Writing a Resume After a Career Break
People often take breaks in their career. It is not something uncommon; one might have taken a break due to one of various reasons. That could be raising their family or if they want to pursue their education further. It could also be health issues that they might have had to face. The reasons could be something else too, but taking a break is quite a common thing, and it’s not impossible to get back onto the track after a career break.
When you get back into your career, one of the most important things is remaking your resume and updating it, highlighting your skills’ potential energy. In this article, we will discuss how to update your resume after a career break. We will also give you tips to update your resume in the most professional way so that you can get back into your career.
Why is a well-structured resume necessary after you have taken a break in your career?
A structured resume will tell the employer that you have put effort into your resume, and you are willing to rejoin the workforce. Your resume will show the career gap, and employers might question it. A well-structured resume will tell them that you are ready for working again.
What have you learned from the break?
Before starting to write your resume, you must analyze what you have learned during your break. This will help you, and this time, you can reflect the skills and experience that you have gathered on your resume. You might not have been actively working, but you might have been involved in some activities that could turn out to be transferable. If you might have done some personal projects or internships, remember to include these things.
Choose the right format for writing a resume. Similarly, if you have already been in the corporate sector, you might know that there are two common formats for making a resume. One is chronological, and the other is functional. The chronological resume lists your work history in chronological order, while the functional resume focuses on your experiences, skills, and achievements rather than following a timeline. If your career break is quite lengthy, then you should make a combination resume that uses both formats. This might turn out to be suitable as you will be able to emphasize the skills relevant to the job you are applying for and show your work history at the same time.
Resume Summary
A great opening for your resume is crucial. Your resume requires a captivating opening. This could be an objective statement or a summary, and it should catch the reader’s eye. In this section, you can explain your field and your willingness to restart working. Mention all the skills and experiences you gained during the break. Also, mention the skills relevant to the job you are applying for and any achievements in the area.
Talking about the career gap
Being honest is one of the most important things while applying for a job. Therefore, rather than treating the gap as a negative, briefly address it in your resume by explaining why you took a break. You can create a section titled “Career Break” and provide a concise explanation. This will reflect positively on you and make a strong impact on employers.
Show your relevant skills
Display the skills that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Also, remember to highlight the skills you learned and acquired during your gap. These skills could be necessary for the job or even transferable skills that you gained through professional experience, hobbies, or internships.
Always quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, include quantifiable achievements in your resume. If you improved a percentage or increased efficiency in your previous roles, or if you contributed to a team resulting in a specific numerical outcome, make sure to mention these achievements. This will impress employers and leave a significant impact.
Networking
If you maintained your networking connections and acquaintances while on a break, reach out to those individuals for assistance in rejoining the workforce. Try to become a part of a professional network as it can introduce you to new job opportunities. If you didn’t maintain your networking connections during your gap, consider reaching out to people who could serve as references, such as your previous employers.
Conclusion
Since you were on a break, you might want to consider getting in touch with professional resume writing services. These services can craft your resume and provide assistance in your job search journey. Various services are available on the internet. When choosing a resume service, base your decision on their testimonials and customer reviews. Resume writing services excel in highlighting your key strengths and crafting a resume that doesn’t let a career break overshadow your qualifications and experiences.
Returning to the corporate sector can be challenging, but a carefully crafted resume can ease the process. By analyzing your skills, addressing your work history, and showcasing your achievements, you can easily connect with potential recruiters. Remember that a career break isn’t uncommon – many people take breaks. If you need help with your resume or top-notch services, feel free to contact us. We can provide you with tips on how to successfully reenter the workforce after a career break.