Re-Entering the Workforce: How to Get Hired After a Career Gap

Whether your hiatus was for family care, personal health or other reasons, getting hired again after a career gap marks a professional transition that many people will experience in their lifetimes. Knowing how to navigate your return to the job market effectively can save you precious time, energy and money.

For a successful comeback, it’s important to align your skills with current industry trends and put a positive spin on your career gap. Implementing a targeted job search strategy and smartly addressing your career gap in job interviews can help you land your desired role.

A career gap or a career break is a period during which an individual steps away from their professional life; this can range from a few months to several years. Whether voluntary or involuntary, career gaps are not uncommon and can occur for various reasons, such as:

• Family Care: Taking time off to raise children or care for a sick family member.
• Personal Health: Dealing with personal illness or mental health issues.
• Further Education: Pursuing additional qualifications, training or higher education.
• Career Change: Taking time to reassess career goals and pivot to a different industry or role.
• Volunteering or Travel: Engaging in volunteer work, travel or other enriching experiences for personal growth.
• Layoffs: Involuntary career breaks due to job loss or industry downturns.

Although career gaps can offer valuable time for personal growth, they might raise concerns for potential employers when reviewing your resume. Here are some reasons why:

• Outdated Skills: Industry changes may make previous skills less relevant, requiring upskilling or reskilling.
• Commitment Concerns: Employers may wonder if candidates with extended breaks have consistent commitment and dedication to their professional roles.
• Workplace Integration: Employers may question a candidate's ability to adapt to new settings and workplace technologies after a long break.
• Professional Network: For roles dependent on industry connections, concerns about a weakened network may arise due to prolonged absence.

Acknowledging these challenges and adopting a proactive approach will give you a leg-up to restart your career.

Effective preparation lays the foundation for a smoother transition and helps establish confidence. Assess and update your skills and knowledge to position yourself as a competitive candidate. Follow these steps to get hired again after taking time off:

Identify the strong suits that make you a valuable candidate and realize your passions. Take these actionable tips to tailor your job search:

Updating your soft and hard skills demonstrates readiness and commitment to a professional environment. Most entry-level positions across various fields require specific qualifications, including educational degrees, work experience and training, with detailed information accessible through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Follow these tips to update your skill set:

Your resume and cover letter are your personal narratives that can turn a career gap into an asset. Use them as tools to showcase your resilience and readiness to rejoin the workforce. Here are some actions you can take:

Honesty and strategic presentation are key. Here are tips to help you effectively communicate your career break as a period of positive development and learning:

• Be Honest: Be upfront about your career gap. Avoid any temptation to hide or obscure this period.
• Functional Resume Format: Use a functional resume format that highlights skills and achievements over chronological work history.
• Brief Explanation: You should be concise in your resume's summary or professional experience section. Frame the gap as a period of growth.

A well-crafted cover letter should transform your career gap into a positive aspect of your professional story. Take these tips to address the gap with a positive tone:

• Personalize Your Story: Share your unique story and positively frame your career gap as a part of your professional growth.
• Emphasize New Skills: Showcase relevant skills or knowledge gained during your break.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your eagerness and readiness to rejoin the workforce.
• Connect the Dots: Explain how your career gap experiences make you a better candidate for the position.

Focus on targeted job search methods, leverage your network and utilize modern job search platforms. If location is not a concern, you may check MoneyGeek’s top cities for US jobseekers.

Here's how to approach job hunting to maximize your chances of finding a suitable position:

Many organizations list their vacancies on their own sites before advertising elsewhere. Directly exploring company websites lets you learn more about their culture and values. Tailor your application to align with the company’s mission and the specific job requirements. Set up alerts for new postings on companies you're particularly interested in to be one step ahead in the application process.

Start by reconnecting with former colleagues, mentors and industry contacts. Attend workshops, seminars and industry events to expand your network. Utilize social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, to engage with industry leaders and participate in relevant groups. Networking is also about gathering insights and support that can be invaluable in your job search.

Leverage these job search platforms to tap into a wider range of opportunities. Each platform has unique features, so consider using a mix of these tools to increase your chances of finding a role.

Investing time in interview preparation can help you feel more comfortable, make a good impression and offer insightful responses. Expect questions about the career gap and rehearse your responses to address them confidently. Here are a few frequently asked questions during such interviews:

MoneyGeek has compiled a list of valuable resources offering guidance, advice and tools to help you navigate the path back into the workforce:

• LinkedIn Learning. Offers a wide range of courses to update your skills, focusing on business, technology and creative fields.
• CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it provides comprehensive information on career exploration, training and job search.
• Meetup. Great for finding and attending local networking events and workshops relevant to your industry.
• Coursera. Provides access to online courses from top universities and companies, covering a wide range of subjects.
• American Job Centers. This offers in-person support with job searches, training and career development.
• National Career Development Association. This provides resources for professional career counseling and development.