Job Hunting After a Career Break

Take Stock and Establish Goals

Searching for a job after a career break can be a daunting task. It’s important to take stock of your skills and establish your goals before you begin the job search. Consider the job type, industry, salary range, and other factors that are important to you so that you can be focused in your search. Brainstorm potential job options to build a list of potential roles and employers. From there, you can create a tailored job search action plan.

Keep Your Skills and Knowledge Up-to-Date

No matter how long your career break is, it’s important to keep your existing skills and knowledge up-to-date. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advances is critical for success in any job search. Consider enrolling in a course for industry-specific technology, pursuing professional certifications and volunteering in your area to stay current in your field.

Take Advantage of an Online Presence

In today’s job market, having an online presence is vital to a successful job search. As a job seeker, you need to be able to showcase your skills to potential employers, and an online portfolio or presence is the key to doing this. Consider creating accounts on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and pursuing other social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram to build a professional online reputation.

Network and Build Connections

Networking is an essential part of any job search, particularly after a career break. Start with family and friends, and then make use of any professional organizations to get connected and build your network. Speak to people in the industry and put yourself out there. Every connection you make and conversation you have can lead to more contacts, resources, and job leads. Connecting with other professionals can also keep you informed of any hiring opportunities or job openings.

Prepare for the Interview

Once you’ve identified a list of potential roles and employers, it’s time to start polishing your interview skills. Think through common questions, compile a portfolio of relevant work samples or projects, and create an elevator pitch to showcase your experience and skills. Make sure to provide concrete examples to demonstrate your capabilities. Additionally, maintain a positive attitude even if the interview process is longer than you expect. Take advantage of every opportunity to build relationships and learn new information.

Stay Positive

Entering the job market after a break is no easy task, and it can be a long and overwhelming process. However, it’s important to stay positive and trust the process. Focus your efforts on making connections and producing quality work, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a great job after a career break.