Human Resources (HR) professionals generally view career breaks with a mix of interest and scrutiny, depending on the reasons behind the break, the applicant’s ability to explain it, and the overall context of their application. Here's how HR professionals typically evaluate career breaks:
1. Context of the Break
- Positive Perception:
- Neutral/Negative Perception:
2. Duration of the Break
- Short Breaks (3–6 months): Usually not a significant concern, especially if they are well-accounted for.
- Extended Breaks (1+ years): HR may scrutinize these breaks more closely to understand the reasons, activities undertaken during the break, and how the candidate maintained their skills or employability.
3. Relevance to Current Role
- HR professionals assess whether the break impacts the candidate’s ability to perform the role.Upskilling during a break: Viewed positively as it shows proactivity.Outdated skills post-break: Could be a concern if no efforts were made to stay updated in the field.
4. Communication About the Break
- Well-articulated reasons: A clear and honest explanation in the resume, cover letter, or interview reassures HR that the break was purposeful or unavoidable.
- Vague or evasive explanations: Raises red flags about transparency or accountability.
5. Transferable Skills and Adaptability
HR professionals evaluate how the experiences during the break contribute to the candidate’s soft skills or adaptability:
- Skills like problem-solving, resilience, and time management gained during caregiving or travel can be valuable.
- Demonstrating how the break has broadened one’s perspective or improved interpersonal skills can be advantageous.
6. Cultural Fit and Company Policies
- Supportive Companies: Organizations with progressive or inclusive policies may be more understanding of career breaks, especially for reasons like caregiving, mental health, or sabbaticals.
- Traditional Companies: May view career breaks more critically, focusing on perceived gaps in experience or skills.
How to Present a Career Break Positively
Candidates can mitigate concerns by:
- Being Transparent: Clearly explain the reason for the break in resumes or interviews.
- Highlighting Productivity: Showcase activities like freelancing, volunteering, courses, certifications, or personal projects undertaken during the break.
- Demonstrating Readiness: Emphasize enthusiasm for returning to work and highlight recent efforts to stay industry-relevant.
- Tailoring the Narrative: Relate experiences during the break to skills or perspectives valuable to the applied role.
Overall in Summary : HR professionals' views on career breaks depend on the reasons for the break, how it’s presented, and its relevance to the role. When well-explained and accompanied by evidence of growth or activity, career breaks are often seen as a normal part of a modern career trajectory.
