Career Break? 5 Ways to keep your CV Fresh
- imogenmcgowan1
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
When it’s time to return to work after a career break, it can feel like a big transition. The
marketplace is constantly changing, and it’s vital to keep up to date with what skills
employers are looking for.
But it doesn’t have to be a struggle, there are things you can do while on your career break
to keep your CV fresh.
These are 5 ways to keep your CV employer-ready, even when you’re on a career break.
Freshen up your skills
If you’ve taken a career break, refreshing your skills is essential. Whilst juggling a full-time
qualification with other responsibilities might not seem possible, enhancing your skills
doesn’t need to be such a big commitment.
Consider reviewing the opportunities available at your local college or learning centre. Just
one night a week or a one-off class could help boost your CV, whilst also giving you the bonus of meeting new people.
Reflect on the industry you’re looking to get back into and enrol yourself onto relevant
courses.
Take up volunteering
When on a career break, volunteering can be a great way to slowly transition back into
employment. Whether supporting a charitable event, helping with fundraising activities or
volunteering regularly at a charity shop, these can all be added to your CV.
Charities constantly need recruits, so start your search by viewing their website for a list
of ways to volunteer. You can also search “volunteer” on job sites, or just drop in and ask
how you can support.
This will enable you to incorporate examples of sought-after skills within your CV. Not only
will a few hours help enhance your CV, it will greatly benefit the charity and allow you to give
back.
Stay up-to-date with your sector
Tailoring your CV to your chosen industry is key, and this is even more relevant when you
have taken a career break. Industries are constantly evolving and social issues such as
employment rates can dramatically affect the marketplace, meaning it’s vital to
keep up to date.
Reading industry-specific blogs, magazines, books or news articles, can keep you in tune
with the latest industry advancements, and make the search easier by signing up for Google
alerts.
Ensure you aren’t out of sync, and spend an hour or so a week researching news or best
practise updates, allowing you to keep your CV accurate and helping you impress in an
interview.
Have a side project
When looking to rejoin the workforce, a side project can be a great way to gain new skills
and get your CV noticed.
There are so many options available, such as producing a blog, starting a small business or
even being open to freelancing/ consultancy opportunities. Side projects allow recruiters an
insight into your work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and even your self-motivation.
Consider the industry you want to work within and link your side project to skills needed in
those types of roles. For example, add creative pursuits to your CV and showcase a portfolio
of your work for designer roles.
Take an online course
Adding additional qualifications or skills to your CV doesn’t need to be limited to enrolling in
college. You can simply log in to your computer to open up a world of affordable and
sometimes even free courses.
Dedicate time to boosting the skills needed in your chosen field, either completing a
qualification over a few months or short refresher training.
Look at job adverts in your respected industry to identify the skills and qualifications
employers are looking for, then use your career break as a chance to develop this skill-set.
Comentários