Introduction to Career Breaks on Your CV

Many professionals take career breaks for a multitude of reasons, such as family responsibilities, health issues, or personal growth. Navigating these breaks on your CV can be crucial in showcasing a consistent work history and a strong professional outlook. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to address career breaks on your CV, emphasizing transparency, productivity, and relevance to your career progression.

Why Include a Career Break on Your CV?

While it is generally recommended to include a career break on your CV, transparency is key. It is important to be honest about the dates of your employment and any gaps. Concealing or misleading information can undermine your credibility in the eyes of potential employers. The goal is to reassure employers that you are committed to re-entering the workforce and are prepared to advance your career.

Explain the Reason for the Career Break

It is crucial to provide a brief, positive explanation for your career break. You can do this by highlighting any productive activities you engaged in during this period. Whether it was volunteering, skill development, or personal projects, these activities demonstrate that you maintained productivity and motivation. Share these experiences to showcase how you utilized the time constructively and remained engaged in your professional journey.

Emphasize Your Relevant Skills and Experience

The focus should be on your relevant skills and experience, rather than dwelling on the career break itself. Employers are primarily interested in your skills and accomplishments, not the gaps in your employment history. Group multiple short-term roles or freelance work together to demonstrate continued professional activity. This helps in making your CV more appealing and relevant to your target job roles.

Structuring Your Career Break on the CV

To address the career break effectively, consider listing it as a sabbatical or a period of leave. In the experience section, treat your career break as if it were a job role. Instead of a job title and company, you can list the years of the break, such as 2012-2016. Highlight any other professional experiences or activities you engaged in during this period, such as volunteer work, consulting, or freelancing. These experiences can be viewed as part of your professional history and add value to your CV.

Common Reasons for Career Breaks

People take career breaks for various reasons, such as:

Taking care of children or elderly relatives Travelling Relocation post marriage Health issues or complications

The duration and timing of the career break can vary, so it is important to put it in perspective. Emphasize what you did during this period instead of focusing solely on the gap. This helps in presenting your career break in a positive light and highlights your adaptability and resilience.

Addressing Career Breaks During Interviews

Directly addressing the issue during interviews can be challenging, but it is essential. Be prepared to explain the reason for your career break and how you have grown or changed as a result. If the break was due to caring for family members, ensure that you mention how your reason no longer exists. This shows that you are ready to re-engage in the workforce and that any past interruptions are no longer an obstacle to your career progression.

Post-Career Break Job Search Strategies

Returning to the job market post a career break can be challenging. Here are some steps to make it easier:

Update your LinkedIn profile and start nurturing your existing connections. Request recommendations from previous colleagues or bosses to strengthen your professional network.

Connect with HR heads or managers from target companies. Share your profile and express your intent to rejoin the workforce.

Explore programs offered by companies that support career restarts for women with young children. Examples include Amazon, SAP, Target, Goldman Sachs, GE, and Nomura.

Participate in recruitment events that focus on bringing back women with young children into the workforce. Attending events like Hierarchy’s She 2.0 Leadership Summit can add significant value to your job search.

By following these strategies, you can present a strong professional image and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing your career breaks on your CV is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to your career. By being transparent, productive, and focused on your relevant skills and experiences, you can make a compelling case for your continued professional growth and advancement.