Collaborative Post
Many of us have career breaks for one reason or another. Deciding to take a gap from work, or deciding not to immediately return after losing a job is tough. You might think about your family’s needs, your financial situation, and your health, taking your time to make sure that a break is the right thing for you. This gap can be a wonderful thing. It can give you time to do other things or to look after yourself better. But, at some point, it might come to an end. You might find that you need or want to return to work.
Unfortunately, however, it’s rarely that easy. Few people decide to go back to work, head to their old employer, and take up where they left off just like that. Most people face a long-search for the perfect job and an even more extended period of adjustment when they do start work again. The search might be long and perhaps demoralising, and you might worry that you’ll never find the job that you need. Here are some tips to help you.
Consider Your Needs
Why have you been out of work? What made you decide to take a break? Was it to raise your children, or because you couldn’t find a career that gave you the flexibility that you needed to take care of your family? Did you take a break because of your health? Or because your workplace wasn’t supporting your needs, and you felt as though you had no other choice? Before going back to work, it’s essential to understand the reasons for your break and how your needs might have changed. The workplace has evolved; more employers are offering flexible conditions. There are disability employment services providers to help support your situation, and there are greater opportunities to work for yourself. Take the time to understand what you need before going out and looking for an employer that can offer it.
Think About the Jobs That You Want
What do you want to do? An employment break can be a fantastic opportunity. You might have only ever worked in one industry, and all of your qualifications and experience might point in one direction, but that doesn’t mean that you are trapped. Do you want to go back to your old career? Or, is this a great chance to try something new? Before rushing back to work, think about what you really want to do, and not just what you need from employment.
Get Some Training
You might have taken a break from the workplace, but that doesn’t mean that everyone else has. The employment world doesn’t stop when you get off, waiting for you to get back on. There are new graduates with more up to date knowledge, and even with all of your experience, you might struggle to compete for entry-level jobs, and it can be even harder if you are looking for work in a different industry.
So, get some training. Take some courses, look at online study, read about the latest developments, and listen to podcasts. Learn as much as you can through both formal training and informal research.
And Some Experience
You might not be able to secure your dream job straight away. But, all work is valuable when it comes to learning, gaining new key skills, and perhaps most importantly, after a career break, getting used to working again. Look for volunteer work in your chosen field, or even work somewhere totally different, accepting whatever work you can, and focusing on the positives.
Start Networking
Often when it comes to finding work, it’s who you know as much as what you know. So, think about who you already know. Get back in touch with old colleagues, school mates, or other connections, ask for tip-offs and help getting back into work. Make new connections on LinkedIn and spend some time attending networking events and shows. Don’t be scared to ask for help.
Get Involved in the Community
Don’t overlook your local community when it comes to finding work. Being involved in the community, helping out with local events, attending shows and fairs, visiting your local library, supporting local businesses and getting to know your community can be a fantastic way to make essential connections. Even if it doesn’t lead to the job that you are looking for, you might get other opportunities or at least make some great new friends.
Brush Up Your CV
A career break doesn’t have to be a terrible thing on your CV. Spend some time making changes, adding experience from other walks of life, and highlighting your key skills. Both gained from work, study, and other areas of your life. Focus on the positives, your strengths, and the skills that you have learned while you have been out of work.
Make a Great First Impression
Making a great first impression can make all the difference when it comes to getting your first job back after a break. Visit employers to ask about opportunities instead of just posting a CV. Dress smartly, offer a firm handshake, and ask detailed and interesting questions about the position in question as well as the company. Show enthusiasm and interest. Make your first impression before they read your CV, and the gap might not matter anywhere near as much.
Can You Briefly Explain Your Work Break?
How easy to explain is your gap? If you can explain it very briefly, do it when you meet employers and on applications. If it’s a more detailed story, do it in person, but leave it off any applications. If they need to know, they’ll ask.
Start Preparing Your Body and Mind for Work
Getting a job might not be the hard part. Actually working again after a break might take an enormous toll on your body and mind. Start preparing yourself as soon as you decide to head back to work. Get some exercise, do plenty of research and reading, start getting into a routine, and prepare any childcare or other support that you might need. It can make the transition much easier.