Will a career break impact my resume?

At some point, you may decide that taking a career break is the right move. Whether it’s for personal reasons like travel, exploring new career opportunities, or simply trying something different, stepping away from work can be beneficial. 

While taking time off is a common choice, it’s natural to worry about the effect it might have on your career. You might wonder if it will hinder your chances of securing your next role, especially with the prevailing belief that you must always be employed to get hired. 

To ease those concerns, we spoke to two top recruiters about how to present your career break in a way that highlights its value when you return to the workforce. 

Will a break hurt my job search? 

Perceptions about career breaks have evolved over time. According to Robbie McIlraith, general manager of Stellar Recruitment, more people are choosing to take breaks. 

“Workplaces are becoming more adaptable, with greater access to education and information, which gives people opportunities they might not have considered before,” McIlraith explains. “This has led to more people deciding to take a break or change their career path.” 

Employers are also becoming more open-minded, and with this shift, they’re increasingly willing to listen to candidates' career stories, including any gaps in their resumes. 

How to present yourself after a career break 

Taking a career break shouldn’t automatically disqualify you from a job, but some recruiters might raise an eyebrow. Andrew South from Agoge Recruitment emphasises the importance of your personal brand. “In today’s world, how you present your career break can be crucial,” South says. 

South advises being honest about your break. “Own your journey, and share how it’s shaped you,” he adds. 

If you’ve taken time off, reflect on how your break can add value to your career. Consider the new skills or experiences you’ve gained that may appeal to recruiters. 

“You might have developed new skills, gained different experiences, or worked in roles you wouldn't have otherwise,” McIlraith says. “These experiences could enhance your career with skills like problem-solving, communication, time management, and collaboration.” 

Think about the personal growth you’ve experienced during your time off. For instance: 

• Caring for a child improved my time management and communication skills. 

• Traveling taught me resilience and adaptability. 

• Returning to school helped me develop task prioritisation skills. 

The advantages of taking a career break 

Fear of judgment often prevents people from considering a break. “Many people resist career breaks because they fear how others will perceive them or they’re unsure about how to use the time effectively,” explains Sabina Read, SEEK’s resident psychologist. 

However, taking a break can have numerous benefits. Read encourages approaching it with a positive mindset. “If you view a career break as a time for purposeful change, personal growth, and recharging, it’s more likely that you’ll feel confident and proud about your time off,” she says. “This mindset can lead to improved well-being and enhance your value as an employee going forward.” 

Taking a career break can be an opportunity to focus on mental health, gain new perspectives, and acquire valuable skills that can enhance your career. Here’s how: 

• Improving mental health: Career breaks allow you to step away from the pressures of work, reducing stress and preventing burnout. By taking time for yourself, you can focus on self-care, rediscover personal passions, and rebuild your energy levels. Mental well-being is crucial for long-term career success, and a break can help you return to work feeling more refreshed and focused. 

• Broadening perspectives: Traveling, learning new things, or experiencing different cultures can significantly expand your worldview. These new perspectives can improve your creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills - qualities highly valued by employers. A break can help you see the bigger picture, giving you fresh ideas and inspiration for your career. 

• Skill acquisition: A career break offers the perfect chance to develop new skills or deepen existing ones. You might pursue certifications or courses to enhance your qualifications, engage in volunteer work that provides hands-on experience, or even try your hand at freelance work to build your portfolio. Skills such as communication, project management, or learning a new language can set you apart in the job market. 

Considerations before taking a career break 

It’s essential to plan your career break with a clear understanding of how it fits into your long-term goals. South suggests making sure you’re prepared before taking a break. “Don’t enter a career break or period of unemployment without knowing what you’ll do to stay on track,” he advises. 

While planning your career break is helpful, it’s okay not to have everything figured out before you take time off. Often, a break gives you a chance to recharge, and when you return to work, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new challenges. 

How to make a career break work for you 

To make the most of your career break: 

• Know your reason for taking time off - whether it’s to fight burnout, explore new passions, or shift career direction. 

• Be transparent about any resume gaps. 

• Highlight what you’ve learned or achieved during your break when talking to employers. 

How to address career breaks on your resume 

When updating your resume, it’s important to be transparent about your career break, but also to focus on what you gained during the time off. Here’s how to address it effectively: 

• Include the break on your resume: You don’t need to hide your career break. Create a section in your work experience where you mention your break, such as "Career Break" or "Sabbatical," with dates clearly stated. 

Example: 

Career Break (January 2022 - December 2022) 

• Highlight relevant Accomplishments: Even though you weren’t working in a traditional job, you likely developed new skills or took on meaningful projects. Whether it was through volunteer work, freelancing, studying, or personal development, include these activities and accomplishments. 

Example 1 (If you were volunteering): 

Volunteer Coordinator, Local Food Bank (April 2022 - October 2022) 

• Organised community events, increasing local engagement by 30%. 

• Managed a team of 10 volunteers, improving coordination and efficiency of food distribution. 

Example 2 (If you were traveling and learning new skills): 

Travel & Personal Development (January 2022 - December 2022) 

• Traveled to Southeast Asia, learning about global cultures and enhancing adaptability in unfamiliar environments. 

• Completed an online certification in Digital Marketing to improve professional skills. 

• Use relevant keywords: If you acquired new certifications, took relevant courses, or developed particular skills during your break, make sure to incorporate these into your resume. Use industry-related keywords that will stand out to hiring managers or applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

Example (If you earned a certification): 

Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP), 2022 

• Completed the PMP certification, focusing on advanced project management strategies and methodologies. 

• Demonstrate personal growth: If your break helped you develop soft skills like time management, problem-solving, or leadership, emphasize these on your resume. 

Example: 

Personal Development & Self-Reflection (January 2022 - June 2022) 

• Strengthened time management and organizational skills by balancing personal projects and family responsibilities. 

• Enhanced communication and empathy through volunteer work with underprivileged communities. 

By presenting your career break as a positive, growth-oriented experience, you can show that the time off wasn’t a gap in productivity but rather an opportunity to gain new experiences, skills, and perspectives that will benefit your next role. 

Addressing common misconceptions 

It's important to challenge the idea that career breaks hurt your career. When explained properly, career breaks can actually be seen as a positive experience that helps with both personal and professional growth.  

Employers are increasingly open to the idea that not all career paths are straightforward, and they recognise that taking time off for personal reasons or self-improvement can be beneficial. 

Here’s why career breaks can be seen positively: 

1. Personal growth 

Taking time off can show employers that you care about your well-being and are focused on your personal development. Whether it’s for travel, family, or other personal goals, these experiences often help you become more self-aware and resilient traits that are valued in the workplace. 

2. Learning new skills 

A career break doesn’t mean you stop learning. Many people use their time off to gain new skills, earn certifications, or volunteer, which can make you even more qualified when you return to work. Employers appreciate this proactive attitude toward growth. 

3. Renewed motivation 

Time off can help you recharge, allowing you to come back to work with more energy and focus. Employers like employees who are motivated and ready to contribute, as they tend to be more productive and engaged. 

4. Adaptability 

A career break shows that you’re open to change and willing to adapt. This is an important skill in today’s fast-paced work environment. Employers value candidates who are flexible and willing to learn new things. 

5. Valuable life experiences 

Time off can give you experiences that improve your professional skills. Traveling, for example, can help you develop communication and problem-solving skills, while taking care of family can make you more empathetic - qualities employers look for in employees. 

6. Confidence in explaining the break 

Being honest about your career break and what you learned during it can actually work in your favor. Employers appreciate candidates who are transparent and can explain how their time off has made them stronger and more capable. 

7. Stronger network 

Many people use career breaks to strengthen their professional network through freelance work, volunteering, or personal projects. This network can be helpful in finding future job opportunities, and employers value candidates who keep their professional connections strong. 

By framing career breaks in this way, you can show employers that your time off was a positive, valuable experience that makes you a stronger candidate. 

Additional career break benefits 

Career breaks can offer more than just rest - they can help with mental health, broaden your perspectives, and provide opportunities for skill-building. This might include certifications, travel, or volunteering. 

FAQs 

How do I explain a career break in an interview? 

Be honest about why you took the break and how it helped you develop new skills or gain valuable life experiences. 

Will a career break negatively affect my career? 

Not necessarily. If presented in the right way, a career break can show that you’ve gained new perspectives and experiences that make you a stronger candidate. 

How can I stay relevant during a career break? 

Stay connected to your industry by attending events, networking, or learning new skills to keep your knowledge up to date. 

What if I took time off for personal reasons? 

Be transparent and explain how it positively impacted you. Employers will value your honesty. 

Can I list freelance or volunteer work during my career break? 

Yes, freelance or volunteer work can show you’ve stayed active and continue to build skills during your break.