Many people have taken a break from the workforce at one point or another during the course of their career. Some take time to raise a family, others step away to travel or take care of loved ones. Whatever the reason, reentering the workforce successfully after a lengthy break can be a little hard to navigate. While you were away, things continued to move forward. What if things have changed? Don’t worry, as long as you are prepared for the leap, you are sure to land on your feet. Below are the top 5 tips for reentering the workforce after a break.

Reconnect

One of your most valuable assets when reentering the workforce is the people you know within the industry you are entering. A great way to get started into a new career is by reaching out to old professional contacts as well as new ones. Begin to rebuild your professional network and let them know you are back on the market. This is where you can get some insight into what has changed, who is hiring and maybe get a foot in the door by getting referred by a friend to their hiring manager.

Update Your Resume

If you are reentering the workforce after a lengthy break, be sure not to hide the gap on your resume. Be prepared to answer questions about what you did during your time away but hiding the gap can raise red flags for a hiring manager and may cost you a second interview. Instead, be forthcoming about your time away. Let them know what you learned along with any life and/or professional experience you gained. Having a gap on your resume does not have to be a bad thing. Take control of the situation and point out the positives.

Brush Up on Your Skills

If you feel like you have fallen behind in your industry, now is the time to brush up on your skills. Take a refresher course, update your license, or even catch a quick seminar on the changes going on within the industry. This will help you to be more prepared and build your confidence as you move towards rejoining a professional team.

Prepare for Interview Questions

It can be nerve racking to go on interviews after a break from the workforce. A good way to get past those initial jitters is to practice your interview skills at home prior to accepting an interview. Start by preparing answers to why you left the workforce along with any other difficult questions you feel may come up during the conversation. Having answers prepared ahead of time will help you to speak with confidence and keep you from sounding flustered or caught off guard.

Consider All your options

When reentering the workforce, it can be easy to want to go back to familiar places. Just remember that there is a lot out there; try not to put all your eggs in one basket. Be sure to consider all of your options and keep an open mind. If you see a place or position that catches your eye, go for it! Don’t get stuck on one job or one place. Allowing yourself multiple options keeps you from getting backed into a corner and accepting a job you don’t really want. If your top job option doesn’t work out, it’s always good to have a fall back.

Reentering the workforce can be an overwhelming process if you aren’t prepared. Reconnecting with professional contacts, brushing up on skills, having an updated resume and practicing for interviews will help build your confidence as you start this new journey. Remember that even if things don’t happen for you right away, if you stay consistent then you will find your place. Stay confident in yourself and what you have to offer.