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Career Break Resume Template

Returning to work following a career break begins with creating a resume. Under these circumstances, you will need to explain why there is a gap in your work history and make a persuasive case that compels an employer or hiring manager to call you in for an interview.

There are many career break reasons, such as illness, travel, study, or family commitments, and if you don’t address it, it can cost you an interview. Here we show you how to explain a career break on your resume and create a layout that plays to your strengths and experience.

-> DOWNLOAD A FREE CAREER BREAK RESUME TEMPLATE

Express your desire to work in your resume introduction

A resume introduction is a brief paragraph that tells the reader who you are, why you are a worthy candidate and your career goals. We recommend briefly addressing the period of unemployment here and, in the same sentence, expressing your desire to return to work.

You might say, ‘Following a career break to start a family; I am motivated to return to work and continue my career progression.’

Draw attention to your skills

Rather than placing your career history next, which will again mention your career break, draw attention to your skills. You can create a positive case for an interview by highlighting the abilities noted in the employer’s job description. Provide an example of how you used each skill and the result to demonstrate that your statements are genuine.

Add your employment history

Your employment history is listed starting with your most recent job and going backward from there. Wherever there is a career break, insert a single line stating something on the lines of, ‘Career break to travel, 2020 – 2021.’

A resume is intended to be a short one-page professional summary, so limit your career history to approximately ten years. If your oldest roles were junior and you are applying for a senior position, you can disregard these because they are unlikely to add weight to your suitability.

Leverage your education

Your education and qualifications should again appear with the latest achievement first. Any study or certification gained during a career break is an excellent way to demonstrate a continued career mindset. If you have been struggling to secure an interview or job, consider starting a part-time or online course to show you are serious and motivated to re-enter the workforce.

If you have a degree, you do not need to add details about your college graduation. If space persists, add more detail about relevant degree modules and the transferable skills you can use in a work environment.

Interests

Interests, hobbies, and society memberships can become a valuable addition if you lack work experience or educational achievements. Furthermore, if you are also switching professions, you might be able to highlight expertise, skills, or personal traits that the employer is seeking. Refer back to their job advert to uncover what the employer is looking for.

-> DOWNLOAD A FREE CAREER BREAK RESUME TEMPLATE

Resume templates

If you are returning to work after a career break and need to create a resume for a specific profession, get started with our career-focused resume templates: