Returning to work after a lengthy period of break is quite knavish. It isn’t easy to get acquainted with the job market after a long gap. Do you recognize the main drawbacks when a career gap is created?
The key factors are that the individual misses the most recent technologies and trends that happen in the industry. The CV one produces has a long gap observed in it. The main aspect of this scenario is to convince the employer about your career break. Let’s glimpse through a few hints on how to return to work after a long gap.
Tips for Returning to Work:
1. Super charging self-confidence:
The very first criteria a career broken individual requires is self confidence. When an individual who has had a break in their career usually undervalues themselves about what they can offer their employers. The returners should make sure they are strong in their skills and strengths so that their confidence level enhances. By this way power is obtained for job hunting. Hunt for online strength assessments, also friends and family can help you to know where you’re strong at. Returners can also enroll for refresher courses so that they are updated with the latest technologies and skills. Besides making a habit to read industry related issues can be a neat method.
2. Getting prepared:
You may have networked, and initiated steps to get into your industry, but it is also equally important to get prepared to explain the employer about your career break. Prepare a clear structure for the break in the middle with its valid reasons. Make sure to outline work experience and qualifications along with career break. Instead of apologizing and justifying provide a short explanation for your career break. Try to fill your break with a related study or voluntary work. You can also offer a confident statement to the employers stating your desire in the industry now.
3. Networking with previous colleagues:
As it is mandatory for job seekers use Linkedln, it is equally important for these long gaped individuals to create a faultless profile in Linkedln. This helps them connect and network with former as well as related professionals of the same industry. Attending and joining up industry groups, or taking responsibility as volunteers at interviews are some ways by which career broken individuals can get into the industry.
4. Show originality and be focused:
Individuals under this category of possessing long career gap can look for creative ways where state of the art experience and knowledge can be gained. The best way they can follow is to work for short latest project and present it to their contacts and network. They can also try for freelancing, internships, or temporary work. This methodology helps you fill your career gap in your resume and also enhances your confidence. Chances of getting a job are high by this method. By this way your job application is made appealing and also fits you in the strength.
5. Alter your CV:
The CV you develop should be acceptable. Though one possesses a long break it would be fine if the gap is filled with a relevant experience or study. If you do not possess job experience list down all the skills you know which makes your CV highlighted and informative. The skills as well as the experience which an individual possessed before the break is vital and should be mentioned clearly.
6. In the interview:
The challenging hurdle here is to convince the interviewer that you would be stable and never pick up again for a break. Tell about the break and the situation which pushed you to take a break. Be positive in providing your explanation and navigate your discussion towards previous work experience and achievements.
7. Being updated:
Being a long gaped worker, it is mandatory to present yourself and work sharp enough so that you have had no gap at all. Portray yourself that you know things that are happening in the department that you desire to work.
8. Analyzing the situation:
Before getting prepared for work, taking a deep look at the work and analyzing the situation is important. Break down your points and know how much you can work now. Plan a rough idea about your responsibilities at home and work and managing them. Also avail support from friends, family and colleagues as you need to enter your field without hassles.
9. Seeking help from consultants:
Recruitment consultants and agencies are another way where, one can find the best job after a career break. Individuals can seek their help as they are experts in this field and would help returners to get the right job.
10. Nailing a promising cover letter:
Though you had a career break, mention about why you had such a break and your reason to come back. Suppose you are getting to the same previous job, mention that your waiting and love to work and explore. Make the employer know that you’re enthusiastic and love your job. Also mention that you’re initiating a new career and excited about the role you going to play. All such acts will help you fetch a job after a career break.
11. Age not a factor:
Some people take into account their age as a criteria for getting into the job they desire. Employers look for various other aspects rather than age, and so make sure you focus on other aspects apart from worrying about age. Bring out your best knowledge and work experience, where all these would shape you as a right person for work after break and push age factor away.
12. Look for present career fields:
With the quick development in technology and industries, an individual basically requires to research and understand the recent developments and the situation of the current work world. One can also make a list of all the opportunities that are available and the ones that matches your profile.
13. Time to get a new job:
Getting a new job after career break is challenging and may take a few months. It is advisable to go out and explore meeting new people rather than sitting at home for a new job. Meeting new people and getting along with them can be a great way to enter a career.
14. Temporary work:
If your muddled about the hours of work and timing, then working for a part time job can be a right choice. It would be a perfect choice for mothers as timing and work hours are flexible and can be fixed. All sizes of businesses offer a chance and there aren’t any long term commitments in this job category.
15. Seeking help:
To execute the magic of getting a job after a break seeking help from experts, counselors, career practitioners, mentors and other professionals who might be your friends can be the right choice. They can guide you and show you the right path to get to the destination. By this way an individual can gain a number of opinions and job opportunities.
16. Getting ready for change:
When you are entering into the work industry after a longtime, you should get prepared to face and battle with a number of changes. Your nervousness at work, a new boss instructing you with work details, adapting to changes after a fixed period of time, and also the new decision can be new after so many years that develop a disturbance during work. The individual should develop a mindset to battle and conquer all these changes.
17. Highlight achievements accomplished:
During an interview after a long time gap make sure to speak about the achievements that you’ve done till date before conversing about career break. Highlight your previous work experience and prove that you are a capable, talented and eligible person for work after a break.
18. Immediate start:
Since you’re returning after a long break, make sure to mention that you are ready to start anytime for employment and also try to be flexible for the unusual working hours and weekend work if assigned.
19. Being honest and positive:
It is really important to have a prepared and honest answer for your career gap rather than being dishonest. Being open about the employment gap would help in developing a trust amongst the employer. Talk about the gap in a positive manner and also the best experiences you gained during the same.
20. Be searchable:
When employers hunt you online, you should be available and for the same creating a blog with relevant ideas can help you get engaged with potential employers. Try to use all social network sites such as Facebook, twitter, Linkedln and other sites that help you get associated with professionals.
Getting back to work after a long gap has so many aspects to take into account and look for. Though women or men are prone to such gaps,they can really get back to their seats by following these tips. They are required to develop their skills, time management, communication skills and the latest updates in technology. Though it may be daunting when coupled with gaps, travelling in the right way with the right advice can help you get active on the career road.
