See how your industry has changed
Every industry changes over time, some more so than others. It is important that you do some reading on how your sector has changed during your career break. You can do this, for example, by checking industry-specific websites and social media channels. Do not be afraid to join industry-specific networks and forums and ask your peers for advice.
Freshen your skills
It may be that during your career break a new set of skills has become more in demand. Or perhaps you need to freshen your professional skills because you have not used them in a while. Whatever the reason, take the time to practice or refresh your professional skills. For example, you can take a refresher course online or at your local community.
Update your CV
Now that you want to get back on the job market, you need to update your CV and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Make sure to include any relevant skills and professional experience and take out anything that is not pertinent to the type of jobs you will be applying for. Do not be afraid to show the gap in your employment history. You can add a (very short) explanation for it in your CV.
Contact a EURES Adviser
EURES offers a rich database of vacancies to help you with your job search. You can also contact a EURES Adviser in your country to learn more about how EURES can help you build your CV and find a job. With over 3 million vacancies, the EURES portal is the most ideal place to get back into the labour market!
Reach out to your network
If you were part of an active professional network before your career break, now is the time to take advantage of it. You never know where a job opportunity could come from. At worst, you can receive some advice and tips from people in the industry.
Reflect on your career break
Just because you have not been employed in a while does not mean that you did not learn new skills. Think about the skills and experience you have gained during your career break – especially soft skills such as resilience and flexibility.
Consider how you can turn the gap in your employment history into a strength. Chances are that you will be asked about it in job interviews.
Prepare to step out of your comfort zone
Getting back to work after a long career break can be tough. Be ready to find the first few weeks and maybe even months hard. You may find it difficult to adapt to the daily commute or an eight-hour work day. You are stronger than you think, and with time you will get used to the working life.
Work out what you need
A long career break is also the perfect time to consider the professional direction in which you want to go. Have a think about whether you want to continue in the same field, shift to a different sub-sector, or start a new career path. Depending on your preferences, you can explore different re-skilling options like online courses, classes, traineeships and apprenticeships.
Be persistent and confident
It may take a while before you get invited to a job interview – the important thing is not to give up and keep searching. When you go to job interviews, be confident in your skills and qualifications. Your career gap does not define you. In fact, it may be your biggest asset.
Whether you are an aspiring freelancer or a company owner, social media plays an important role in building your reputation. Check out these essential tips to help you present a good professional image.
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Details
- Publication date
- 12 April 2022
- Authors
- European Labour Authority | Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
- Topics
- Hints and tips
- Related section(s)
- Hints & tips
- Sector
- Accomodation and food service activities
- Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies
- Activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services
- Administrative and support service activities
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Construction
- Education
- Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
- Financial and insurance activities
- Human health and social work activities
- Information and communication
- Manufacturing
- Mining and quarrying
- Other service activities
- Professional, scientific and technical activities
- Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
- Real estate activities
- Transportation and storage
- Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
- Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles