How to Make a Strong Comeback After Career Gap

A career break can be a necessity or a choice. Whatever the circumstance – be it completion of education, a break to start a family, health issues or caring commitments, moving home or simply an artistic decision, sometimes a career break is not the end of the road. In fact, people often get back to work having been away longer than they had anticipated and find they are even more successful the second time around.

According to a January 2024 LinkedIn Workforce Report, nearly 62% of the global professional workforce have taken a career break at some point. Even more factors are making employers more receptive to alternative career routes. So the secret is to make a plan.

Understanding Career Gaps in Today’s Job Market

Today’s employers understand that career breaks have become common due to life circumstances. What they want to see is how a candidate has made use of that time and is prepared to re-enter the workforce.

Key reasons cited for gaps in employment history are:

• Family and care giving commitments
• Further education, studying or certifying
• Health issues
• Starting a business
• Moving or changing domestic circumstances
• Building new skills or transitioning careers

Employers look at a career gap in terms of acquired skills, experience and growth rather than a hindrance.

Assess Your Skills and Career Goals

Assess where you are at in your career before heading to the job market. 

Ask yourself questions such as:

• What skills gained in my last position are still applicable?
• What new trends in the industry have surfaced in my absence?
• Would I like to continue in my field or explore new opportunities?
• What are my professional goals?

Once you’ve answered all of these, you can plan your path to career success.

Upgrade Your Skills Through Learning

One approach to jumpstarting your career after a break is by upskilling.

The World Economic Forum predicts that 44% of the core skills of a worker will have changed in the next five years, requiring ongoing education in skills.

Think about:

• Online courses
• Skill development workshops
• Technical skill building seminars
• Leadership and communication training

Get recent certifications included on your resume to showcase proactivity.

Update Your Resume and Linkedin Profile

Your C.V. should be achievement-based, not time-based.

Resume Tips

• Use a skills-based or hybrid resume format
• Include any certifications or courses taken recently
• Provide details of any freelance, voluntary or project work during the period
• Make sure you quantify your achievement

Linkedin Optimization Tips

• Update your headline and summary
• Show off any certifications and projects you have
• Ask for recommendations from ex-colleagues
• Post interesting information relevant to your profession frequently

A good online presence can get you noticed by recruiters.

Address the Career Gap Confidently 

A common concern is how many candidates seek to justify employment gaps they have. However, truthfulness and self-assurance are key. 

Rather than apologising for such gap, candidates should simply mention it, then highlight some benefits gained during this time, such as:

“I took time off to look after my family; however I also gained relevant qualifications in digital marketing, so I now feel ready and motivated to return to work.”

Most recruiters welcome such honesty and motivation.

Leverage Networking Opportunities 

Studies have indicated that between 70-85% of jobs are obtained via informational interviews and business networks.

To increase your chances of getting a position:

• Reestablish contacts from past jobs and internships
• Join professional organizations
• Find a relevant webinar, seminar, or conference on the web
• Join a group on LinkedIn or other professional networks
• Contact mentors and alumni groups

Networking is the only way to access opportunities hidden from the standard job search sites.

Start with Flexible Work Opportunities

If you’re finding the transition back to a full-time job difficult, try a phased return. 

Examples of this are: 

• Freelancing 
• Temporary contract roles 
• part-time work
• Internships for career returners 
• Remote working. 

These types of jobs will boost your confidence, update and re-energize your skills, and strengthen your CV.

Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews 

Be ready to explain your career break to your employers. Practice a short, upbeat response in advance.

Focus on:

• Skills learned
• Professional development activities
• Readiness to add value to an employer
• Career goals going forward

Practice answering standard interview questions as this will help you to feel more confident and articulate.

Build a Growth Mindset

Getting back into the workforce after a break can be daunting. There might be negative responses but continuing to move forward is critical.

Remember:

• The job market cares more about skills than flawless career schedules.
• A lot of companies have returnship initiatives in place.
• Everytime you try for a job and attend an interview, it increases your probability of getting one, so keep at it.

Conclusion 

Getting back into your career after a break can be daunting, however with a clear plan you can make your comeback. Refresh your skills, tailor your CV, broaden your contacts and be ready to explain your career break to prospective employers.

Employers today want to see hard work, flexibility and a willingness to learn attributes you pick up during a career gap. Highlight your achievements, demonstrate your increased knowledge and take some positive action toward your next job!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I explain a career gap in an interview?

Be truthful and keep it very simple. Give a brief reason for the gap and highlight the skills, knowledge or certifications you have obtained in the period.

2. Can I find a job after a long career break?

Yes! A considerable number of companies now understand career breaks. Upskilling, networking and converting your experience to what the employer is seeking can help you find a job.

3. Should I put my career gap on my CV?

Yes! Do not hide it away. Use a skill based CV and list any proactive activities such as certifications, work done with non profit organization, freelance assignments or leisure projects.

4. Which courses are best to do before seeking work?

The right course varies with your industry. Some popular courses are digital marketing, data analysis, project management, coding, presentation skills and leadership training.

5. Is freelancing an easy way to kickstart a career?

Yes! Freelancing means you get up-to-date experience, work on your confidence, update your CV and provide employers evidence that you are active.