Returning to work after a long break can be intimidating. Whether you’ve been raising children, recovering from a setback or simply taking time out, re-entering the job market often requires renewed confidence, updated skills and a fresh perspective. Here’s how to make your comeback count.

1. Upskill for the job market

Building skills and knowledge is the best way to give yourself an advantage in a tight job market. Training backed by certification shows an employer that you’re ambitious and work ready. If you cannot afford to pay for training, there are many free online courses that can enable you to build up your skills.

2. Be honest

Explain your employment gap in a few sentences in your CV and cover letters upfront, rather than waiting to be asked (or worse, leaving the recruiter to make their own assumptions). Many employers will give you a chance if they understand your personal story.

3. Look for temporary work

When applying for full-time roles, let employers know that you’re also available for freelance, part-time or temporary work. This is often a good way of getting a foot in the door and securing a permanent post later. It is also a way to network and make contacts, which can be beneficial in the future.

4. Consider volunteering

Voluntary work, whether it is helping out at a school, charity, church or an industry association, can help you to strengthen your CV, demonstrate your reliability and initiative, and develop new skills. That said, volunteering is not easy for everyone. Transport costs and other expenses can make unpaid work difficult to sustain for many people.

5. Tap into your network

Reconnect with people in your network to improve your chances of finding an opportunity. Call or email former employers, clients, colleagues and other contacts to catch up. You can remove some pressure from these conversations by positioning them as chats to find out what is new in the job market.

6. Stay current in your field

Reading industry trade publications, following influential people from your sector on social media and attending conferences and workshops allow you to stay current in your field.  It also shows potential employers you are keeping up to date with the industry.

7. Life skills are work skills, too

If you have taken time out to bring up a family, you deserve credit for balancing family responsibilities, managing the household budget and organising everyone’s diary. Framed correctly, soft skills (such as initiative, adaptability, organisation) are attractive to employers.

Content by pnet. 

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