Description
Whether you've taken time off for personal reasons, caregiving, health challenges, or even travel, re-entering the job market after a hiatus can feel daunting. You might question whether your skills are still relevant, how to explain the gap, or even if you're "good enough" in a highly competitive market. These concerns are natural, but with the right approach, you can regain your confidence and be fully prepared for your next career move. Here’s how to build your confidence before diving back into the job search:
1. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments and Skills
After a break, it's easy to overlook all that you’ve achieved before or during your time off. Start by reflecting on your past successes, both personal and professional. This could be anything from leading projects at your previous job to new skills or knowledge you've gained during your break (volunteering, freelance work, or even managing a household). Write down everything you're proud of — tangible achievements, soft skills like communication, or even personal growth.
Looking at this list will remind you that you’ve built a strong foundation and that your experiences, even if not directly related to your job search, have shaped you in valuable ways.
2. Update Your Skills
One of the biggest confidence boosts comes from feeling like you're up to speed with current industry trends. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, things may have evolved in your field. Take time to research and identify any new tools, software, or trends you should be aware of.
There are tons of free or affordable online resources—such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or even YouTube—that can help you brush up on your skills. Whether you’re sharpening your existing knowledge or learning something new, this will not only make you feel more confident but also show potential employers that you’re proactive and adaptable.
3. Leverage Your Network
It’s common to feel isolated when you’ve been away from the workforce, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or friends who may be in your field. Let them know that you’re considering re-entering the job market and ask for advice or insights on how to get started.
Networking serves two purposes: it helps you get a feel for the current job market and also puts you in touch with people who may open doors for you. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to remind you that you have people rooting for you, and they might even know about opportunities you hadn’t considered.
4. Craft Your Story
One common concern when re-entering the job market is how to explain a gap in your resume. Rather than viewing your time away as a liability, see it as part of your story. Employers today are more understanding about career breaks, especially if you can frame them positively.
Prepare a brief, honest explanation about your break that highlights any skills or insights you gained during that time. For instance, if you took time off to care for a family member, focus on how it taught you patience, resilience, or time-management skills. If you were traveling, talk about how it broadened your perspective. Be authentic, and remember that the key is to show how this time away made you stronger, more self-aware, or more capable.
5. Practice Interviewing
After a long break, you may feel rusty in the interview process. That’s completely normal! The best way to rebuild your confidence is to practice. Mock interviews, either with friends or career coaches, are a great way to get comfortable again with common interview questions.
If you feel uncertain about how to answer a question, go over it multiple times until you feel more at ease. Practicing will not only help you with the content of your answers but also with your delivery. The more you rehearse, the more naturally confident you’ll feel when it’s time for the real deal.
6. Set Small, Attainable Goals
Instead of focusing on the end goal of landing a job, break the process into smaller steps that you can celebrate along the way. This could be as simple as completing your resume update, applying to a certain number of jobs per week, or reaching out to a few contacts.
Achieving these micro-goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation. You’ll also see steady progress, which can ease the anxiety of a job search and remind you that you’re moving forward, even if it’s at a pace that feels slow.
7. Stay Positive and Patient
Job searches can take time, and it’s easy to become disheartened by rejections or slow responses. Remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth. Often, it’s simply about finding the right match between your skills and the company’s needs.
Maintain a positive outlook by practicing self-care during the process. Whether it’s exercising, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies, make sure to balance your job search efforts with activities that recharge you emotionally and mentally.
8. Consider Temporary or Volunteer Work
If jumping straight into full-time employment feels intimidating, consider temporary roles, freelancing, or volunteer opportunities to ease your way back into the workforce. Not only can this help you rebuild your confidence, but it also provides fresh experience to add to your resume. Plus, temporary positions or freelance gigs can sometimes turn into permanent opportunities.
Volunteering can also be a powerful confidence-booster, allowing you to contribute to a cause you care about while keeping your skills sharp. It also provides opportunities for networking and learning, all while taking the pressure off landing a full-time job immediately.
Re-entering the job market after a break can be nerve-wracking, but it’s entirely possible to build the confidence you need to succeed. By acknowledging your worth, updating your skills, crafting your story, and setting small goals, you can approach the job search with a renewed sense of purpose and self-assurance.
Remember, your career journey is unique, and your time away has likely added depth to your character and experiences. With preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll not only find the right job—you’ll thrive in it.