Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, taking a career break becomes necessary due to several reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Whether you took a hiatus to raise a family, pursue further education, recover from an illness, or simply took some time off to reassess your goals, restarting your career can be both exciting and daunting.
Restarting your career after a break might seem challenging. The good news is that it's entirely possible to make a successful comeback and re-establish yourself professionally. With the right mindset, preparation, and persistence, the challenges can be navigated through.
Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and a career break can be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Embrace the journey, and soon you'll find yourself back on the path to a fulfilling and successful career. Here are a few expert-recommended tips that will help you Re-Start.
Update Your Resume and Online Presence:
Resume updation is important, considering the skills you've acquired during your hiatus or addressing the employment gap directly to furnish the hiring manager with the required information. Address your career break, but focus more on the valuable attributes you bring to the table. In your cover letter, you can dive deeper into how your time off connects with the job you're applying for and why you're a great fit for the opportunity. It's all about letting the hiring manager know what you've been up to and how it makes you the perfect candidate! Additionally, update your LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms to showcase your readiness to re-enter the workforce.
Build Contacts and Network:
Discover chances to grow your network by joining professional associations, attending networking events, and participating in industry-specific conferences. Leverage your existing network and inform friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances about your career restart. This can lead you to people who might know about job openings or even be hiring managers themselves searching for new talent
Keep your skills up-to-date!
Depending on how long you've been away from work and the field you're in, some of your skills and knowledge might need a little sprucing up. You can take relevant courses, attend workshops, or explore online learning platforms to stay in the loop with the latest industry trends. If you think your skills need a refresher, consider taking a refresher course. It'll boost your confidence, and you'll be able to talk about your updated knowledge with ease on your resume and during interviews. Stay sharp and keep learning!
Don't stop learning! Even after you've successfully restarted your career, keep that hunger for knowledge alive.
Work on the elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is like a quick and snappy introduction about yourself and your desire to get back to work. It holds immense significance as it allows you to communicate your work experience, whether it's with hiring managers or members of your network.
Craft your elevator pitch to include a brief overview of your work background, highlighting the skills and qualities that set you apart as a standout candidate and making it easy for others to envision you in a particular role. It's vital to practice your elevator speech until it flows naturally and exudes confidence and conversational ease.
Prepare for your interview
Before your first job interview, make sure you're prepared to address questions about your career break. They might ask why you had a gap and how you spent that time. Being honest is crucial. Tailor your answers to highlight how your break benefits the role you're applying for. Clearly explain what you did during your break and why it was the right decision for you. Think about potential concerns the interviewer might have, like whether you're ready to jump back into the workforce. Address these worries by explaining your reasons for rejoining and emphasising your passion, drive, and focus. Be genuine and confident, and you'll make a positive impression!
Stay Confident and Persistent:
Job hunting can be tough, especially after taking a break from your career. Rejections might come your way, but it's crucial to believe in yourself and keep persisting. Remember, rebuilding a career takes time, so be patient with yourself and the process.
Take a moment to jot down your skills and strengths on a piece of paper. Keep this list handy during your job search to give yourself an energy boost whenever needed.
Don't hesitate to seek feedback from friends and family. They might have insights and suggestions you haven't considered before.