{"id":10405,"date":"2021-06-28T11:11:52","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T09:11:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmkedev.wpengine.com\/?p=10405"},"modified":"2021-11-02T15:27:24","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T13:27:24","slug":"how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Back to Work After Long A Career Break"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Getting back to work after a long career break presents its own sets of struggles, no doubt. Whether you have been out of the workplace for a year or longer, just the thought of restarting your career can be daunting.<\/p>\n<p>Did you take a break to take care of your family? Or did you decide to get back to school and learn a few new things about the job? Whatever your reasons, the following tips have been carefully curated to give ideas into how to start off again after your long career break.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b63edf1c8c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b63edf1c8c\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#1_Be_Honest_About_the_Career_Gap\" >1. Be Honest About the Career Gap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#2_Update_your_CV_Cover_Letter\" >2. Update your CV &amp; Cover Letter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#3_Gain_New_Skills_or_Certifications\" >3. Gain New Skills or Certifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#4_Network_with_Relevant_Parties\" >4. Network with Relevant Parties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#5_Practice_Mock_Interviews\" >5. Practice Mock Interviews<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-get-back-to-work-after-long-a-career-break\/#Finally%E2%80%A6\" >Finally&#8230;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Be_Honest_About_the_Career_Gap\"><\/span>1. Be Honest About the Career Gap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Whatever your reason for taking a career break, make sure to keep it brief and concise. During an interview, try to list the actual reasons why you took the break &#8211; and briefly about what you have been doing during the time off.<\/p>\n<p>Provide a clear reason on why you took the break, then return the conversation to your skills or qualification for the current job.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9565\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630.png\" alt=\"long career break\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630-378x198.png 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630-770x404.png 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630-600x315.png 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Know-yourself_1200by630-390x205.png 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Update_your_CV_Cover_Letter\"><\/span>2. Update your CV &amp; Cover Letter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you took a long career break, it goes without saying that your CV &amp; Cover Letter need some work. Spend some time making adjustments to ensure you are working with current professional standards. Having outdated formats can lock you out of jobs that you apply for.<\/p>\n<p>Do not hide the career break you took to get interviews, employers will always notice if you took time off the job, and will ask questions. For instance, in your updated CV, instead of skipping the gap, rearrange it to a non-chronological format. This will focus less on the timelines and more on the skills you have for various positions you held.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Gain_New_Skills_or_Certifications\"><\/span>3. Gain New Skills or Certifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you had previously worked in a rapidly changing field such as digital marketing or software and data management &#8211; you need to update your skills to fit the new trends. There is a high chance a lot will have changed in the sector. Get new certifications in the field you&#8217;d like to re-enter.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9379\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630.png\" alt=\"long career break\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630-378x198.png 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630-770x404.png 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630-600x315.png 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Become-an-expert_1200by630-390x205.png 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Showing the willingness to update to current trends and ideas sets you apart from anyone else applying for the same roles. It shows your prospective employer that you are a proactive individual with the drive to learn new skills and ideas. You get a better advantage over candidates facing the same situation as you are.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Network_with_Relevant_Parties\"><\/span>4. Network with Relevant Parties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Returning to work after a long career break will mean that most of your colleagues will have moved on as well. <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/networking-when-you-dont-know-anyone\">Reconnect<\/a> with them and find the right people who can assist you in getting the ropes at work again.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9578\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630.jpg\" alt=\"long career break\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630-378x198.jpg 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630-770x404.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630-600x315.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friends-in-the-workplace_1200by630-390x205.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>They can also update you with new opportunities in the markets, as they know your skills and qualifications. You can reach out to former clients as well, and let them know you are looking for new opportunities. You never know, one or two of them may be aware of current job opportunities as they are already in the job market.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styles-module--contentSection--_QWYk\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Practice_Mock_Interviews\"><\/span>5. Practice Mock Interviews<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Spend some time to practice for your <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/interview-types\">upcoming interviews<\/a>. Build up your confidence as you will be going against candidates who have been actively applying for jobs in the field. Have a friend or a family member hold a mock interview for you so you can assess your strengths and remind yourself about interviews.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t be embarrassed about taking a long career break. Do not discount your qualifications as you gained this over a considerable amount of time. Be confident that if given an opportunity at work again, you will be able to excel.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success.jpg\" alt=\"long career break\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success-378x198.jpg 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success-770x404.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success-600x315.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Career_Progression_-_Document_success-390x205.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finally%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>Finally&#8230;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A long career break should not always mean that it&#8217;s the end of your career, it should act as a stepping stone to greater advancements. Self-confidence goes a long way in making sure you are all set to get back into work.<\/p>\n<p>Just because you haven&#8217;t worked all your life doesn&#8217;t mean you aren&#8217;t fit for a position. You are as qualified as the next job candidate. If an employer or a recruiting company judges you too harshly for taking a long career break &#8211; without understanding your reasons &#8211; you probably don&#8217;t want to work for that company anyway!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting back to work after a long career break presents its own sets of struggles, no doubt. Whether you have been out of the workplace for a year or longer, just the thought of restarting your career can be daunting. Did you take a break to take care of your family? Or did you decide [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":10407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[213],"tags":[],"content_author":[338],"class_list":{"0":"post-10405","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-job-search-advice","8":"content_author-test-author-01"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10405","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10405"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10405\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10405"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10405"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10405"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=10405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}