Imagine a time when a break in your resume were a source of stress. When most people stayed at the same company for their entire career. A time when the best-case scenario was to make your way, slowly, up the corporate ladder. We are less constricted today in how we define success, and the pace in which we pursue it.
Gone with the early 2000’s are low rise jeans and career death by an employment break. Because non-traditional career pursuits evolved. A break for education, travel, and life circumstances is seen in a more positive light. And while experience gained on alternate paths may not always be judged as equal, it is no longer a non-starter.
The reality of the break.
The truth is if you take a break you may have a lower chance of receiving job interviews. According to a 2019 pre-pandemic study by ResumeGo, that chance is 45% less than those working steadily. Those numbers are shifting in the candidates favor in industries experiencing growth during the pandemic. In fact, as reported by Harvard Business Review, Covid19 has shifted an “urgent demand for medical and technology professionals to return to work from retirement or a career break.” Because the tighter qualified labor market demands employers to consider résumés with a break.
Taking a break.
So, if you have taken a year or more off from the workforce do not panic. You are not alone. Between August and September of 2020, nearly 1.1 million workers ages 20 and over dropped out of the labor force. Many people have taken a planned, or unplanned, career a break. Employers are aware of this and are more forgiving, even if your break pre-dates lockdowns. Because the added complexity of job hunting this past year is not minor.
Women have historically taken an extended break to stay home with newborns and small children – up to seven years. Traditionally, returning to work after this amount of time was a challenge. But today more and more companies are entertaining these candidates. Some have even implemented “Return to Work” programs to support people coming back into the workforce after an extended break.
Explaining a break.
To the extent you are comfortable, explain your break. Describe your activities confidently in the frame of how they will shape your contributions at work. This is NOT to say you should share any potentially compromising information. But you should share how your experiences have contributed to your growth. Let them know about new skills you acquired…
- Caring for a parent or loved one – Problem solving, Empathy, Advocacy
- Travelling - Communication skills, Cultural competence, Languages, Technology
- Through education - Online classes, Programs, Certifications
- Wrote a blog – Mindfulness, Writing, Social Media, Brand Awareness
- Volunteered – Teamwork, Specific skills, Leadership
- Developed a healthier lifestyle through exercise, mindfulness…
- After a layoff – Perspective, Problem Solving
Highlight the skills in high demand. New businesses are popping up dailyy to serve a more restricted world. COVID19 has brought telecommuting to a fever pitch. People who can effectively work without a traditional office have the advantage. This is not just because of your skills, it is pragmatic for organizations. Office space is expensive!
Navigating a continued break.
If the job market continues to drag for you, fill your break with more of what will increase your chances of success in finding the position you want in the future. Read, write, volunteer…take courses if you can and, network, network, network! Did we say network? If you have not kept up with those professional contacts, its time. Update your linked-in profile while you are at it, and don’t forget a [recent] professional photo. When you make contact, be confident! Do not apologize for your break, just be ready to show how you have kept your skills sharp.
This opens possibilities of connecting to an opportunity, even consulting or freelancing, in your area of expertise. Because whether you are technical, creative, a financial guru or a business minded professional, there is likely a way for you to contribute. By being open, flexible, and transparent about your break. If you show up prepared we guarantee it will be in the rear-view soon.