8 Steps: Return to Work After Career Break
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Ready to jump back into your career? Here's your quick guide to nailing your comeback:
- Know Your Story: Own your break, highlight growth
- Set Work Goals: Define what you want
- Learn New Skills: Stay current, boost confidence
- Fix Your Resume: Showcase your value
- Build Your Network: Reconnect and expand contacts
- Study Job Market: Know what's hot now
- Tell Your Story Well: Craft a compelling narrative
- Start Your Job Search: Be organized and persistent
Key tips:
- Be upfront about your career gap
- Focus on skills gained during your break
- Use LinkedIn to rebuild connections
- Consider returnship programs
- Practice interviewing to boost confidence
- Stay financially savvy while job hunting
Related video from YouTube
Know Your Career Break Story
Returning to work after a career break? Don't sweat it. It's all about how you tell your story.
Turn Your Break into a Plus
Your career break isn't a gap - it's a chapter. Own it. Show how you've grown.
Laura Brandenburg, a career coach, nails it:
"You are the sum of everything that you did before and all the enhanced experiences you had during your 'break.'"
How to make this work for you? Be honest and focus on the good stuff. If you took time off for family, you might say:
"I took time off for my family. During this time, I juggled schedules for two kids under 10 and cut our household budget by 8% over two years. I'm pumped to bring these sharpened skills back to work."
Don't worry - you're not alone. A LinkedIn survey found 62% of employees have taken a career break. It's more common than you think.
Check Your Skills and Worth
Let's talk skills. You've probably picked up some new ones during your break. Time to take stock.
- List Your Skills: What have you done during your break? Volunteered? Managed a budget? Learned a new language?
- Match to Job Market Needs: Look at job postings in your field. What skills are hot right now? How do they match up with what you've got?
- Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers where you can. For example: "Started a local parenting Facebook group that grew to 60+ members; planned weekly meet-ups and shared resources."
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Problem-solving, communication, planning - these are gold in any job. Show how you've used them.
To keep track of all this, try a career development planner. Ink + Power's Rich Bitch Planner, for example, focuses on money mindset and getting stuff done - key when you're jumping back into work.
Satya Chheda, who came back after a 9-year break, shares this gem:
"I was able to make my journey back into full-time work pretty seamless because I had made sure to keep one foot in the door while I was a stay-at-home mom all those years."
Even if you haven't kept that foot in the door, no worries. Start now. Try some short-term projects or freelance work to dust off your skills and boost your confidence.
Step 1: Set Your Work Goals
Getting back to work after a break? Exciting stuff! But it can feel like a lot. That's why you need clear, doable goals. It's not just about landing any old job. It's about finding the right fit for you.
Here's how to nail it:
Figure out your dream job. What gets you fired up? Sticking with your old field or trying something new? Get specific about what you're after.
Think about your schedule. Got personal stuff to juggle? Maybe you need flexible hours or work-from-home options. A FlexJobs survey found 95% of workers want some remote work. It's okay to put your life-work balance first.
Know your worth. Check out what people in your target roles are making. Sites like Glassdoor or PayScale can help. As Robert Half says:
"Timing, tact and research are all key to your success when discussing money with a hiring manager."
Set your bottom line. What's the least you'll take for a job? Think about your bills, career goals, and what you bring to the table. Liz Ryan from Forbes puts it well:
"It is unprofessional and immoral to ask job-seekers to supply their salary details and/or salary history but to keep your approved salary range confidential."
Be ready to stand up for what you're worth.
Spot skills to work on. What do you need to brush up on? Look at job ads in your field to see what's hot. Maybe take some online classes or workshops to fill in the gaps.
Think long-term. Where do you want to be in a few years? Maria Kraimer, a human resource management prof, says:
"A career goal gives you a North Star to follow. It puts any setbacks and accomplishments into context, and allows you to see the bigger picture of your career."
Plan to keep growing. How will you keep developing once you're back at work? Maybe find a mentor, join some pro groups, or set your sights on future promotions.
Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "Get a good job", try "Land a mid-level marketing gig at a tech startup, making at least $75,000 a year with flexible hours, in the next 6 months."
Wendy Saccuzzo from Tech Ladies drops this gem:
"If you're stuck doing things all day long that aren't energizing to you, it's hard to feel good about the work you're doing."
So make sure your goals line up with what really gets you going.
Step 2: Learn New Job Skills
Ready to jump back into work? Time to sharpen those skills. The job market's always shifting, so you need to stay on your toes.
First up: figure out what skills you need. Check out job postings in your field. What are employers looking for? Jot down the skills that keep showing up.
Here's the good news: you don't need to empty your wallet to learn new skills. There's a ton of free online courses out there:
- Microsoft offers free courses on Alison for Excel, Word, and Outlook. Perfect for brushing up on office basics.
- Google Courses on Alison can teach you about Docs, Gmail, and Analytics. Great if you're eyeing a tech job.
But don't stop there. FutureLearn, Coursera, and edX offer courses in just about everything. And many won't cost you a dime.
Pro tip: focus on skills that machines can't easily replace. Sinéad, a career development expert, nails it:
"The best thing you can do to really future-proof yourself is to invest in continuing education."
She's onto something. A LinkedIn survey found that 9 out of 10 global executives think soft skills are more important than ever. Skills like communication, leadership, and flexibility are gold in today's job market.
Want to level up fast? Try these courses:
- "Communication Skills for Modern Management" with Jean Marie DiGiovanna on LinkedIn Learning.
- "Customer Service Foundations" with Jeff Toister, also on LinkedIn Learning.
- "Project Management Skills for Leaders" with Dana Brownlee.
It's not just about technical skills. The World Economic Forum says by 2025, skills like analytical thinking, active learning, and complex problem-solving will be hot commodities.
But here's the kicker: don't just learn new skills. Learn how to show them off. Lee Cristina Beaser, a career coach with 20 years of experience, suggests:
"Utilize job search strategies that will land you an interview faster."
This means updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your new skills. Don't be modest. If you've taken a data analysis course, put it front and center.
Final thought: learning new skills isn't just about landing a job. It's about boosting your confidence. Each new skill you master shows what you're capable of. So dive in, learn something new, and watch your confidence grow. You've got this!
Step 3: Fix Your Resume
Your resume is your ticket back into the workforce. After a career break, it needs some special attention. Here's how to make it shine:
Don't Hide Your Career Gap
Be upfront about your career break. Employers get it, especially since the pandemic. List it like this:
Career Break for Family Care | 01/2020 - 12/2022
- Sharpened leadership and time management skills while juggling family care and community work
- Took online courses in Python and data analysis to keep tech skills fresh
- Taught basic computer skills to kids in need, boosting communication abilities
Pick the Right Format
Been out of work for a while? A combo (hybrid) or functional resume might work better than the usual chronological one. These put your skills front and center, not your work history.
Show Off Your Transferable Skills
Did you volunteer? Run a household budget? That stuff counts. Emily Crowley, Career Advisor, says:
"Employers understand that there are many legitimate reasons why you might have gaps in your work history. What's important is how you frame that time and what skills you've gained."
Freshen Up Your Skills Section
Jobs change fast. Make sure your skills are current. Took any courses during your break? List 'em:
Skills:
- Project Management: PMP Certification (2022)
- Data Analysis: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (2021)
- Leadership: Led 10 volunteers at local food bank (2020-2022)
Write a Killer Summary
Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. Make it count:
Marketing pro with 7+ years in digital strategy, back after a 2-year break. Used time off to boost leadership skills through community work and stay on top of industry trends with online courses. Ready to bring fresh ideas and energy to a dynamic marketing team.
Customize for Each Job
No one-size-fits-all here. Tweak your resume for each job. Use keywords from the job ad, but keep it real. Jacob Meade, Certified Professional Resume Writer, says:
"Using your personal experiences to showcase these skills, you can turn a liability into an asset and add a new dimension to your overall resume."
Check, Double-Check, Triple-Check
Typos on your resume? Big no-no. Get someone else to look it over. Fresh eyes catch stuff we miss.
Step 4: Build Your Network
Getting back to work? Your network is key. It's not just who you know - it's who knows you. Here's how to rebuild and grow your professional connections.
Reconnect with Old Contacts
Start with former colleagues and work friends. They're easy wins. Try a simple message:
"Hi Sarah, long time no chat! I'm planning my return to work after a career break. Want to grab coffee next week and catch up on industry news?"
Make LinkedIn Work for You
LinkedIn isn't just an online resume - it's a networking powerhouse. With over 400 million users globally (15 million in the UK), it's packed with opportunities. Here's how to use it:
- Update your profile to match your current goals and skills
- Connect with ex-colleagues, industry peers, and recruiters
- Follow companies you like and engage with their posts
Victoria McLean, Managing Director of City CV, says:
"LinkedIn is all about linking and connecting with people you know and/or have worked with but also people and companies you might like to work with."
Join LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups are where the action is. Join groups in your industry and interests. Jump into discussions, share your thoughts, and you'll catch the eye of potential employers.
Attend Industry Events
Whether online or in-person, industry events are great for networking. You can:
- Meet peers face-to-face
- Learn about new trends
- Find job openings before they're public
The Women in Tech Network notes:
"Networking events aid women re-entering the workforce by offering opportunities to build professional contacts, gain industry insights, and improve visibility."
Try Returnship Programs
Programs like EmpowerHer Returnship help you build skills and network. They're made for women coming back to work. The WICT Network says:
"Join us to embark upon a journey that is designed to reignite your career and unlock new possibilities for your career success."
These programs often include networking events, giving you a ready-made professional community.
Network Authentically
Networking isn't about being fake. It's about real connections. Bob Burg, author and speaker, puts it well:
"Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win-win relationships. It works best, however, when emphasising the 'give' part."
So, be curious and genuine. Ask questions, offer help, and focus on building relationships, not just collecting contacts.
Put It Into Action
Here's a real example of networking at work:
Katherine, a coaching client, texted 20 friends asking for introductions in interior design. She got 18 responses, several introductions, and even a job offer after some work experience.
The takeaway? Don't be shy about tapping your existing network. A simple message could lead to big things.
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Step 5: Study Today's Job Market
Ready to jump back into work? Let's take a look at what's hot in the 2024 job market.
The job scene's looking good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says we still need skilled workers, even if the economy's slowed down a bit. Here's where the jobs are:
- Healthcare: This sector's booming, with 2.3 million new jobs expected in 2024. Got medical skills? You're in luck.
- Tech: No shocker here. Companies want coders, data crunchers, and cybersecurity pros.
- Business Services: Set to grow by 632,400 jobs. Business brains are in demand.
- Education: Teachers are hot property, with 697,600 new jobs on the horizon.
- Construction: Building's big, with 546,000 new jobs expected.
But it's not just about job numbers. How we work has changed. Remote work's sticking around, opening up jobs beyond your local area. And guess what? Soft skills are gold now. Being a good communicator and quick adapter is just as key as your technical know-how.
Let's talk cash. Salaries are up. Private sector wages jumped 4.1% in the past year. But here's the catch: inflation's been tough. That $100,000 salary from 2020? You'd need about $110,000 now to keep up.
How do you figure out what you're worth? Here's what Robyn Baker, author of "The 6-Figure Salary Negotiation Guide", says:
"In 2024, the pursuit of a six-figure salary remains a prominent goal for many professionals, but the landscape is evolving."
She's spot on. A six-figure salary in San Francisco is a whole different story than in Cleveland. Do your homework on sites like Glassdoor and PayScale to get the scoop for your area.
When you're job hunting, keep these points in mind:
- Be open about your break: Companies get it, especially after the pandemic. Own your story.
- Know your value: Most companies offer a 20-30% bump on your last salary, no matter how long ago it was. But don't sell yourself short. Check current market rates for your skills.
- Look into returnships: These are like internships for experienced pros. Big names like Goldman Sachs, HubSpot, and PayPal have programs to help folks ease back into work.
Hannah Fleishman from HubSpot nails it:
"For most tech companies, age diversity is a problem. Returnships are a great opportunity to connect with candidates who don't fit the young, millennial stereotype that's become synonymous with tech culture."
When you're checking out potential employers, look beyond the paycheck. Ask about flexible hours, family leave, and return-to-work programs. A company that gets work-life balance? That's worth a lot.
Step 6: Tell Your Story Well
Coming back to work after a break? Your story is your secret weapon. It's not about explaining away a gap - it's about showing how you've grown and why you're ready to jump back in.
Craft Your Narrative
Your career break is part of your journey. Frame it positively. Take Shivani, who came back to business analysis at M&G after 5 years. She didn't just say she looked after kids. She talked about sharpening her analytical skills by managing family finances and volunteering for a local charity.
The 60-Second Pitch
Your elevator pitch is your comeback in a nutshell. Keep it short and punchy. Here's a good structure:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Your unique value
- Your ask
Let's see it in action:
"I'm Jumana, a marketing pro with 9 years of experience before my break. While away, I kept my skills fresh by running social media for a local non-profit. I grew their following by 200%. Now, I'm ready to bring my new perspective and updated digital marketing skills to a team like BlackRock's."
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers pack a punch. Dagma, coming back to risk management after 4 years, highlighted how she cut household expenses by 15% through smart budgeting - a skill that translates well to risk assessment.
Address the Gap Head-On
Don't shy away from your career break. Elaine, who came back to consultancy with Deloitte Ireland after 5 years, put it this way:
"I took time off for my family, but I never stopped learning. I did online courses in data analytics and project management. I'm excited to use these skills in consultancy again."
Highlight Transferable Skills
Your break probably taught you a lot. Yuliia, who returned to project management at National Highways after 2 years, emphasized her improved multitasking and time management - key for any project manager.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your story until it flows naturally. Record yourself, practice with friends, or hit up networking events to polish your pitch.
Your career break isn't a weakness - it's a strength. As Career Returners says:
"Be Inspired by over 140 stories of Successful Career Returners."
Your story could be next. Craft it well, tell it with confidence, and watch opportunities open up.
Step 7: Get Ready for Interviews
You've polished your resume and networked. Now it's time to ace those interviews. Here's how to shine:
Own Your Story
Your career break isn't a weakness - it's part of your journey. Be upfront and positive about it:
"I took five years off to focus on my family. Now, I'm excited to return to work. This role at [Company Name] is perfect for applying my skills and fresh perspective."
Practice, Practice, Practice
Rehearse your answers to common questions, especially about your career gap. Record yourself or role-play with a friend. Watch your body language - confidence matters.
Show You've Stayed Sharp
Highlight how you've kept your skills fresh during your break:
"While away from the corporate world, I managed a $50,000 annual budget for a local non-profit, increasing their operational efficiency by 15%."
Know Your Worth
Research current salary trends in your field. Use sites like Glassdoor and PayScale. Be ready to discuss compensation confidently.
Do Your Homework
Research the company thoroughly. Know their recent projects, culture, and industry challenges. Use this knowledge to ask smart questions during the interview.
Prepare for Tough Questions
Be ready for questions like:
- "How have you kept your skills current?"
- "Why are you returning to work now?"
- "How will you handle the transition back to full-time work?"
Have concise, positive answers ready. Focus on your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.
Use the STAR Method
When sharing examples of your skills, use the STAR method:
"During my break, I volunteered as a project manager for a local food bank. We needed to increase donations by 20%. I implemented a social media campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in donations over three months."
Show You're Tech-Savvy
If you've been out of the workforce for a while, employers might worry about your tech skills. Prove you're up-to-date:
"I've completed Google's Data Analytics Professional Certificate and am proficient in tools like Tableau and SQL."
Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show you're serious about the role:
- "What does success look like in this position after 6 months?"
- "How does this role contribute to the company's long-term goals?"
- "Can you tell me about the team I'd be working with?"
Step 8: Start Your Job Search
You've honed your skills, updated your resume, and practiced interviewing. Now it's time to jump into the job market. Here's how to make your search effective:
Create a Daily Job Search Plan
Treat your job hunt like a job itself. Amanda Augustine, a Career Advice Expert, says:
"Searching for a new job is a full-time job in itself."
Set a schedule and stick to it. Unemployed? Aim for about 30 hours a week on job-search activities. Employed? Try for at least 15 hours. Block out time for:
- Reviewing job listings
- Customizing resumes
- Submitting applications
- Following up on previous applications
Use a Job Application Tracker
Stay organized with a job application tracker. Try a tool like Teal's Job Application Tracker. It helps you:
- Bookmark jobs from any job board
- Keep all opportunities in one place
- Update application status as you progress
Kara Rambaud, Lead Generation Marketing Manager, shares:
"Applying for jobs is soul crushing and time consuming. Teal makes the process smooth by easily tracking saved jobs across various job boards and organizing in one place."
Tap Into Your Network
Your network is gold. Reach out to old contacts and let them know you're job hunting. They might know of great opportunities or can refer you to someone who does.
Focus Your Search
Be targeted. Use specific keywords and filters on job boards. When talking to recruiters, be clear about what you want. Quality beats quantity in job applications.
Think Outside the Box
Don't just stick to traditional job postings. Consider:
1. Returnships
Many big companies offer these programs for people returning to work after a break. Check out companies like Fitch Ratings and PepsiCo.
2. Temporary Work
Sign up with a temping agency. It's a great way to brush up on skills and start earning while you search for permanent roles.
3. Consulting or Volunteering
Offer your skills to old contacts or local organizations. It's a great way to show you're ready to jump back in.
Use Women-Focused Job Boards
Looking for companies that support women returning to work? Check out women-focused job boards. They often have roles aimed at helping women re-enter the workforce.
Set Milestones and Rewards
Job hunting can be tough. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you hit them. Maybe treat yourself to a coffee after sending out five applications.
Ask for Help
Feeling stuck? Reach out for support. Many organizations offer free resume critiques and job-search plans. The Mom Project, for example, provides resources specifically for moms returning to work.
Money Planning While Job Hunting
Job hunting after a career break can be tough on your wallet. But with some smart moves, you can keep your finances in check and set yourself up for success. Here's how to manage your money during this transition.
Trim Your Budget
First up: take a good look at your spending. Josh Smith from Credit.com says it best:
"Understanding your financial situation is paramount to getting through a bout of unemployment unscathed."
Go through your bank statements and bills. Split your expenses into "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves". Be tough - it's time to cut the extras. Maybe swap that gym membership for home workouts or cook more meals at home.
Keep Tabs on Your Cash
Knowing where your money goes is key. Try using a tool like the Rich Bitch Planner from Ink + Power. At $41, it's a smart buy for your financial future. This planner helps you focus on money mindset, budgeting, and investing - all key skills for your job search.
Build Your Safety Net
If you don't have one yet, start an emergency fund. Aim to save 3-6 months of essential expenses. Bankrate says only 39% of people could cover a $1,000 emergency with cash. Don't be in that group.
Find Temporary Work
While job hunting, think about freelance or part-time gigs. This can help pay the bills and keep your skills sharp. Check out platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to get started.
Know Your Worth
When you land interviews, be ready to talk money. As author Preeta Ghoshal says: "Don't ask, don't get." Look up salary ranges for your role on sites like Glassdoor or PayScale. Remember, your career break doesn't mean you should settle for less.
Think Long-Term
As you budget for your job search, keep your big-picture financial goals in mind. Path Forward gives this advice:
"At the end of the day only you know what you are willing to accept based on your family's financial needs and the type of work you want to be doing."
Use this time to rethink your financial priorities. Maybe adjust your retirement savings or tweak your investment strategy.
Get Expert Help
Feeling stuck? Don't be afraid to ask for help. Many groups offer free financial advice. They can help you make a realistic budget and point you to useful resources.
Wrap-Up
Getting back to work after a career break? It's a mix of hurdles and chances. Our 8-step guide shows it's all about getting ready, sticking with it, and staying upbeat.
You're not the only one on this path. Lots of folks have done it before. Take Hana, who got a senior analyst job at the Bank of England after 18 years away. Or Melissa, who jumped back into reinsurance at Gallagher Re after the same time off.
These stories show it's never too late to restart. As Morgan Stanley recruiters say:
"Your time away from work is meaningful and helped shape who you are today."
Keep this in mind as you move ahead. Your break gave you new views and skills that can help at work.
Stay on target, but be ready to switch things up. Jobs are always changing, so change with them. Keep learning new stuff, talk to people, and try new things.
Don't rush yourself. Getting back to work takes time. Be happy about small wins, like getting an interview or fixing up your LinkedIn.
As you start this new part of your life, watch your money too. The Rich Bitch Planner from Ink + Power can help you handle cash while you're looking for work.
Your break isn't all of you - it's just part of your work story. If you're ready, focused, and think right, you can write a great next part of your career.