With the unpredictability of life, it’s not uncommon for people to take some necessary time away from full-time work. They may need to step back to care for a loved one, prioritize their physical or mental health, navigate an unexpected layoff or pursue a new career opportunity. Regardless of the reason, transitioning back into the professional world after an extended hiatus can be a daunting task—not just in returning to the actual work, but in terms of regaining the confidence of potential employers.
Though it can seem intimidating, it is more than possible to bounce back into full-time work with confidence and have a successful “second act.” To help, 19 members of Forbes Human Resources Council each share their best practices for those looking to launch the next chapter in their career, ultimately facilitating a smooth return to the workforce.
1. Keep Up With Industry Trends
Even during periods of time away from full-time work, professionals can take steps to stay updated on industry trends, advancements and skills. Some ways to do this include taking online certifications, attending industry conferences or webinars, participating in networking events or volunteering in a related field. – Jonathan Romley, Lundi
2. Hire An Executive Coach
I recommend hiring an executive coach. One of my clients took time off to take care of an elderly parent, who eventually passed away. She did not feel 100% confident jumping back into her legal career and wanted to invest in herself, so that she could regain her pizzazz, to ultimately show up as a heavy hitter. Within six months of being on the job, she was nominated for the organization’s mentorship program. – Tish Hodge, The Shine Institute
3. Stay Engaged With Learning And Networking
Taking a break is not so uncommon post-pandemic. Keep yourself engaged by attending seminars related to your profession, reading books to sharpen your skills and keeping up with your respective networking opportunities. That way, you are aware of what is happening around you to really boost your confidence to bounce back quickly. – Prakash Raichur, Taghleef Industries
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4. Focus On Consulting Roles
One best practice for industry professionals looking to bounce back into full-time work and launch their second act or next chapter is to focus on continuous consulting roles, learning and skills development during their time away. This approach not only enhances their qualifications but also helps them regain the confidence of potential employers after a career break. – JacLyn Pagnotta, Rose Associates Inc.
5. Articulate Your Achievements
I took time away from work for the birth of two of my daughters; going back was alarming. I realized even though I was out of the field for one year and completed education and executive coaching assignments, there was a stigma. Personally, I regained confidence through my achievements during the time and articulating them to recruiters and hiring managers to show I was a solid practitioner. – Nakisha Dixon, Vercara
6. Be Honest And Authentic
Bring your vulnerability to the interview and be transparent about your fears—including, ironically, the fear of being rejected. The paradox of fear is that the more we hide it, the more it gets displayed. Demonstrate how you became an even better employee while you were on break and how you plan to use this hiatus to the advantage of the hiring company. – Vineet Gambhir, DataLink Software
7. Refresh Your Knowledge
To prepare yourself to re-enter the workforce or to launch a new chapter, start with updating your skills to build your confidence. Refresh your knowledge and acquire new skills that match the current industry demands. – MJ Vigil, DispatchHealth
8. Showcase Soft Skills Gained
Careers are not always linear and should be embraced. You can showcase skills you gained during the time away, like empathy, adaptability and a growth mindset—all valuable qualities in an industry that is constantly evolving. The technical aspects of the job remain important, but the ability to connect people to a common cause within a company can’t always be taught. – Jamie Aitken, Betterworks
9. Leverage Part-Time Or Volunteer Work
It is important for candidates who have a gap in their resume to position the skills used during that time. Whether in a part-time role or a volunteer position, emphasize the soft and hard skills used, such as time management, organization, volunteer management, marketing and more. During the interview, underline how your skills are still fresh, despite the unconventional resume. – Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
10. Reframe, Reskill And Reconnect
Professionals reentering the workforce should reframe, reskill and reconnect. Articulate life experiences as transferable skills or growth opportunities. Update skills through courses or workshops. Network with industry peers and previous colleagues. A candid narrative about your hiatus, combined with proactive steps taken during it, can turn challenges into assets in an employer’s eyes. – William Stonehouse, Crawford Thomas Recruiting
11. Map Competencies, Then Upskill
Thankfully, we’ve mostly erased the stigma that once came with a gap on your resume. More than 65 million Americans care for ill or elderly family or friends. Map the competencies you’ve banked, then participate in upskilling training to get current. In this talent market, a sojourn on the sidelines shouldn’t be a disqualifier. – Graham Glass, CYPHER LEARNING
12. Engage In Returnship Programs
Engage in returnship programs—structured, short-term employment opportunities designed for professionals looking to return after a break—which bridge the experiential gap, refresh skills and demonstrate renewed commitment. Craft a narrative that frames the hiatus as a growth phase to regain employer confidence, emphasizing the acquired soft skills, resilience and renewed vigor you now bring. – Joseph Soares, IBPROM Corp.
13. Embrace Changes In Your Aspirations
Explore alternatives to what has defined your working life. Efforts to re-engage in the same industry, similar role or level of responsibility may no longer be one’s personal desire. That’s okay! Embrace the change in your personal aspirations to make a contribution to others, advance business goals or contribute to society in a different way. The results will be immeasurable and personally rewarding again! – Laci Loew, XpertHR (a division of LexisNexis Risk Solutions)
14. Prepare And Ease Back In
Returning to full-time work after a break can make employees experience self-doubt and feel like they don’t belong. One good practice is to prepare. You can complete coursework or pursue freelance opportunities to ease back into work. Alternatively, you can work with a coach to get in the right mindset. Many people have returned to work after a time lapse, so they are not alone. – Jennifer Rozon, McLean & Company
15. Highlight Career Breaks On LinkedIn
Career breaks are much more common now than they were years ago, and employers recognize this. Last year, LinkedIn began allowing professionals to highlight career breaks on their profile, while highlighting the skills and experiences gained during their time away. Job seekers should take advantage of this feature so their skills and experiences will appear in recruiter and employer searches. – John Feldmann, Insperity
16. Seek Companies That Support Those With Career Gaps
One trick is to look for companies that have vocalized support for people with career gaps, like ones with returnship programs or programs for career changers, or have tons of messaging about working parents. Knowing they’re already open to your unique path can make you feel more confident in telling your full story, and they might even see your potential before you do. – Ursula Mead, InHerSight
17. Grow Your Network
Keep in touch with your network. You may even consider this a good time to grow it. Staying in contact with former co-workers, professional peers or bosses from your past can create a great starting point for when you are ready to launch again. Let these connections know your plans—chances are good that a few will be in your corner and offer support and referrals. – Lisa Shuster, iHire
18. Remain Connected To The Field
I recommend staying connected to your field in some way, either through a networking group, volunteer work, a board or with a mentor or coach. You might consider participating in industry events, as a participant, or panelist, or maybe write blogs or articles to demonstrate you’re remaining engaged. This will help build your confidence and demonstrate your relevance to future employers. – Tracy Dodd,
19. Know How To Tell Your Story
It is about knowing how to narrate your story by highlighting the value you can bring into the room. It is learning how to embrace and share your accomplishments with grace while showing your attitude and attributes. It is being real and owning you. Also, it is building and expanding your network via LinkedIn, in-person gatherings and professional associations. – Chandran Fernando, Matrix360 Inc.
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