Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is working on your HR questions as part of the USA Today series. Taylor is the world’s largest HR professional society and the president and CEO of the Human Resources Management Association, author of “Reset: A Guide to Leaders to Work in an Era of Trending Times.”
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Question: I took five years off from my career to take care of my son. I’m glad he’s fully recovered, but after spending so much time I wonder how he can re-enter the world of work. Any advice you have to go back to work after such a long vacation? – Nadia
Answer: Taking a five-year career break during my son’s illness shows incredible dedication and resilience. I understand that you may feel uneasy about returning to the workforce, but the strength and skills you develop during this challenging period are valuable assets that will often serve you in the transition of your career.
There are strategic approaches that will help you succeed in the job market.
We stock your professional foundation. Start by documenting your previous work experience and the core competencies that have made you successful. Identify how these skills match current employment opportunities in your field and consider how they evolved or expanded during the caregiving experience.
Document your continued professional involvement. Update your resume to include any professional development activities you pursued during your break. This may include industry webinars, online courses, professional reading, or certification. These demonstrate commitment to staying up to date and a proactive approach to professional growth.
Attach directly to changes in the industry. If your field has evolved significantly, consider pursuing relevant training or certification to fill knowledge gaps. This shows potential employers who are serious about your return and committed to meeting current industry standards.
Emphasise your enhanced soft skills. The communication, time management, problem solving and organizational skills that have been refined while navigating the care of my son are highly sought after in today’s workplace. Please provide specific examples of how these skills were applied in both previous roles and duration of care.
Use your volunteer experience. Include these on your resume if you participated in volunteering, especially those related to your career field. The volunteer work demonstrates ongoing engagement with your professional community and introduces you to transferable skills.
Reconnect with a professional network. Contact your former colleagues, supervisors, or industry contacts to let them know that you intend to return to work. These connections can provide valuable insight into industry changes, potential opportunities, and can serve as job search references or advocates.
We are investigating the current market situation. Use networks and online resources to understand how the industry has changed, which skills are in demand, and which pay ranges are realistic. This information will help you set appropriate expectations and adjust your approach.
Consider a step-by-step return. Temporary, contract or part-time positions can provide an excellent bridge back to full-time employment. These opportunities allow you to rebuild your confidence, update your skills and demonstrate your capabilities to potential long-term employers.
Your care experience is equipped with resilience, adaptability and empathy. It is an increasingly valuable quality in today’s workplace. You may need to return to work, but your son’s dedication to recovery demonstrates the same commitment and determination needed to promote success in your career.
The opinions and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of USA Today.
