How To Successfully Surface Career Breaks In An Interview

Many individuals step out of the workforce at some point in their careers, whether it’s to care for family, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, or relocate. Historically, anyone returning to work after any type of career breaks posed challenges due to stigma and perceived gaps in employment history. However, there’s a positive shift in the job market’s perception of employment gaps, offering hope to those seeking to re-enter the workforce.

Many companies now have policies or programs specifically designed to support employees returning to work after a career break. One significant development aiding this shift is the emergence of returnship programs. These initiatives provide a structured pathway for mid-career professionals to update their skills and gain experience after a career break, benefiting both employers and returners. Other benefits offered are flexible work arrangements and tailored skills development programs.

One industry at the forefront of this change is technology, with companies providing returning professionals with the opportunity to refresh their skills through hands-on experience and mentorship. Such programs offer a structured pathway for individuals looking to re-enter the workforce after career breaks.

Networking and mentorship can also play crucial roles in the re-entry process, providing support and guidance as you navigate the job market. Additionally, recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and how hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with career breaks, can enrich organizations. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and consulting are also recognizing the value of hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

How to Re-Enter the Workforce With Career Breaks

Every return to work starts with a first step. The best and #1 way to fluently talk about your career gap is to – be prepared. When preparing to re-enter the workforce, self-advocacy, transparency, and strategic planning are key.

Start by compiling a list of accomplishments during the career break, including continued education, volunteer work, and leadership roles in community or charity organizations. This means you will need to spend time coming up with a list of accomplishments during your break to highlight continued education courses, volunteer work (yes PTA counts), and key projects you participated in or provided leadership for (schools, charities, etc.). It is critical to convey to the potential employer that you invested in and remained committed to your career development by accomplishing these things despite your “break.” Learn the list forwards and backward because you will need to use it to discuss your career break in an interview.

In addition to the list of things you accomplished during your career break, you must update your resume and write a good cover letter. Both documents should reflect your career gap and include the length of time it lasted. In doing this, you provide full transparency with your potential employer before you get to the interview. Please remember that if you have a career gap, even if the employer does not require it, submit a cover letter. The cover letter is your time to emphasize important details about yourself that can’t be elaborated on in a resume; this includes career gaps.

An example of an excerpt from a cover letter of an applicant with a career gap may sound like this: “In transparency, I have a career gap which was due to a life-changing medical challenge for my child. This event led to a need for me to be their full-time and primary caregiver and place their needs as my top priority. I am proud to say that during this difficult period, I kept my work skills updated by independently completing continuous education courses in project management practices, and active volunteer work, including leadership roles in school and charitable organizations. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss how I can help the organization exceed its goals and objectives. I look forward to hearing from you.” Keep in mind that this would be a small part of the overall cover letter and not the only thing that is on it.

Updating your resume and crafting a transparent cover letter that addresses any career breaks are two essential steps in presenting yourself to potential employers.

Preparation Is Key When Returning To Work

It is wise to prepare as much as possible for interviews before they occur. Find a trusted partner or hire a career coach to conduct mock interviews to help you remain poised under pressure. With this practice, you will be well prepared to discuss your career break openly, highlight the skills and experiences gained, and emphasize transferable skills that demonstrate your commitment to professional development during your interviews.

Preparation is a necessary segue that will lead you from job searching to landing a new role. Once you get an interview, you must continue with transparency throughout your discussions with the potential employer, recruiter, and hiring manager. This bridge of preparation will make your career gap visible to any potential employers, but instead of being seen as a liability, it will be seen as an opportunity of improvement that is filled with achievements that highlight all of your most valuable strengths.

Guide to navigating the job market successfully:

• Embrace Returnship Programs: Explore structured initiatives designed to help professionals re-enter the workforce after career breaks.
• Prepare Strategically: Compile a list of achievements during your career break, update your resume, and craft a transparent cover letter addressing the gap.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills gained during your break, such as leadership in volunteer roles or continued education.
• Utilize Networking and Mentorship: Leverage your professional network and seek mentorship to support your re-entry into the workforce.
• Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Recognize the value of diverse backgrounds and experiences in the workplace.

With preparation, transparency, and a proactive mindset, you can successfully navigate your return to work and thrive in your career journey.

In conclusion, while returning to work after a career break may present challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and development. By adopting a proactive approach, leveraging available resources, and showcasing your skills and experiences, you can successfully transition back into the workforce and thrive in your career.