Returning to work following a break can be a turbulent experience. Emotions can run high with excitement, anticipation and maybe even disappointment. With a little preparation and a lot of confidence you can make your return to work in style and often on your terms.

After children

Depending on how many years you have been out of the market will depend on how you feel about returning to the workforce. In a short time you may just need to brush up on computer skills or technical updates in your chosen field. You can also consider how you have built on your work related skills at home, balancing priorities and juggling your time. Regardless how long you have been out of employment the main message is to boost your confidence. Consider why you are just as good (if not better!) a hire as the next person. In an interview do not be afraid to discuss your family and ‘outside of work’ commitments but also offer what strategies you have in place to support your home life framework. Remember to get in touch with your referees and have them on stand by reminding them of your achievements at work and what you are hoping to achieve next.

Following redundancy

Redundancy can either take you by surprise or be a voluntary arrangement. Usually you are given a buffer of income in the form of a ‘pay out’ which hopefully takes out the stress of looking for a new role. It can also buy you a bit of time to prepare your resume, your interview skills and re-enter the market with new energy. The key message after redundancy is to stop and consider what it is you want out of your next role, your career and ultimately the organisation you will work for. See our guide to fighting back from redundancy for more information.

After a sabbatical

You have had a great trip, bags of memories and tons of photos. You now need to get back into work. Similar rules to the above apply, refresh your resume, your interview skills and consider what is important in your next role. Do not under estimate how travel and experiencing new cultures can add to your life resume. Most employers will want to be reassured in interview that you have travelling out of your system. And remember, update your interview outfit, whilst the thongs were a good look on the beach in Thailand they really do need to go on a sabbatical of their own.

After studying

This should be one of the easiest routes to returning to work. Having taken the time and often financial commitment to study full time it should be easy to pick a new role of your choice? This is not always the case. Some employers may prefer to hire an individual who has been ‘doing’ the job rather than studying for the opportunity. We often see this in the case of MBA studiers who come back to the market wanting to put their well earned skills to practice. The key here is to research the market well, keep abreast of what is happening in the business world by reading the newspapers and blogs and finally, but most importantly keep in touch with your networks; you never know who may introduce you to your next role.

Summary

• Remember to keep your resume up to date with skills and achievements
• Keep in touch with referees and people within your network
• Brush up your interview skills
• Be honest about what you want in your next role