Creating a CV for Your Return to Work: Let’s Make Your Comeback a Success!

Taking time away from the workforce can make returning to work feel like a big leap. Whether you’ve been raising a family, taking care of personal matters, or just needed a break, it’s easy to feel out of touch and worry that you’ve lost your skills. But hold on—before you start doubting yourself, think about this: during your time off, you’ve probably developed some skills that employers are actively looking for. Seriously!

So, before you jump into writing your CV, let’s go over a few key points that will help you showcase your growth and experience.

1. Highlight the Skills You’ve Been Using During Your Break

You’ve probably been involved in things like fundraising, volunteering, organizing events, or even running a PTA. Guess what? All of those experiences count! These activities have likely given you transferable skills that employers value, like:

• Communication: Whether you’ve been speaking with parents, colleagues, or clients, communication is key.

• Leadership & Negotiation: Maybe you’ve been leading a team or negotiating with suppliers. That’s leadership experience right there!

• Teamwork & Planning: Running a group or planning an event involves tons of coordination, which is a big asset in any workplace.

• Project Management & Financial Skills: Maybe you’ve organized a fundraiser or managed a budget for an event. That’s real-world project management experience!

The key here is recognizing the value in everything you’ve been doing.

2. Know Why You Want to Return to Work

What excites you about getting back to the workforce? Do you want to apply your skills in a new field, or are you looking to take on new challenges? Identifying your motivation will help you choose the right role and craft a personal profile that reflects your passion and drive. Make sure this theme shines through your CV so employers know exactly what you’re aiming for.

3. Be Positive, Proactive, and Confident

Returning to work after a break can feel daunting, but a positive attitude can go a long way. Be confident about the skills you’ve gained during your time off and how they apply to the roles you’re interested in. Remember, even job seekers currently employed struggle to stay confident, so if you get it right, you’re already ahead of the game!

Key CV Sections to Nail

Now, let’s break down some essential sections of your CV and how to present them in the best possible light.

Name and Contact Information:Keep this simple—your name, phone number, and email address are what you want front and center. There’s no need to clutter your CV with your full postal address unless you’re asked to provide it. Let’s keep things clean and easy for the recruiter to contact you!

Personal Profile/Statement:This is your chance to show off in just a few lines. You don’t need to go into great detail about your break, but be honest. You could say something like:

• “Keen to return to work after a fulfilling sabbatical.”

• “An experienced professional with valuable life experience, eager to contribute again.”

This makes you sound motivated and ready to jump back in!

Work Experience: Here’s where you get to shine. Don’t try to hide your career break—embrace it! Employers appreciate career breaks if you present yourself as motivated and committed. Keep the dates accurate, but feel free to include any voluntary work, freelance projects, or skills you’ve gained while away. Trust us—those community activities and freelance gigs count!

References: Got references? Awesome! If you’ve been away from the workplace for a while, consider including references from your time off. Maybe the headteacher from your kids’ school or someone from a charity you volunteered for. And if you don’t have recent references, no worries—just include references from your previous jobs or academic career.

Wrapping Up: It’s Time to Make Your Comeback

Returning to work after a break is a journey, and one that reflects your resilience, determination, and growth. By following these tips, you’ll create a CV that tells the story of your personal and professional development. The skills you’ve developed while away are valuable—so present them with confidence!

Need some help along the way? At Culturalinks, our Employment Hub is dedicated to supporting you in this exciting next chapter. Whether you need assistance polishing your CV, advice on your job search, or help identifying transferable skills, we’re here to guide you. Let’s work together and make your return to work a smooth and successful one!