Career Break Guide: Tips for a Successful Return to the Workforce
Taking a break from work can be a refreshing pause in your career.
Whether it's for personal growth, family responsibilities, or other reasons, going back to work afterward can feel scary. But don't worry - with the right approach, you can turn your career break into a chance for success.
Let's look at how to make your return both smooth and rewarding.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | 75% of British workers have considered taking a career break |
| Duration | Most career breaks last between 6 months to 2 years |
| Gender Difference | Women in the U.S. are 43% more likely than men to have a career break |
| Return Rate | Only 33% of women return to the same industry after a break |
| Job Prospects | Applicants with resume gaps are 45% less likely to get interview invites |
| Returnship Success | STEM Reentry Task Force programs have an 86% hire rate |
Understanding Career Breaks: More Common Than You Think
First off, you're not alone. Career breaks are becoming more common. In fact, 75% of British workers have thought about taking one.
These breaks usually last anywhere from a month to two years, with most falling between 6 months to 2 years. Women in the U.S. are 43% more likely than men to have a career break on their LinkedIn profile.
People take breaks for all sorts of reasons. Some need to rest, others want to travel or volunteer. Many take time off to care for family members or focus on their health.
Whatever your reason, it's important to know that taking a break doesn't mean the end of your career - it's just a pause.
Career breaks can also be a chance for personal and professional growth. Some people use this time to learn new skills, go back to school, or explore different job paths. This time of thinking and growing can lead to a more satisfying career when you return.
How Career Breaks Affect Job Prospects
It's true that returning to work after a break can be challenging.
Only 33% of women return to the same industry after a break. And a study found that people with gaps in their resume were 45% less likely to get interview invites.
But don't let these numbers discourage you. They're just statistics, and with the right plan, you can overcome these challenges.
Remember, your career break doesn't erase your skills and experience. In fact, you might have gained new perspectives and abilities during your time away. The key is to talk about your break in a positive way and show employers how it's made you a stronger candidate.
Many employers now see the value that people returning from career breaks bring to the workplace.
These individuals often come back with new energy, fresh ideas, and a strong desire to succeed. Some companies actively look for professionals who have taken career breaks, valuing their diverse experiences and unique skills.
Strategies for a Successful Return to the Workforce
Assessing Your Skills and Goals
Before you jump back in, take some time to think about what you want. Has your break changed your career goals? What new skills or interests have you developed?
This self-reflection can help you target jobs that truly excite you. Career advisors can be a great resource here, helping you plan your next steps.
Consider doing a thorough skills check. List all your work skills, including those you've developed during your break.
This can help you identify any skills you might need to improve before returning to work. It's also a chance to recognize transferable skills that could open up new career possibilities.
Updating Your Resume and Online Presence
Now it's time to update that resume. Don't try to hide your career break - instead, highlight any relevant experiences or skills you gained during that time. Did you volunteer? Learn a new language? These can all add value to your profile. And don't forget to update your LinkedIn and other professional profiles too.
When updating your resume, consider using a format that emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than a timeline. This can help draw attention to your abilities rather than the gap in your work history.
On LinkedIn, use the headline and summary sections to clearly state your career goals and the value you can bring to potential employers.
Networking and Reconnecting with Former Colleagues
Networking is key when returning to work. Reach out to old colleagues and let them know you're looking for a job.
Attend industry events or join professional groups online. These connections can lead to job opportunities or provide valuable insights about your industry.
Don't underestimate the power of informational interviews. Reach out to professionals in roles or companies you're interested in and ask for a brief chat.
This can help you learn about current industry trends and potential opportunities. It's also a great way to practice talking about your career break and future goals in a relaxed setting.
Researching Current Job Market Trends
A lot can change in a short time, especially in fast-moving industries. Spend some time researching the current trends in your field. Are there new skills you need to learn?
New software or tools that have become standard? Staying informed will help you target your job search and prepare for interviews. Check out Loopcv's job seeker resources for up-to-date market insights.
Consider subscribing to industry magazines, following experts on social media, and participating in relevant online forums or discussions. This not only keeps you informed but also shows your engagement and enthusiasm to potential employers.
The Rise of Returnship Programs
Here's some good news: many companies now offer "returnship" programs specifically designed for professionals returning after a career break.
These programs typically last 12-16 weeks and offer paid work experience, training, and mentorship. They're a great way to ease back into the workforce and potentially land a full-time position.
Returnship programs are becoming more popular across various industries. They provide a structured way to re-enter the workforce, allowing you to refresh your skills, build your confidence, and prove your value to potential employers. Some well-known companies offering returnship programs include Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and IBM.
Benefits of Return-to-Work Programs
For Participants
Returnship programs offer many benefits. You get to refresh your skills, learn about current industry practices, and build your confidence. Plus, you're working on real projects, which looks great on your resume. Many programs also offer the possibility of full-time employment at the end.
These programs often provide a supportive environment where you can connect with other professionals who are also returning to work. This peer support can be really helpful as you navigate the challenges of re-entering the workforce.
Additionally, many returnship programs offer flexible work arrangements, recognizing that returners may have ongoing family or personal commitments.
For Employers
Companies benefit too. They get access to a pool of experienced professionals with diverse perspectives. It's a chance for them to evaluate potential employees before making a full-time offer.
Many employers find that returnship programs help improve diversity, especially for women in STEM fields. If you're an employer interested in setting up a returnship program, check out LoopCV's recruiter services.
Returnship programs can also help companies address skills gaps in their workforce.
Returners often bring a wealth of experience and maturity, along with fresh perspectives gained during their career breaks. This combination can be particularly valuable in driving innovation and problem-solving within organizations.
Spotlight on STEM Reentry Task Force
Speaking of STEM, there's a special initiative called the STEM Reentry Task Force. It's a partnership between the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch, aimed at increasing the number of women in STEM through return-to-work programs.
So far, 44 companies have joined, with 24 launching programs. Over 1,000 people have participated, with an impressive 86% hire rate!
The success of the STEM Reentry Task Force shows the untapped potential of professionals who have taken career breaks.
It also demonstrates the growing recognition among employers of the value that returners can bring to STEM fields. If you're a STEM professional considering a return to work, these programs could provide an excellent pathway back into your field.
How Loopcv Supports Career Returners
At LoopCV, we understand the unique challenges of returning to work after a break. That's why we offer tools and resources specifically designed to support career returners.
Our platform helps you find relevant job opportunities, tailor your resume, and track your applications all in one place. We also provide outplacement services to help you transition smoothly back into the workforce.
LoopCV's AI-powered job matching technology can be particularly helpful for career returners.
It helps identify roles that match your skills and experience, even if they're in different industries or job titles than you've held before. This can open up new opportunities you might not have considered otherwise.
Success Stories: Inspiring Career Comeback Examples
Many professionals have successfully returned to work after career breaks. Take Sarah, for example.
After a 5-year break to raise her children, she participated in a returnship program at a tech company. The program helped her update her skills and rebuild her confidence. Today, she's a project manager at the same company, bringing a unique perspective to her role.
Or consider Mark, who took a 2-year break to care for an ill family member. He used this time to learn new skills online. When he returned to job hunting, he highlighted these new skills along with his previous experience. He's now working in a new field that combines his old and new expertise.
Another inspiring example is Maria, who took a 10-year career break to focus on her family. During this time, she volunteered at her children's school, managing several large fundraising events.
When she decided to return to work, she used these experiences to transition into a new career in event management. Her story shows how skills developed during a career break can lead to exciting new opportunities.
Conclusion
Remember, your career break is part of your unique story - it doesn't define you, but it can help shape your future path. With the right preparation, support, and mindset, you can turn your career break into a career breakthrough.
Whether you're looking to return to your previous field or explore new horizons, tools like Loopcv can help streamline your job search.
If you need personalized guidance, consider reaching out to career advisors who can help you navigate this exciting new chapter in your professional life!
