Taking a career break can be refreshing, but jumping back into the job market often feels daunting. Crafting a resume that shines after a hiatus might seem tricky, but don’t worry—it’s totally doable! Let’s dive into some fun and practical tips to help you write a resume that showcases your strengths and makes recruiters eager to call you.
Item 1: Write a Cover Letter – Address Your Career Break
A cover letter is your chance to directly address your career break and show how you remain relevant to the job. Be honest about your break, but emphasize how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for returning to work and how your past experiences make you a strong candidate.
Cover Letter Example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With over [X years] of experience in [Your Industry], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [specific reason related to the company or role], and I am eager to bring my skills and experience to your esteemed organization.
I took a career break from [Month, Year] to [Month, Year] to [brief explanation of your break, e.g., care for a family member, pursue further education, travel, etc.]. During this time, I continued to develop my skills through [specific activities such as freelance projects, online courses, volunteer work, keeping up with industry news.]. These experiences have not only enriched my personal growth but also kept my professional skills sharp and relevant.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [briefly mention a key achievement or responsibility]. This experience honed my ability to [mention skills or competencies relevant to the job you are applying for], which I am eager to bring to [Company Name]. I am particularly skilled in [mention any specific skills or tools], and I am confident that these abilities will allow me to contribute positively to your team.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to return to the workforce and apply my diverse skill set to [Company Name]. I am confident that my proactive approach and dedication will make a significant impact. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can be in line with your team’s goals.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Item 2: Include your Career Break in the Resume
Don’t shy away from your career break. Instead, embrace it! Clearly state the dates of your career break and provide a brief explanation. For example, you could mention freelance projects, courses, personal development efforts, or family situations. This shows that you were productive or had to attend to important matters even while not formally employed. This shows you were proactive and continued to grow, even while out of the traditional workforce. Include:
- Purpose of Career Break
- Period
- About
Build your Resume/CV
For more comprehensive guidance on building a successful resume/CV, check out our article on “How to Write a Convincing Resume: 10 Important Items to Included ” It dives deeper into the essential components that every working adult’s resume should have, from showcasing your professional experience to highlighting relevant skills and achievements. Whether you’re returning to the workforce after a break or just looking to update your resume, this article provides valuable tips to ensure your application stands out to potential employers.
Need Help?
Crafting the perfect resume after a career break can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Emmanuel Ng at +65 97839778 for personalized tips and expert advice on how to maximize your chances before submitting your resume. Remember, your resume is your first impression—make it count!
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