How to get into work after a career break

If you are looking to get back into work after a career break, it can be difficult to know where to get started. Making the leap back into the world of full, or part-time employment can be challenging, particularly when finding work after long-term unemployment.

Try to view your transition back into work as an exciting time. There are plenty of things you can try to get yourself ready to get back into work after your career break, such as training, refreshing your skills, and sprucing up your CV.

In this article, we will break down our top tips for getting back into work after a career break.

Consider your options

Considering what sort of career you should look for after a career break can be overwhelming. It’s important to consider all available options when making your choice.

First, think about your working life before you took your career break, including highs and lows. If there was anything you particularly enjoyed about your previous career, it might make sense to go back into that career or look for something that would fulfil you similarly.

You should also spend some time thinking about the things in your previous career that you did not enjoy, such as working late nights when you would rather work 9 to 5.

Once you know the role you are looking for, consider what you need to do to be eligible to start a career in that field. This could be formal training to earn industry-recognised qualifications or gaining some experience in a related field.

Get trained and refresh your skills

Now you have considered your options and have done some research into the career you are interested in, it's time to train up and refresh your skills. Here at e-Careers, we have a wide range of Online and Virtual Classroom qualifications suitable for those looking to retrain after a career break. Studying online with e-Careers is ideal for those with less time to commit to studying each day, or those with family commitments, as you can learn at your own pace when it suits you best. 

Virtual Classroom training courses will be suitable for those who can dedicate multiple days in a row to training and who prefer to study with a trainer in a live classroom setting.  

If you are thinking of ways to leave a positive impression on potential employers, view the e-Careers guide to standing out from the crowd in your job search.  

Update your CV and include your career break

If you are returning to the world of employment after a lengthy career break, consider updating your CV. Many people find it beneficial to explain any gaps in their CV and include any newly gained skills. Where possible, tailor your CV to your chosen industry to support your application. For more CV tips and advice, read our handy guide on how to write a great CV.               

Use your existing network of contacts

One method you may not have explored is to use your existing network of contacts to help you find a new role after your career break. While an informal post on sites like Facebook might help generate a few potential options, it makes more sense to concentrate your search on a professional networking site like LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn can be a useful tool for those looking for work. Post an update to your network explaining that you are now looking to get back into work and see what your network has available.

After you have tapped into your existing connections, you can expand your network by adding recruiters and other contacts from your chosen industry.

Another top tip is to use LinkedIn to build your brand and market yourself to potential employers.            

Nail your cover letter

When you identify suitable jobs that you would like to apply for, be sure to write a Cover Letter that showcases your skills and experience. One helpful tip is to create a bank of strong sentences in a document that highlights your positive work qualities and describes your previous work experience.

Wherever possible you should try to tailor your experience to the role you are applying for, as this is the most effective way to enable the hiring manager to see your suitability for the role.

For more Cover Letter tips, read our guide on how to craft a winning Cover Letter.  

Prepare for interviews 

Finally, when looking to get back into the job market after a career break, it’s important to prepare for interviews. While you may be apprehensive about going for an interview after a career break, remember that there is a lot you can do in advance to put your best foot forward in an interview.

Start by familiarising yourself with common interview questions and answers, and get to know the different interview formats, such as a competency-based interview.

You may find it useful to rehearse questions and answers with someone at home, to help you feel more settled and prepared, or speak in front of a mirror to work on appearing confident and comfortable.

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 to speak to one of our Career Consultants today, to discuss your career goals or get started.