief about the reason for your break, but focus on your readiness to rejoin the workforce and contribute immediately.
Your break is part of your story—own it and show how it makes you a more well-rounded, resilient candidate.
4. Set a Re-Entry Strategy: Plan Ahead
Before you dive back into the job market, take time to assess your goals and strategy. You don’t want to rush into applying for jobs without first considering what you want from this next chapter of your career.
Planning Your Comeback:
- Assess your long-term career goals and determine whether you’re on the same path or if your break has inspired a change in direction.
- Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect where you want to go, not just where you’ve been.
- Start networking again—reach out to contacts, attend industry events, and even start contributing to relevant discussions on LinkedIn to signal that you’re ready to re-engage.
By taking the time to strategize your return, you’ll approach your job search with confidence, focus, and a clear sense of direction.
5. Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Your resume is your ticket back into the professional world, and after a break, it needs some refreshing. It’s important to reflect any learning, growth, or projects you’ve completed during your time away. You also need to make sure your LinkedIn profile tells the same story.
Resume Tune-Up:
- Add new skills, projects, or achievements you gained during your break.
- Update your resume format to reflect current trends in resume design.
- If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile in a while, take this time to optimize your summary, headline, and experience to align with your new career goals.
Remember, your resume and LinkedIn are your first impression—make sure they’re ready to impress.