How Should You Update Your Resume After a Career Break?

Summarize your career break positively on your resume by including relevant activities, utilize a functional resume format to highlight skills over work history gaps, emphasize transferable skills gained, update your summary statement, display any learning and development, customize your resume for each job, use a cover letter for context, focus on accomplishments, network for endorsements, stay positive and confident, and consider sharing additional insights that don't fit standard sections.

Summarize your career break positively on your resume by including relevant activities, utilize a functional resume format to highlight skills over work history gaps, emphasize transferable skills gained, update your summary statement, display any learning and development, customize your resume for each job, use a cover letter for context, focus on accomplishments, network for endorsements, stay positive and confident, and consider sharing additional insights that don't fit standard sections.

Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
Like this article?
Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Reflect Your Career Break Positively

When updating your resume after a career break, ensure you present the gap in a positive light. Include any relevant activities you engaged in during this period, such as freelance projects, volunteer work, or professional development courses. This demonstrates continuous learning and a proactive attitude to potential employers.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:25

When I updated my resume after a career break, I made sure to frame the gap in a way that highlights the positive aspects. Instead of just leaving it unexplained, I included relevant activities that kept me productive during that time. For example, I worked on freelance projects, took part in volunteer work, and even completed some professional development courses. By doing this, I showed that I used the break to keep learning and stay engaged in my field. It’s important to demonstrate that you stayed proactive and didn’t let that time go to waste, which can actually strengthen your profile in the eyes of potential employers.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Revamp Your Resume Format

Consider using a functional or combination resume format instead of a traditional chronological one. This approach allows you to highlight your skills and accomplishments rather than focusing on the timeline of your work history, thus drawing less attention to career gaps.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:26

When I revamped my resume after a career break, I decided to shift from the traditional chronological format to a combination resume format. This way, I could focus more on showcasing my skills and achievements rather than drawing attention to the specific gaps in my work history. Highlighting key competencies at the top allowed me to steer the focus towards what I can bring to the table, while still including relevant work experience, just without making the timeline the central point. This approach helped me present my professional growth in a stronger, more tailored way.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Identify and emphasize any transferable skills you've gained or honed during your career break. Whether it's project management from organizing community events or improved communication skills from teaching or coaching, showcasing these competencies can make you a more attractive candidate.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:27

When I was updating my resume after a career break, I made sure to emphasize the transferable skills I developed during that time. For example, while organizing community events, I gained valuable project management experience, and my time teaching helped me sharpen my communication skills. Even though I wasn't in a formal work setting, these experiences still taught me a lot and made me a stronger candidate. By showcasing these competencies, I was able to demonstrate my continued growth and how these skills could apply directly to my future roles.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Update Your Summary Statement

Revise your resume's summary statement to reflect your current career objectives and how your unique experiences during the break have prepared you for the roles you're seeking. A compelling summary can capture an employer's attention and frame your career gap in a constructive context.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:28

When I was updating my resume after a career break, I focused on refreshing my summary statement to align with my current career goals. I used this section to highlight the new skills and insights I gained during my time off, framing it as a period of growth. This helped me show potential employers how my break actually prepared me for the roles I’m seeking. A well-crafted summary can really set the tone, turning what might seem like a gap into a positive part of your journey.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Incorporate Learning and Development

If you took courses, attended workshops, or obtained certifications during your career break, make sure these are prominently displayed on your resume. This not only shows your commitment to professional growth but also helps fill in any gaps with constructive activities.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:29

When updating my resume after a career break, I made sure to highlight any learning and development activities I pursued. I added courses, certifications, and workshops that I completed during this time to show that I was committed to staying current and improving my skills. This not only filled any gaps but also demonstrated my dedication to professional growth, which made a positive impression on employers. It's important to display these achievements clearly, as they reflect initiative and readiness to re-enter the workforce.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Customize Your Resume for Each Application

Tailor your resume for each job application, highlighting experiences and skills most relevant to the position. Customization can help shift the focus away from the career break and towards your suitability for the job, showcasing your dedication and insight into the role.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:32

When I customize my resume for each application, I focus on aligning my experiences and skills with the specific job requirements. I make sure to highlight the most relevant accomplishments and qualifications to show that I'm a strong fit for the role. This helps to shift the attention from my career break and emphasizes my dedication to the position I'm applying for. Tailoring my resume for each application also shows employers that I’ve done my research and that I understand what they’re looking for in a candidate.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Use a Cover Letter to Your Advantage

Complement your resume with a cover letter that provides context for your career break. Whether you took time off for family, health reasons, or personal development, a well-crafted cover letter can offer a narrative that a resume cannot, potentially turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:33

I find that using a cover letter effectively complements my resume by providing essential context for my career break. In my cover letter, I explain the reasons for my break, whether it was for family, health, or personal development. This narrative approach allows me to share my experiences in a way that a resume can't, turning what might be seen as weaknesses into strengths. By focusing on how this time has contributed to my growth and how it relates to the role I'm applying for, I can present a more complete picture of who I am as a candidate. Ultimately, a well-crafted cover letter can help me stand out and clarify my commitment to re-entering the workforce.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Focus on Accomplishments Not Just Responsibilities

Make sure to focus on what you've accomplished rather than just listing your job duties. This can be particularly effective if you managed to achieve something significant during your career break, demonstrating your initiative and capability to potential employers.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:36

When updating my resume, I prioritize highlighting my accomplishments rather than just listing my job responsibilities. This approach allows me to showcase specific results and initiatives I've achieved, which can greatly enhance my appeal to potential employers. For instance, if I organized a successful community event during my career break, I would quantify the impact, such as the number of attendees or funds raised, to demonstrate my capabilities.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Network and Seek Endorsements

Reconnect with your professional network and seek endorsements or recommendations from past colleagues, clients, or anyone relevant to your industry. These can sometimes be included on your resume or LinkedIn profile and serve as social proof of your skills and work ethic.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:38

When updating my resume, I focus on reconnecting with my professional network for endorsements and recommendations. I reach out to former colleagues, explaining my career goals and asking for testimonials on LinkedIn. This not only strengthens my professional presence but also provides social proof of my skills, especially when addressing career breaks. Incorporating these endorsements into my resume enhances my appeal to potential employers.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Stay Positive and Confident

Your attitude towards your career break can greatly influence how potential employers perceive it. Approach your job search with positivity and confidence, viewing the break as a period of growth and an asset rather than a setback. This mindset should be evident in your resume, cover letter, and interviews.

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:42

Staying positive and confident during my job search is essential, especially when addressing a career break. I remind myself that this period can be seen as a time for growth and self-discovery rather than a setback. This optimistic mindset reflects in my resume, cover letter, and interviews, helping potential employers see the value in my experiences.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Add your insights
Keti Lazova
Social Media Content Specialist
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 02:45

When reflecting on your career break, consider highlighting how this time contributed to your personal and professional growth. Engage in activities like volunteering or pursuing personal projects that developed your skills. Staying informed about industry trends through online resources can also demonstrate your commitment to growth.

...Read more
0 reactions
.

Interested in sharing your knowledge ?

Learn more about how to contribute.

More articles on Resume Building for Career Breaks

How Should You Update Your Resume After a Career Break?

11 contributions
-
1 month 2 weeks ago
See all

More articles from related categories

What Are the Key Elements to Include in Your Resume After a Career Pause?
Resume Building for Career Breaks
What Are the Best Strategies for Addressing Career Gaps in Your Resume?
Resume Building for Career Breaks
What’s the Best Way to Explain a Career Break in a Job Application?
Resume Building for Career Breaks
How Should You Update Your Resume After a Career Break?
Resume Building for Career Breaks