Career / Career Growth / Restart Career

How do I start my career after a long break

. 3 min read . Written by Vanshika Goenka
How do I start my career after a long break

A career break can look like a speed breaker in your otherwise soaring career graph. But nonetheless, many people these days are opting to quit the rat race and go on a self-imposed sabbatical. The reasons for taking this step may vary. Some might have done it to start a family, others for that never-ending dream vacation they’ve been planning forever.

And though the idea of ‘being on a break’ seems enchanting, it is a rather tough step and you may want to get back to being a 9 to 5 person once your goal has been met. But getting hired after a gap isn’t easy, to say the least. Don’t worry, we got your back. Here’s what you can do to get hired, ASAP!

Prepare yourself

Getting back to a set routine is going to require some amount of work. So prepare yourself not only physically, but also mentally. Have a plan ready to take care of the things you won’t be able to, now that you’ll be at work. Try to work towards a schedule that’ll help you attain the most of both worlds, so that you don’t instantly regret getting back to a 9 to 5 schedule.

Have a solid reason

You might have taken a break to gallivant across the globe or simply wanted to give yourself some time off. Either way, don’t mention this to your employers because they may not understand it. However, reasons like starting a family, taking time off for your wedding, and contemplating a career change are acceptable reasons. But make sure you say it with confidence and also mention in the passing about the things you’ve learnt during this time off.

Update your resume

The first thing you must do is update your resume and mention your break. It is also a good idea to mention the duration of the break and talk about what it has taught you. This will add substance to your resume. Make a career gap look like a positive on your CV by adding all the skills you acquired in this gap, such as a crash course in digital marketing that you may have taken.

Hone your skills

Since we’ve already talked about acquiring new skills when on a break, let me add that you need to treat your career break like bonus time. This time must be utilised to hone your skills and do the things that are impossible to do with a full-time job. Crash courses and diploma courses offered by reputed universities can add weight to your resume, and help you get back to full-time work with ease. So maybe pick up a few tricks on photography or graphic designing while you can?

Get references

If you’ve been in the industry for long and happen to know some influential people, use these acquaintances in your favour. It’s a good idea to get references from them for potential job opportunities. Since they already know you, they can vouch for your work and that is all the guarantee you’ll need. Plus references and recommendations can work wonders for most people.

Network

If you are getting back to action after a break, a good way to start off is by getting in touch with old friends and colleagues. This will not only help you make contact with long lost friends but also get a feel of the job market. Plus, you can also spread the word about your job hunt. You never know who might have an interesting opportunity for you.

Assess your goals

Many people tend to take whatever opportunity comes their way; either they are desperate or they are too afraid they won’t find anything better. But don’t make the mistake of taking up a role that doesn’t interest you,  it will only end up making you more frustrated. Take time out to assess your goals, see if they align with that of the job you are about to take, and most of all listen to what your gut has to say. If you are still unsure of how it will turn out, give it a pass and wait for the right opportunity to come by.

Be patient

To get a good job that you can sustain in the long term, you need to be patient. Everything worthwhile takes time, so a good job will also take time to come by. What you must do is hang on and continue to give interviews your best shot. Don’t overthink your decision of taking a break, rather, be proud of the chances you’ve taken. Sooner or later, a potential employer will see how your break has enhanced your personality and made you a better employee.