It’s no secret that returning to the job search after taking a break from your studies can be daunting.
Couple that with a nagging gut feeling that fills your head with questions: Do I have enough knowledge? Where should I start? Will potential employers be put off by a blank space in my ‘Work Experience’ section? Maybe you’ve even started Googling How to add an unfinished degree on a resume and spiraled down a rabbit hole of self-doubt. (Oof!)
These are natural anxieties that practically every graduate has after taking a break — but don’t let them hold you back from finding your dream job.
In fact, try to reframe it another way. This is your chance to jumpstart your career, with a fresh perspective, new skills, and renewed energy. Think of it as a reboot, not a setback!
If you’re in a similar situation, keep reading. We’ll walk you through the exact steps you should follow, including how to assess your skills, gain more experience, polish your resume, and much more.
Check Your Skills
Before firing up Microsoft Word and frantically searching for your old resume, take a moment to do a little self-reflection — especially your current skills, interests, and what you’ve been up to during your academic break.
Did you travel the world and learn a new language? Maybe you've picked up new talents through volunteer work, personal projects, or even in everyday life. Don't underestimate the value of these experiences!
It's also important to keep in mind that the job market is not static, and while you were away, the demands of employers may have changed. Take the time to scroll through current job postings and understand what companies are currently looking for. This will not only help you focus your job search but also identify any areas where you might need to brush up on your skills (or learn new ones).
Remember that cheesy poster in third grade with the words ‘knowledge is power’? Apparently, it turns out our elementary school teachers were onto something, and understanding the current job landscape is the first step to conquering it.
Level Up Your Experience
You know that meme that says “When jobs want you to have 10 years of work experience before the age of 22”? If that resonates with you, you’re definitely not alone. Even if employers are demanding that elusive ‘real-world experience,’ there are a few ways to level up your resume.
The first option is to find a part-time job. Companies often need extra workers to fill in extra gaps or for seasonal jobs, and by getting one of these jobs, you’ll get valuable experience while hunting for a full-time job.
As a nice bonus, you’ll also work on soft skills like communication, teamwork, or time management — all while strengthening your resume.
Want to do some good? Consider giving volunteering a try! Charities and nonprofits are always in need of passionate people, and it's a fantastic way to gain real-world experience while doing some good in the world. There are even special websites (like VolunteerMatch) that will match you with volunteer opportunities based on your interests, skills, and causes.
Freshen Up Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
You have a plan, you’ve built up some experience, and you’re ready to take on the world… But don’t rush to fill out those applications just yet — you still need to update your resume!
Dust off that resume from 3 years ago and be sure to add any new work experience, volunteering, or skills that you’ve learned during your break. Be sure to customize your resume for every job that you’re applying for and highlight the skills that might be useful for that position (employers will be impressed!)
Once your resume is ready, it’s time to move on to your LinkedIn profile! Just like your physical resume, your LinkedIn profile should reflect your current situation, experience, and skills. Speaking of which, be sure to take a new (professional!) headshot — it can make all the difference.
Use Your Network To Your Advantage
Now it’s time for the ‘fun’ part: job hunting! There are tons of websites to look for jobs, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, among others.
During your job hunt, it’s also a great idea to reach out to your personal connections, like former classmates, professors, and work colleagues, and ask if they know someone who’s hiring (or if their company is looking for new employees). A personal referral from people you know can go a long way, especially in this competitive job market!
Another great tip is to reach out to companies where you previously interned, remind them of what you did, and see if they have any job openings.
—--
Armed with these strategies and a plan, you’re well on your way to conquering the job market and finding the job of your dreams. Good luck!
