If you have taken some time off from your job, you could be apprehensive or reluctant to go back. But employment services here offer advice on how to best put yourself in a position to succeed.
Table of Contents
1. Explaining the Gap
Career gaps used to be rather taboo and were discouraged unless required. Career gaps are now accepted, and companies’ perspectives on them are evolving, especially because COVID caused many to take unpaid leave from their jobs.
But don’t presume that your prospective employer will simply gloss over this in your interview, and be prepared with an explanation. If you have been out of work because you’ve been made redundant, anticipate outlining a bit of what you’ve done with your time out of work.
Most companies highly understand how the pandemic has affected everyone’s mental health, family life, financial problems, relationships, career ambitions, and life plans. It has diverted practically everyone’s attention. So don’t worry if you haven’t written a book, mastered a foreign language, or earned a degree!
It’s quite improbable that you were idle during your vacation. Perhaps you’ve helped a neighbour or a member of your family, taken some online courses, discovered a new pastime, honed a skill, or conducted some industry research. Make sure you have some positive talking points regarding your break in any case, and end it by stating that you’re ready to return to work and make a difference in the company you’re with.
2. Reserach
Maybe a lot has changed since you left. Doing your research is essential whether you plan to return to the same field or venture into something new. Although there is a serious lack of workers in some sectors, it’s crucial to know which positions will be in demand in the long run. Well, all the information will be available if you choose to reach out to employment service agencies providing up-to-date information on current trends.
The employment agency will also help you to gauge how serious you are about the position you’re applying for the interviewer may inquire about procedures, trends, or changes in the business. As a result, be prepared with information on current developments and accepted practices.
Other than insights provided by employment agents, you may stay on top of your sector by subscribing to email newsletters, subscribing to Google alerts and following relevant blogs and social media pages.
3. Be Open-Minded but have a Plan
You might have had second thoughts or reservations about your professional choice after taking an extended break from work, and your priorities might have altered. It’s crucial to have a clear sense of what you want from your professional life; otherwise, you risk being dissatisfied with the outcome of your job hunt.
Being a little receptive is advantageous for being accepted to interviews, though. It’s simple to talk yourself out of a chance because you’re nervous, feel like the work is outside your skill set, are unsure of some components of the job description, or feel that certain benefits haven’t been addressed.
Keep in mind that it is only an interview. You are not required to participate, and each interview is an opportunity to learn. You might be pleasantly surprised by what the position can give you when you attend because many firms will change their conditions for a suitable individual, especially if there looks to be a positive business culture and opportunities for career advancement.
If it checks the majority of your boxes and you can infer most of the necessary information from the job description, go for it!
4.Remember The Aspects of Your Job that You Enjoyed
Create a mental image of the aspects of your workdays that you enjoyed. Conversations with colleagues, team outings, training sessions, rounds of management praise, daily exposure to new people and locations, lunchtime meetups, hitting goals, and achieving targets.
If it helps, try to think forward and consider where you’d like to be in 5, 10, or 15 years. You’ll feel motivated and have something to strive for as a result.
5. Update your resume
We are aware. You abhor updating your resume. Yet, if you want to stand out from the competition, employment services are updated with the standard format required by each company. They advised you to update your resume once or twice a year. Make sure all of your information is correct and up to date. Make certain that it contains all of your accomplishments and successes and is organized and professional.
Lastly, throughout your career, recruitment agencies can provide outstanding help. Also, they can provide CV coaching, interview support, and career guidance in addition to getting to know your personality, abilities, and objectives to properly match you to a post.
In the end, employment agencies will serve as a liaison between you and your clients (or potential employers).