Life can indeed be unpredictable, and there are instances where individuals may need to take a break from their careers to prioritize personal matters. It’s important to note that taking a break doesn’t mean that one cannot return to the industry within a reasonable time frame, such as 30 days.
While each situation is unique, it is possible to reenter the workforce after a short hiatus. It may require some proactive steps, such as keeping your skills up to date, networking with industry professionals, and actively seeking job opportunities. Additionally, staying connected to professional networks and attending relevant industry events can help in getting back into the industry smoothly.
Remember that career breaks are a common occurrence, and employers often understand the need for personal time. With the right approach, determination, and willingness to adapt, it is possible to resume your career successfully after a break.
Based on insights from numerous candidates and recruiters, here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you reenter the industry after a career break. These steps have proven to enhance your chances of success:
- Research:
- Conduct thorough research on the jobs you are interested in to gain a better understanding of the requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications associated with those roles.
- It will also help you prepare for interviews by allowing you to anticipate and answer questions related to the job and industry.
- Upgrade your skills
- Take the time to refresh your knowledge and skills related to your industry. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or obtaining certifications to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth
- Over time, it’s common for skills and technologies to evolve in various industries. It’s important to acknowledge that your previous skills might be outdated due to advancements in the field.
- Stay relevant in the industry by actively learning and acquiring the skills that are currently in high demand.
- Mentor
- Having a mentor can provide valuable guidance and insights by helping you identify areas where you may have gaps or areas for improvement.
- A mentor not only understands your strengths and weaknesses but also provides support and guidance during challenging times, helping you navigate through difficulties and emerge stronger.
- A mentor serves as a good listener, providing a safe space for you to express your concerns and challenges. They lend an empathetic ear and offer guidance and advice to help you overcome obstacles.
- A mentor can assist you in preparing for interviews by conducting mock interviews. They provide valuable feedback, help refine your interviewing skills, and enhance your confidence for the actual interviews.
- Build professional network
- Leverage your professional network and attend industry events or conferences to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections. Networking can help you access job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the current market trends.
- Attend relevant meetup events and networking sessions to expand your professional connections and gain industry insights. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals in your field, engage in meaningful conversations, and stay updated on industry trends. By actively participating in these events, you can build valuable relationships, learn from others’ experiences, and potentially discover hidden job opportunities through networking.
- Reach out to your existing network, including former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts, to let them know about your job search and career aspirations. These connections may have valuable insights, job leads, or even be able to refer you to potential opportunities. Maintaining and nurturing your professional network is crucial as it can open doors to hidden job markets and provide valuable support during your job search journey. Don’t hesitate to reconnect with your old network and leverage their expertise and connections to advance your career goals.
- Build your presence
- Having an outstanding LinkedIn profile is essential when searching for jobs in Canada. It serves as your professional online presence and can significantly impact your job search success.
- A well-optimized LinkedIn profile can attract recruiters, showcase your expertise, and increase your chances of landing your dream job in Canada.
- Check LinkedIn Tips & Tricks
- Resume
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Emphasize any achievements or projects completed during your career break, such as volunteer work or freelancing.
- Check the Tips & Tricks for the resume
- Get your resume reviewed by industry experts or professional resume writers to ensure it effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and qualifications. These experts can provide valuable feedback and insights to help you improve the content, formatting, and overall impact of your resume. They can identify areas for improvement, suggest keyword optimizations, and tailor your resume to specific job applications or industries. A well-crafted resume increases your chances of getting noticed by employers and securing interviews.
- A well-crafted resume plays a crucial role in the job application process, and a poorly written one can indeed lead to rejections. Hiring managers often have limited time to review each resume, so it’s essential to make a strong first impression.
- Freelancing/Internship
- When getting back to work after a career break, be open to starting with internships or part-time positions to regain industry exposure and demonstrate your commitment. These opportunities can lead to full-time roles in the future.
- Though unpaid, internships can be highly beneficial for boosting your job search when applying for jobs. Internships offer valuable hands-on experience in your desired field, allowing you to develop new skills, gain industry knowledge, and build a professional network.
- Showcase your skills
- Having your own website, GitHub profile, Tableau profile, Stack Overflow profile, and other online profiles can greatly enhance your job search and make you stand out to potential employers. These platforms provide you with an opportunity to showcase your skills, projects, and expertise in a professional manner.
- Having these online profiles not only helps you showcase your skills and work, but it also makes it easier for employers to find and assess your qualifications
- It increases your online visibility and allows you to establish credibility and authority in your field. Employers often rely on these platforms to evaluate candidates, so having a strong and active presence can significantly boost your job search efforts.
- Writing blogs, articles, case studies, and other forms of content related to your field of work can be a valuable addition to your job search efforts.
- Preparation is indeed the key to a successful job search.
- Understand the Job Requirements: Review the job description thoroughly and identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required. This will enable you to align your experience and accomplishments with the specific job requirements.
- Practice Common Interview Questions: Anticipate common interview questions and practice your responses. Prepare concise and compelling answers that highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
- Mock Interviews: Consider participating in mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or career coach. This will help you practice your responses, receive feedback, and improve your interview performance.
- Prepare Examples and Stories: Identify specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership qualities. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to illustrate your capabilities.
Remember, returning to the industry after a career break is achievable with the right strategies and determination. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding position that aligns with your professional goals.