Six Tips for Getting Hired After a Career Break

Re-Entering the Workforce Can Be Tough, But Isn’t Impossible

Taking a break from your career to raise a family or take care of an elderly parent might be the best scenario for you, but how can you successfully re-enter the workforce when you are ready? Many people take time off from their careers for any number of reasons, but pitching that break to a potential manager can be difficult. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few things you can do to make yourself a more appealing applicant.
Entering back into any industry (even the healthcare industry) after some time away is always possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
 

Invest in Yourself

If you have been out of the field for several years, chances are that you have missed out on major updates. There may be new technology available or better methods. You may simply be out of practice with routine activities that you would be expected to perform in your standard role. No matter what the issues are, you can combat them by equipping yourself with new knowledge and practice.
  One of the best things you can do to show your new employer that you are serious and dedicated to your new role is to invest in yourself. Take a course or sign up for volunteer work so that you can ease your way back into your old career.
  As healthcare professionals, Partners At Home likes to look for candidates that have a passion for their work, excellent communication skills, and great time management. All of these qualities can be worked on during your career break. Take the initiative to prove that you are committed to coming back to work by investing your time and money into classes or work that is relevant to the new position.
 

Networking Matters

When is the last time you met up with like-minded professionals who work in your industry? Chances are that many of the opportunities available in the industry are directly related to who you know. Sign up for professional groups in your area or ask your friends to connect you with people they may know. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let people know what you are looking for. It may be just the thing you need to land your dream job.
 

Own Your Career Break

The time you took away from your career is definitely going to come up in an interview. It is best that you get ahead of things and own the time that you took away from your job. Come up with a list of skills that you learned and practiced regularly during your time away.
  Maybe you kept up with your skills through volunteer work or you practiced advocating for appropriate medical care with an aging parent. Whether your skill set includes time management, financial management, or simple active listening skills, these practices are important to bring to the table when discussing your future employment with a new manager. Be confident with what you can offer the company.
 

Be Patient

Sometimes, you might be so eager to hop right back into the workforce that you take the first offer you receive. Be patient and hold out for a position that is right for you. While it may not have the same prestige as your old job or it may not check all of the boxes on your list, there is a job out there that will be a good fit for you. The temptation to take the first available job may be hard to resist, but make sure it is right for you first.
 

Revise Your Resume

If you took a long break, a chronological resume is going to reflect this clearly. Instead, you might consider making a skills-based resume that highlights the things you are good at. It can include skills you learned and practiced, even during your break. This features some of your best qualities and takes some of the focus away from the time you spent out of the workforce.
 

Prepare for Your Interview 

Sitting across the desk from a prospective employer can be really nerve-wracking. It is best to prepare what you want to say in advance. Anticipate some of the most common questions that professionals ask and put your own positive spin on things. Particularly when it comes to the gap in your employment, make sure that you have a “story” to share about why you took time off and how you came to the decision that it was time to return.
 

Be Confident 

When it comes down to making your grand entrance back into the workforce, always remember to be confident. Trust in your skills and do not be afraid to invest in yourself. With a few of these simple tips, you can be better prepared to re-enter into the workforce regardless of how much time you took off from your career.
 

Let Provenir Help

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, consider using a professional medical staffing firm like Provenir Healthcare. We can help you find the right placement for your needs and will help you to match your experience and skills with the right practice. Check out all of our available jobs for physicians, allied health professionals, nurses, advanced practitioners and even medical business professionals on our website today!