6 Tips for a Successful Return to Work After a Career Break
It’s time to get back to business. Returning to work after spending time out of the workforce can be daunting, especially if it’s been a few years since your last job. Transitioning back into the world of resumes and job interviews can feel like a mammoth task, but with the right guidance and mindset, you can do it with ease. Here’s our top advice on how to successfully navigate your journey back into the professional world.
- Review your current skillset
Before getting started on your job applications, make sure to spend some time looking at your current skillset. During your time out of work, have you undergone any volunteer work or engaged in any personal projects that would be useful on your job application? These can provide the transferable skills you need to stand out from other applicants. Alternatively, if you are seeking a job with a specific skillset, it might be worth enrolling in a relevant course, certification or workshop to acquire new skills and boost your employability.
- Update your resume
It’s your time to shine! When creating your resume, it’s important it showcases your current skills and experience in the best way possible. Make sure it’s structured with headings and dot points, highlighting any relevant skills or experience to ensure the employer can easily scan through it. We also recommend adding a short summary to the beginning of your resume, in which you can include any significant achievements or skills you’ve acquired that are relevant to the job you are seeking.
Hot tip: Many employers use LinkedIn for posting jobs. Make sure you update your profile to reflect your resume once you have finalised it! For more guidance, check out our article: How to Write a Job-Winning Resume
- Networking is key!
Now that you’ve updated your resume, it’s time to shout about it. Reach out to former colleagues or contacts in the appropriate industry to let them know you are back in the market, and to see if there are any opportunities coming up. Want to explore a new industry? Look around your local area to see if there are any networking opportunities coming up you can attend. Networking is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to finding opportunities in the current job market.
Hot tip: As well as exploring employment sites like Seek, keep an eye out for different online jobs boards such as this one at Watergardens.
- Mindset is motivation
When hunting for a new job, you might feel moments of overwhelm and anxiety. Don’t worry this is completely normal - you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can creep up on even the most confident of candidates, so it’s important during these moments to take a breath and remind yourself of the unique strengths and qualities you have as an individual. Maintaining a positive mindset will ensure you stay motivated to keep pushing forward until you find your next job.
Hot tip: If the idea of re-entering the workforce feels overwhelming, consider starting with a part-time or temporary position. This can help you build the confidence and skillset you need to move into a full-time role in the future.
- Practice makes perfect
You’ve got the interview, it’s time to prepare! Spend some time researching common interview questions and questions relevant to the field of work you are applying for. Consider additional questions that might be raised in relation to your time out of work - why you took time off and your reasons for re-entering the workforce. Once you are feeling more equipped, consider running a mock interview with a family member or friend to go through different questions and scenarios. Practicing will help you feel more confident when it comes to the real deal! For more advice, visit our article: 10 Tips for Nailing a Job Interview.
- Be open to new opportunities!
When rejoining the employment world your career might look a little different, and that’s okay! Be open to exploring roles in different industries or a brand-new career pathway all together. Remember, this is just the start of your next chapter, and new opportunities can lead to unexpected but highly rewarding opportunities in the future.
Rejoining the workforce can be a fulfilling journey that leads to personal growth and opportunities. By following these tips, you can approach your transition back into work with confidence. Remember, you aren’t alone in this process - whether you are a parent returning to work after your kids have flown the nest, or you’ve had to take time out for other reasons, many have successfully re-entered the workforce and paved the way for a new career. Don’t forget to embrace the journey - you’ve got this!
