Explaining a Career Break

Career breaks have become increasingly common - this week alone I've already spoken with two women who are fearful about explaining their breaks to potential employers (and it's only Tuesday morning!).

Whether taken for personal development, health reasons, family commitments, or pursuing a passion, career breaks can be enriching experiences that contribute to your personal and professional growth.

However, these breaks can also hurt your confidence as you struggle to explain them to potential employers.

So, to support you in boosting your confidence and landing your dream job after a career break, let's dive into the various aspects of a career break and how to communicate their value to employers effectively.

??What is a Career Break?

A career break is when you voluntarily leave the workforce. These breaks can vary in length and are taken for various reasons, including:

• Personal Development: Pursuing further education, traveling, or volunteer work.
• Family Commitments: Caring for children, elderly parents, or other family members.
• Health Issues: Recovering from illness or managing chronic health conditions.
• Exploration of Interests: Trying new career paths, starting a business, or engaging in creative projects.

??Benefits of Taking a Career Break

1. Personal Growth: Time away from work can lead to significant personal development. You may gain new skills, discover new interests, and understand yourself and your goals better.
2. Skill Acquisition: Whether through formal education, volunteer work, or self-directed learning, career breaks provide you with opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge that can be beneficial in future roles.
3. Burnout Prevention: Stepping away from the demands of a job can help you prevent burnout, leading to better mental health and increased productivity when returning to work.
4. Work-Life Balance: Career breaks can allow you to focus on personal and family matters, achieving a better work-life balance in the long term.

??How to Explain Career Breaks to Employers

In a nutshell, effectively explaining a career break to potential employers involves transparency, confidence, and a focus on the positive outcomes of the break.

Below are some practical tips:

? Be Honest and Upfront: Honesty is the best policy when discussing career breaks.

Briefly explain the reason for your break without going into excessive detail, and remember that no one is judging!

?Highlight the Positives: Emphasize the skills, experiences, and personal growth you gained during your break.

For example, if you volunteered or took a certification, mention the skills you've developed, such as teamwork, or leadership. Or if you stayed at home taking care of kids, emphasize how much project management work you also had to do!

?Connect to the Role: Relate your experiences during your career break to the job you are applying for.

Show how the skills and knowledge you acquired make you a better candidate for the position, even if all you found out was a deep interest in the area you are applying to work in.

?Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your career break in interviews.

Practice a clear and concise explanation, focusing on how the break has prepared you for your next role.

Above all, remember that it was your choice to take a career break and there is nothing you should be feeling bad about - it was a decision that made you who you are today.

Furthermore, career breaks are a natural part of many professionals' career journeys.

When approached strategically, they can provide significant personal and professional benefits.

By being honest, focusing on the positives, and connecting your experiences to the role you are applying for, you can effectively explain your career break to potential employers.

Remember, a career break is not a setback but an opportunity for growth and development.

If you are struggling to explain a career break and need a boost of confidence to land your next role, let's chat!

I have a proven strategy that is exactly what you need.

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