How to Return to Work After a Career Break

Returning to the workforce after a planned career break can feel like a daunting task. The professional world moves quickly, and you might feel like your skills are rusty or that you’ve fallen behind. You may also be worried about how to explain the gap in your resume.

The good news is that with a strategic approach, you can re-enter the workforce with confidence and turn your career break into a compelling part of your story. It’s not about pretending the break didn’t happen; it’s about showing how that time has made you a more focused, skilled, and valuable candidate.

Step 1 Reflect on Your Goals

Before you start firing off applications, take some time to reflect. Your career break may have given you a new perspective on what you want from a job.

What did you learn about yourself during your break? Did you discover a new passion or realize you want a better work-life balance?
What are your non-negotiables for your next role? Are you committed to remote work? Do you need a flexible schedule?
What kind of work would truly energize you? Don’t just look for the same type of job you had before. Consider if this is an opportunity to pivot or try something new.

Getting clear on your goals will help you focus your job search on opportunities that are a true fit for the person you are now.

Step 2 Update Your Professional Toolkit

Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal portfolio are your primary marketing tools. They need to be updated to reflect your career break and any new skills you’ve acquired.

Address the Gap on Your Resume. Don’t just leave a blank space. Create a section on your resume to explain your career break. Frame it positively. For example, "Professional Sabbatical for Global Travel" or "Full-Time Parent and Household Manager." Under this heading, list any relevant skills you developed, such as "cross-cultural communication," "budget management," or "project coordination."
Highlight New Skills. If you took any courses or worked on any personal projects during your break, make sure they are prominently featured on your resume.
Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile. Update your headline and summary to reflect your current career goals. Write a post announcing that you are excited to be starting your job search and what kind of roles you are looking for.

Step 3 Rebuild Your Network

Your professional network is your most powerful job-searching tool. Now is the time to reactivate it.

Start with Your Closest Contacts. Reach out to former colleagues and managers you had a good relationship with. Let them know you’re back on the market. Ask for a brief coffee chat to catch up and get their perspective on the current state of the industry.
Be Specific in Your Asks. When you talk to people in your network, don’t just say, "Let me know if you hear of any openings." Be specific. Tell them the types of roles and companies you’re interested in. This makes it much easier for them to help you.
Conduct Informational Interviews. Reach out to people in interesting roles at companies you admire. Ask for a 15-minute informational interview to learn more about their work. This is a great way to expand your network and get insider information about potential opportunities.

Step 4 Practice Your Story

You will be asked about your career break in every interview. You need to have a confident, concise, and positive story prepared.

Your explanation should have three parts:

The "Why". Briefly and professionally explain why you took the break. "I took a planned career break to focus on my family."
The "What". Briefly explain what you did or learned. "During that time, I stayed current with the industry by completing a certification in digital marketing."
The "Now". Pivot back to the present and express your enthusiasm for returning to work. "I’m now ready and eager to bring my skills and renewed energy to a great company like yours."

Practice saying your story out loud until it feels natural and confident. The way you talk about your break is just as important as what you say.

Step 5 Be Patient and Persistent

Re-entering the workforce can take time. There will be rejections along the way. It’s important to stay positive and persistent.

Set a Routine. Treat your job search like a job. Dedicate specific hours each day to searching for roles, tailoring your applications, and networking.
Celebrate Small Wins. Did you get a positive response to a networking email? Did you have a great informational interview? Acknowledge and celebrate these small victories to keep your motivation high.
Stay Confident. Your career break does not diminish your past accomplishments or your future potential. You have valuable skills and experience. Own your story and communicate your value with confidence.

Returning to work after a break is a journey. By taking a strategic and proactive approach, you can navigate it successfully and land a role that you’re truly excited about.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I address concerns about my skills being outdated?

Be proactive. Highlight any courses, certifications, or personal projects you worked on during your break. You can also say something like, "I’ve been actively following industry trends during my time away and I’m a quick learner, so I’m confident I can get up to speed very quickly on any new technologies."

What if I don't have a "productive" story for my break? What if I was just resting?

Rest and recovery are productive. You can frame it as a "sabbatical for personal well-being." You can say, "After several years of intense work, I took a planned break to recharge and prevent burnout. I’m now returning to the workforce with renewed energy and focus."

Should I consider a "returnship" or a contract role first?

These can be excellent options. A returnship is a type of internship for experienced professionals returning to the workforce. It can be a great way to ease back in and update your skills. A contract role can also be a good way to get a foot in the door at a company and prove your value.