Most people experience a career break at some point. It can be a welcome event, like choosing to raise children, or an unexpected one, like a layoff due to a world-changing pandemic.
Whatever the reason, it can make returning to the workforce feel challenging and intimidating. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to make it easier on you.
Here’s eight tips for getting back into the working world after a career break.
1. Figure out what you learned during your break.
You likely picked up skills and experiences that’ll work in your favour when looking for a new job. Perhaps you did volunteering at a local shelter, picked up some trade skills helping out with a family member’s projects, or took on basic accounting duties for a friend’s side-business.
You never know what kinds of skills and experiences you’ve had until you stand back and take stock of yourself. Be sure not to sell yourself short.
2. Update your skills or education if needed.
See if there are ways to improve yourself before reentering the workforce. Perhaps there’s a career you have in mind, in which case you’ll need to pursue the skills wanted by that industry.
We say it a lot, but education is never a bad idea. Sure, it can be scary to go back to school, but it’s always worthwhile. And if you’re looking to make a career switch, it can be necessary, too.
When you’ve decided if going back to school is right for you, AOLCC can help. Reach out when you’re ready.
3. Start using your network again.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, former coworkers, mentors, or anyone you consider a business contact. Let them know you’re looking to get back into the working world and that you’d appreciate their insight.
Ask them if they’ve got advice on how to find a job, what skills and industries they think are in-demand (and that you’d be well-suited for), and discuss jobs leads.
This is the perfect time to not only rebuild your network, but expand it, too.
4. Prepare your resume.
Because of a gap in your employment, you’ll need to highlight your qualifications more than your experience. That’s still powerful on a resume when it’s done right.
You’ll find plenty of articles out there on how to write a resume. Here’s the basics you need to get right: make it look nice and clean, use action words, point out your strengths and your accomplishments, and triple check your spelling.
Don’t forget to customize your resume for each place you’re interviewing, emphasizing your skills and experience that would benefit them most.
5. Brush up on your interview skills.
After being out of the working world for a while, you’ll likely realize your interview skills are a little rusty. That’s nothing to be ashamed over, and nothing you can’t easily get back.
There are plenty of videos out there full of interviewing tips and they’re worth watching. But the key things to remember are: present yourself confidently, answer questions in positive ways, and describe hardships as learning experiences.
Don’t forget to research the company you’re going to interview with, and have some interesting questions ready to ask them.
6. Tell your story.
You’ll eventually get to talk about why you were on a career break, voluntarily or otherwise. That’s when you can frame your choices and your experiences in ways that benefit you and help lead to a successful career switch.
Be sure to talk about what you learned during your time away, how it enriched your life and skillset, and how you look forward to applying it in the future.
If you think you’re not a storyteller, find a friend who is, and build your story together.
7. Be open to new and unexpected opportunities.
Your new skills, or the people in your network, might lead you to jobs and opportunities you’ve never thought about before. It’s a good idea to be open to trying them out.
As Richard Branson once said, “if somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
8. Remember to stay positive.
Getting back into the working world, especially after something as uncommon as a pandemic, can be scary. It can take a while, too.
But the important thing is to keep going. Keep searching, keep interviewing, and keep faith in yourself. You’ll get where you need to go. You’re worth it.
Be ready for a career switch in less than a year with the AOLCC.
Choose from over 30 educational programs designed to fit into your schedule and give you the knowledge and training you need to enter the working world. You’ll find start dates that work for you, be able to learn at your own pace, and get the training you need in less than a year.
Contact us today to learn how to change profession quickly with Albion College.
