Top Recruiter Answers This Critical Question from Job Seekers: How Can I Successfully Get Back into The Job Market After a Hiatus?
Gaps in a resume can be problematic in a job search. But are they as bad as we think?
You may be able to turn gaps in employment history to your advantage.
Regardless of your reason for being out of the job market for a while, you have nothing to be ashamed of. So don’t be overly concerned about your time away from the workplace, and don’t dwell on it. There are employers out there right now looking for candidates just like you.
Always consider engaging some professional assistance for your job search. At Shepherd Regulatory Search we’re here to help. An experienced recruiting and staffing agency partner can help you to jumpstart the workforce reentry process. Professional recruiting is a personal business, and we take every client’s job search personally. We want to hear your story. Call one of our recruiting professionals at (772) 212-2753, or get in touch online today!
So what is considered a resume gap? This is somewhat subjective, but any absence longer than four or five months may require an explanation. So be ready to address it.
There are many reasons for an extended absence from work. Some are easily explained away, and others more personal and difficult to address. Reasons for workplace absences cover a broad spectrum including personal injury or illness, caring for a sick family member, continuing education, travel, etc.
In this post, you’ll learn seven steps to move beyond your resume gaps.
We’ll discuss each recommendation in the context of your unique job search. Then we’ll provide some tips and suggestions to help you get your career back on track, on your terms.
Getting started with a job search is always the hardest part. So let’s take a look at the process step by step:
- • Reassess And Reevaluate Your Situation
- • Refocus On Your Goals
- • Refresh Your Resume And Social Media
- • Reengage Your Network
- • Alert Your Professional References
- • Prepare To Interview (Explain Your Absence And Current Professional Objectives)
- • Keep Your Options Open to Contract Positions, Part-time, Interim, etc.
Are you really ready to go back to work?
Take some time to reassess and reevaluate your situation, personally and professionally. Regardless of the reason for your absence, you will need to take stock of your psychological, emotional, and physical states.
Consult your most trusted advisors, friends, and family. Career decisions are always impactful.
If the answer is, “Yes, I’m ready to go back to work,” it’s definitely a good time to refocus on your career goals. Depending on the duration and reason for your absence, you may want to take a step back and think about a few things:
- • Should I Consider a Career Change or Move? (Timing Is Everything!)
- • Do I Need to Renew Any Professional Certifications?
- • Are There Positions Available that Match My Experience and Professional Objectives?
If you’ve been thinking about changing careers, now is a good time to act.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about pursuing a management or executive-level position? Or you may be looking at stepping back from management. This is a good time to reassess.
Now is also a good time to update your credentials and certifications. You can start your job search in parallel with some continuing education or certification training. This can help to narrow those resume gaps and demonstrate to hiring professionals that you’re staying active in your profession.
You have professional goals and work-life balance objectives. You’ll need to know if there are open positions in your market that align with these goals and objectives.
At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we can help you match your personal and professional goals with the best available positions. We match the right candidate with the right job at the right time. We specialize in Regulatory Affairs recruiting and hiring, so we understand the unique requirements of your job search and your unique objectives.
You’ve evaluated your situation and you’re moving forward with your professional job search. Congratulations! Call our Regulatory Affairs team at (772) 212-2753, or reach out online today!
Now is a good time to refresh your resume and social media.
Second to your resume, your LinkedIn profile will be your most important go-to resource for recruiters and employers as you reenter the workforce. Shepherd Regulatory Search and LinkedIn have some great advice and tips for you.
Remember, your LinkedIn Profile and your resume will need to be in sync, professional and up-to-date. We highly recommend seeking some professional assistance when updating your resume. This is your chance to dazzle potential employers and recruiters with your education, credentials, special skills, and personality!
Employers and recruiters use applicant tracking systems and AI extensively to screen and manage large numbers of candidate resumes.
Don’t take any chances. Make sure your resume is concise, eye-catching, and professional. Professional resume writing services also know how to make you stand out in the world of automation and artificial intelligence.
Give the same meticulous attention to your LinkedIn profile. According to web hosting giant Kinsta, Inc., LinkedIn is still by far the most used social platform by employers and recruiters to find the best talent.
You’ve got the basics covered. Now it’s time for you to reengage your network. You have an interpersonal network of friends, colleagues, prior coworkers, etc. These are excellent connections that may be able to help you in your job search.
Reconnect with your personal and business connections on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Let them know that you’re back in the job market. It’s time to start networking!
It’s also time to talk to a professional recruiting firm. At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we’ll get to know you personally. We’ll match you with exceptional employers looking for exceptional candidates in the field of Regulatory Affairs.
At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we understand the regulatory affairs market, the companies, and the top talent they are looking for.
You’re officially almost back in the job market, but not quite. So far, the process probably wasn’t as difficult as you thought it might be. But you’re not quite finished yet. Now it’s time to prep your professional references.
References can be critical to your success. According to Northeastern University:
“Many job seekers still regard references as an afterthought, which can be a critical mistake. Eight in 10 HR executives report consistently contacting employee references. Furthermore, 36% of managers say they use references to understand an applicant’s past duties and experience. In today’s competitive job market, where it’s easy to get lost among virtual stacks of resumés, quality references can be the difference between an exciting new job offer or another weekend spent scouring the job boards.”
Spend some time finding the right references. Make sure they can articulate your hard and soft skills and your prior experience, especially as it relates to the role you are pursuing. Ask if they are willing to talk to prospective employers. Keep your references up to date with your progress and make sure you express your gratitude to them for helping you out.
Now It’s time to prepare to interview. Most importantly, prepare to explain your absence if the interviewer asks about it.
Don’t spend too much time on the reason you were gone.
Just be honest and keep your explanation brief and on point. Explaining how you dealt with a real-world experience can also convey a sense of your grit, determination, loyalty, etc. These are excellent qualities that employers are always looking for in great candidates.
It may also be worth explaining how whatever caused the gap in employment will not resurface, if applicable, thus alleviate concerns regarding your reliability in the future. Next, refocus on your current professional objectives and your optimism about reentering the workforce.
According to The Wall Street Journal, resume gaps are becoming more commonplace and easier to overcome, especially in a strong job market.
If possible, and depending on your circumstances, always keep your employment options open to contract, part-time, and interim positions in addition to full-time work. Sometimes just getting back into the workforce can be a game-changer. Your resume gaps are rapidly eclipsed by relevant work experience.
You set some income and work-lifestyle objectives earlier on in the process. It may be a good time to consider some flexible options to meet these goals.
Your workforce reentry plan is now in full swing.
So now what? How do you find the right position to meet your personal and professional goals? Do the job boards and career sites seem intimidating, overcrowded, and unfocused?
At Shepherd Regulatory Search we understand the field of Regulatory Affairs intimately. We know which companies and organizations are looking for top talent. We will get to know you and your professional career goals, so we can match you up with these companies.
Are you considering a career change or modification? Are you open to more flexible types of employment opportunities? Are you looking for a specific type of job that you are willing to wait for? Are you getting ready to reenter the workforce after an extended absence?
We’re here to listen first. Once we understand your skills and goals, we’ll start connecting you with the right opportunities. We’ll even provide you with resume and interviewing tips.
Want to hear more about our specialized Regulatory Affairs recruiting process? Call one of our experts at (772) 212-2753 or get in touch online, and start the conversation today!
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