Embarking on a career break is a common occurrence among seasoned professionals. The break could have been a conscious one or prompted by the pandemic/post pandemic scenario. And a break is no reflection on a candidate’s capability and value that he/she gets to the table.
However the crux lies in how recruiters perceive these gaps, and as a job seeker, mastering this narrative becomes paramount. Always remember, you are recruited for the value you bring to the table, and a career break does not diminish that inherent value. Channel your pride by recalling success stories with past employers.
Let’s delve into addressing the challenge of a career break, whether it occurred pre-pandemic or in recent times with these 8 steps.
1. Unearth Trends with Updated Market Knowledge: In the market conditions shaped by the post pandemic phase , industry dynamics have dramatically changed, demanding a nuanced understanding of trends and shifts. Identify the evolving skill sets sought by different companies across industries. Forge connections with key industry players, reviving relationships to comprehend the ever-changing landscape before embarking on your job quest.
2. Resurrect Your Resume with a Tailored Pitch Letter: The psychological barrier a career break erects can hinder interview calls. Overcome this hurdle by meticulously researching each potential employer. Illuminate your skills, domain knowledge, and experience as a solution provider in your customized pitch. Tailor your resume to showcase success stories and outcomes, not presenting mere job responsibilities.
3. Illuminate Your LinkedIn Profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your professional showcase; keep it vibrant, updated, and engaging. Expand your network, contribute to discussions, and join relevant groups. Leverage the platform’s professional community to stay abreast of industry developments. Recommendations on LinkedIn add a valuable layer to your online presence, affirming your alignment with current trends.
4. Mastering the Interview: Tackling three pivotal questions during an interview requires finesse:
A] Why did you take a break? : – Honesty is the best policy here. If the reason was downsizing due to covid, it needs to be mentioned presenting the impact on the entire business segment, department and / or company, not on you exclusively as an individual. If you are a female and your husband got transferred to another city or country, say so. If one wanted to give priority to parenting since you became a mother, please do mention it. If the company downsized and you were part of a number of people who were asked to leave, please share that. But remember, the art here is not keep delving on the reason…..instead shift your focus of discussion by presenting points on how you can add value to the prospective employer.
B] What were you doing during the break? :- It is always a good idea to keep your skill-sets honed in related areas . For example, if you are a young mother and had to attend to your baby, there could be options of making use of your analytical ability to handle your husband’s investments or finances, improving your hobby like dancing or singing, doing volunteer work, teaching yoga and so on. Or it could be some project based assignment that you did. Creates a favourable impression .You could have taken up freelance consulting assignments which kept you active in the domain with success stories to share. Or if you have pursued any kind of further education, it helps. The point is to demonstrate that while you took a decision to stay away from the corporate work place, you also kept yourself productively engaged. Again ……….steer the discussion in the direction of how your experience can help in taking care of the pain point of the employer.
C] How do we know that you are not looking at this as a short term career move? :- Exude excitement about the company’s values and initiatives, tying them to your accumulated experience. Mention with confidence that you want to start contributing towards the role for your own job satisfaction which creates a win- win. If downsizing was the reason for the break and you have been engaged in freelance or consulting assignments, it can be mentioned that you would now like to take up a career opportunity offering more stability. The concern of the employer would be that you may leave at the next available opportunity. Importantly you need to give the confidence to the employer that you are not looking at this break as a course correction. This is where the in- depth homework done by you on the company and presenting how it aligns with your career goal makes all the difference.
5. Flexible Compensation Negotiation: – This is an area where most employers feel that they should pay a candidate as per the current scale of the position applied for and not necessarily as per the last salary drawn before the break. As a candidate, considering the fact that you are re-entering the corporate, it is advisable to keep the compensation part open for discussion and focus on the job profile and career prospects offered. It can, at times, mean taking a lower salary than what you earned last or lower than your expectations however keep the dialogue moving forward. Or else, you might be missing the woods for the trees. One can always cover up for the deficit over a 1 year period and get back on track if the job profile is enriching. If there is a performance linked variable component in the job offer, it makes the employer feel comfortable working it out. The biggest mistake candidates make is to get stuck to a specific figure of compensation expected and make it a deciding factor. It is good to display empathy towards employers because during the post pandemic era companies too have undergone a huge amount of change on all fronts. So your being flexible on the compensation front can become a point in your favour as compared to other candidates if you have been able to excite the employer that you are the ‘right’ candidate.
6. Radiate Enthusiasm and Energy: In the realm of video interviews, exude enthusiasm, meticulous preparation, and high energy levels. Your excitement and confidence are contagious, making a lasting impression.
7. Leverage Strong References & Certificates: Powerful references from esteemed ex-bosses and influential figures in the industry positively influence your candidacy. Anticipate blind reference checks and boost your credibility with certificates of appreciation.
8. Cultivate Unshakeable Confidence: Confidence in your abilities remains the cornerstone. Despite the challenges, safeguard your self-assurance, recognizing it as the most vital asset.
Remember these eight pillars, and your journey back into a successful career will render the break a distant memory. Welcome back to the professional arena where your talent and capability awaits recognition and rewards.
P.S: In case it interests you to know about my personalised coaching, send us a message here 1:1 Career Development Coaching
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Best Wishes!
Sarabjeet Sachar
Seasoned Career Development & Leadership Coach
Founder & CEO, Aspiration