How Do I Write A Cover Letter After A Career Break?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. Opening statement/ paragraph.
  2. Why are you suitable for the job?
  3. Explain the gap.
  4. How can you contribute to the organisation?
  5. Reiterate/Summarise your interest in the role.
  6. Closing statement/ paragraph.

How do I write a cover letter after a long career break?

Here's how I responded: If you haven't explained the gap on your , then by all means explain it in a cover letter. In fact, even if you have a line on your resume about your career break, address the issue in your cover letter as well.

Do it briefly and unapologetically

.

How do you explain a career gap in a cover letter?

  1. Use your cover letter to explain the employment gaps in your work history and allay any concerns your potential employers may have about your readiness for the job. …
  2. Express your employment dates in years. …
  3. Mention non-family-related gaps directly.

How do you write a resume after a career break?

  1. Define an objective.
  2. Highlight certifications and awards.
  3. Focus on achievements.
  4. Mention career programs.
  5. Seek references and be unapologetic about your gap.
  6. Here is a small performa of the resume.

How do you justify a break in career?

Don't give out unnecessary details. When it's time for you to explain your career break in the cover letter,

keep the explanation brief and concise

. Remember, you don't have to go in-depth as to why you left your previous job. For example, let's say that you decided to leave work to care for your elderly parents.

How long can a career break be?

A career break is usually

between one month and two years long

. Six months to two years is the most common period of time for a career break. It is also possible to take a mini career break of less than one month, which enables people to try out career break activities without committing to longer periods of time.

How long is too long of an employment gap?

If the gap is longer

than a few months say six or more with out explanation or education

, that could be too long. If you were laid off and just couldn't find work then extending your education during that time will lessen the concern about a gap. The reason for the gap matters much more than the length of the gap.

Does a career break look bad on your CV?


Breaks shouldn't be a barrier to getting a position

, but can raise a red flag for some recruiters, Andrew South from Agoge Recruitment says. “In an age where personal brand is so important, it means the way you approach a career gap or opportunity is all the more important,” he says.

How do I restart my career after a break?

  1. Assess your situation.
  2. Update your CV with your career break.
  3. Network.
  4. Be prepared for your interview.
  5. Look for career returner programs.
  6. Be confident.

Should CV include career break?

So now we know what not to do, how should you show a career break on your CV? The quick answer is that

you should state any career break clearly and provide any level of further information you feel comfortable with

and that might be useful to position this career break in the mind of a recruiter.

Will a career break damage my career?

A career break

will help your career

For most people, a career break will actually help their career, provided they keep to the following rules: The career break must be constructive.

Does a career break count as continuous service?


Continuous service is worked out in months and years

, starting with the date you began work for your employer. If there is a break in your employment then normally none of the weeks or months before that date will count as continuous service.

Is it bad to take a career break?

Taking a career break can seem daunting at first, but it could be one of the best decisions you ever make. Career-wise, a break could help you to up

-skill

, find motivation, or even set you off on a whole new path. And that's not to mention the personal benefits to your overall wellbeing and sense of self-worth.

What are the benefits of taking a career break?

  • Helps improving family relationships: …
  • Learning and developing New skills: …
  • Extra curricular activities: …
  • Relaxing and Calming your mood: …
  • It can help the employer: …
  • Getting Away from a Negative work Environment: …
  • Thoughts about new careers: …
  • Meeting New People:

How much of an employment gap is acceptable?

A

4 month gap

is acceptable in the present market, however if you feel the need to explain, you may provide with details of something productive that you've done in those 4 months. For example: Consulting a family business or enhancing skills through a certification programme.

Do employers care about gaps?

The bottom line: employment gaps are one more risk hiring managers can avoid.

Employers want employees who are committed to their job

, and will stay in it for a good time. A career gap is a time when the employee was not, apparently, committed to any job.

How do you explain a 10 year employment gap?

  1. Be honest about your illness.
  2. Don't get into unnecessary details.
  3. Explain how you utilized your time productively while being off work.
  4. Show your eagerness & commitment to get working again.

Can you claim social welfare on a career break?

If you leave work voluntarily or as a result of misconduct, you

cannot

get a jobseeker's payment for 9 weeks. However, if you have ‘good cause' to leave voluntarily, for example, any changes in working conditions such as a reduction in pay, harassment or abuse from your employer, you may get your payment.

How do you handle a career break?

  1. Tip 1: Get ready for your return to work. Reassess your priorities. …
  2. Tip 2: Take control of your continuing professional development. …
  3. Tip 3: Articulate the value of your experience. …
  4. Tip 4: Maintain (and even grow) your network. …
  5. Tip 5: Tap into available support.

Do you get paid during a career break?


Career breaks are normally unpaid

, although some employers pay employees on a much reduced rate compared to normal pay, or pay a retainer to try to secure an employee's return to work.

What is the difference between a career break and a sabbatical?

It is as simple as that,

if you quit your job and have no job to return to, you are on a career break

, if you are going to return to the same job/employer, you are on a sabbatical.

How does a career break affect pension?

A period of unpaid leave such as a career break does not accrue pension entitlements. … This involves

paying pension contributions at full actuarial cost in accordance

with the relevant pension scheme, either during the career break or following a return to teaching.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.