Class Notes: How to Get a Job After a Career Break

Objective

Guidance and motivation for individuals returning to the job market after a career break, including actionable steps, real-life examples, and tips for success.

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Key Topics Covered

1. 7 Steps to Land a Job After a Career Break
2. Real-life Examples of People Overcoming Career Gaps
3. The Speaker's Personal Experience Returning to Work
4. Bonus Tip: Shameless Resilience

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The 7 Steps to Find a Job After a Career Break

Step 1: Create a Support Network

• Personal Support: Delegate responsibilities, seek help from family or hire support (e.g., for childcare).
• Professional Support: (Details explored in step 6)

Step 2: Re-evaluate Career Choices

• Assess if your priorities or goals have changed.
• Example: Sravya switched roles after relocating to Germany.
• Tips:
  1. Research high-demand, low-supply jobs.
  2. List your current skills and identify market overlaps.
  3. Talk to professionals to explore roles (eliminate jobs you dislike).

Step 3: Upskill Yourself

• Identify gaps between your skills and market requirements.
• Obtain certifications relevant to desired roles.
• Example: Shreya got certified in Scrum and Product Management to increase eligibility.
• Resources recommended: Google Career Certificates and other online certifications.

Step 4: Build Something of Your Own

• Develop a work portfolio (e.g., GitHub, Behance, WordPress).
• Freelance on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
• Example: Prince increased job opportunities as a graphic designer through his growing portfolio.

Step 5: Create a Smashing Profile

• Resume: Use online templates for easy and professional resumes.
• LinkedIn: Update your profile, use the 'Career Break' feature to explain gaps positively.

Step 6: Get Your Foot in the Door

• Networking: Leverage "Return to Work" programs (e.g., at Google, Deloitte, Accenture).
• Apply widely, accept that many applications will not get responses.
• Let everyone (family, friends, online contacts) know you are job searching.
• On LinkedIn, use the "Open to Work" feature.
• Connect with your alumni and social networks.

Step 7: Keep Applying

• Persistence is crucial; multiple applications are often necessary.
• Expect and prepare for awkward questions about career gaps.
• Stay ready for and resilient to societal pressures and interview challenges.

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Bonus Tip: Be Shamelessly Resilient

• Don’t be discouraged by rejection or uncomfortable questions.
• Maintain perseverance and self-belief—your opportunity will eventually come.

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Real-Life Examples Shared

• Prasanna: Managed childcare, returned through Deloitte’s "Second Innings" program.
• Sravya: Shifted careers after moving abroad, took entry-level roles.
• Vineeta: Pivoted from private equity to becoming VP in investments post-career break.
• Prince: Built a design portfolio during studies, landed more jobs.
• Karan: Used freelancing as a stepping stone to career growth.
• Speaker’s Personal Experience: Overcame societal/cultural pressures and persevered through challenges.

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Additional Resources

• Google Career Certificates — For gaining in-demand skills.
• LinkedIn — For showcasing career breaks and signaling interest.
• Video Recommendations: Resume building, interview preparation.

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Motivational Takeaways

• A career gap is not a career end.
• Treat your break as a plot twist, not a flaw.
• Leverage patience and resilience learned during the break, especially for mothers.
• Community support and networking can reveal unexpected opportunities.
• Stay persistent, positive, and proactive.

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Call to Action

• Like, share, and subscribe for more career and finance tips.
• Connect and let others know the kind of job you are seeking for possible opportunities.
• Explore Google Career Certificates for upskilling.

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"Be shamelessly resilient. One day, you’ll get that job that’s custom-made just for you."