Work skills and abilities are somewhat similar to a good physical shape: they require constant support and practice. But sometimes, we must suspend our work activity (maternity leave, long vacation, illness, personal circumstances).
And we return to work and feel like inexperienced interns: a lot has been forgotten or changed, and an employee can generally feel confused. Not to mention the job search process: you can get into a stupor.
We talked to psychologists and HRs and found out how to get back into the job market after a long absence and become a great specialist again.
Even if a long break took several years, this is not an obstacle to finding a job. Some applicants even begin to search before leaving the decree, for example. Feel free to use everything where you can find work:
It’s great if you have a good relationship at a previous job. Perhaps they will help you to make a plan on how to get back into the job market after an absence, get back to your last position, or they will lead you to new career connections.
Many job seekers ask themselves: “How do you indicate your long break from work on your resume? And is it worth doing it at all?
It is. For the simple reason: honesty is conducive, and the truth will emerge anyway. You need to indicate your period of work in previous companies in the form of dry numbers: from such and such a year to such and such.
To catch the attention of a recruiter or employer, focus on your advantages:
It will be a plus if you also have a portfolio of recent works (if your specificity allows it).
The interview is the second part of the job search after a long break. So naturally, many applicants begin to worry a lot about this. After all, it’s not known how the employer will react to a long pause in work or whether there will be bias on his part about this.
The first thing to do on how to get back into the job market is to tune in to a successful outcome of the conversation. The second one is to follow simple five rules for how to pass an interview after a long pause in work.
Try to be truthful and concise at the same time. Omissions can arouse suspicion, and excessive frankness can repel.
Any employer wants a truly motivated worker to join their team. Tell us about your passion and desire to work.
Especially if you’re good at what you do, an additional advantage will be that you did not sit idly by, but tried to improve your knowledge, learn a foreign language, or master a new skill.
It is better, of course, to start restoring it immediately after the break, especially after several years of pause. Agree with your employer about your professional growth, and draw up a plan for your professional development.
Sometimes you have to give in a little, for example, in salary. Don’t let this confuse you: sometimes it’s better to take a small step back so that all ten steps forward later.
Looking for a job after a long pause is almost no different from a regular job seeker. You need to, first of all, cast aside doubts and start the process. The result will not keep you waiting. Our team wishes you successful searches, finding the best way how to get back into the job market after not working for years, and career achievements!