How to return to work after taking a long career break

Understand what to expect from a job search

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Real talk: It can take from one month to over a year to find a new job, says Jane Cruz-Walker, Chief Marketing Officer of Seek Asia, the human resources company that runs job portals jobsDB and JobStreet. So why does job searching take so long? Sometimes it’s due to the economy – and there’s not much you can do about that. But many reasons are within your control. “It is usually due to mismatches in expectations from both the candidates and hirers – such as in salary expectations, skills required, or job experience.

But these problems can be solved through reskilling and upskilling,” says Jane. Coming back from a break can be challenging, as Mei Lee knows. She advises, “The stereotype out there is, ‘This person took a break because they are no good. Or they got fired.’ You have to accept this reality and prepare your response in a thoughtful manner, so you don’t come across as surprised or defensive during the job search process.”

Decide what you want from a job, including how it fits into your lifestyle

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Before you begin the search for a new job, consider what you want out of it. For example, are flexible hours your number one priority? Will you continue to juggle caregiving responsibilities? What working hours do you need? Do you prefer solo work to working in a team? Jane says, “When it comes to salary and benefits, it is helpful to first understand how you can negotiate with your potential employer, or upgrade yourself to match the pay you want.” In other words, you need to do some research to find out where you can value-add to this company. Then you can negotiate more calmly. Also look at salary and benefits as a total package. For example, if the salary really is not-negotiable, can they give you more paid leave? Or flexible work days? Or a better medical and dental package?

Stay abreast of trends

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When searching for a job, it is also important to be in the know about current trends in your industry – or the industry you want to move into. According to Jane, “Trends are always changing. Industries are constantly seeking ways to improve processes. Reading up online or talking to friends who are in a similar industry can help inform you on how your industry has shifted, and what you can do to prepare yourself.” This is echoed by Mei Lee, who shares, ”I read up on important news and industry changes to ensure that I was up to date.”

Do your research, and network in person or online

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Even with in-person networking events making a return after the pandemic, online networking remains a useful tool. Says Jane, “It’s a good idea to join webinars or events hosted by relevant industry players and connect with other participants. You’ll never know who you might be able to network with. Take advantage of any opportunities that you may find!” Don’t be shy to tell everyone what you can do and what kind of job you need. It takes courage to put yourself back out there, so be proud that you are trying. As Jane notes, “It is worthwhile to set aside time daily for positive self-affirmations. We should take more time to pat ourselves on the back for the amazing things that we are able to achieve in a day.”

Level up

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“It’s a good idea to work out ways to improve your skills,” says Jane. “Depending on the position level, employers may expect a certain level of skills, and not all offer on-the-job training. Even if you are planning to reenter the same industry, practices change over time. Equipping yourself with updated knowledge and skills is necessary to convince employers that you are competent.” For a pocket-friendly start to upskilling, you can look up SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses or invest in part-time higher education if you are serious about your next career move.

Consider a “returnship” (Return Internship)

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Returnships – or return internships – are increasingly common overseas. A return internship is when an adult ‘interns’ at a company for three or six months, sometimes longer. They get the chance to ease back into the workforce, and build up skills and confidence. Plus potential employers can gauge their skills and attitude more easily. Some overseas studies show roughly 80% of returnees get offered a permanent job.

In Singapore structured Returnship programmes for women are available through the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) career comeback programme which was launched in 2021. It includes training to refresh your skills and can even help match job-seekers to employers looking for staff. In 2022, the programme was updated and expanded to include white-collar workers. Social enterprise Mums@Work also provides support, training and contacts for stay-at-home mothers looking to return to work after a career break.

Prepare for the interview

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Start by researching about the company (and the interviewers, if possible). Make sure you try their product or service. Jane highlights the importance of being confident in the way you speak, and including some facts from your research. Nowadays, there’s a chance that the interview will be held online. In this case, it’s important to be at ease in front of the camera. Practice interview tips and tricks a few times with friends and family so you can get more confident.

When the subject of your career break comes up in an interview Jane Cruz-Walker has this advice: “Being honest about your career break is the best way to go about answering questions around your professional gaps. Focus on your abilities. Share what you have done to be productive during the break. Highlight the skills you’ve picked up during this time, and then correlate these to how you can be a valuable player in the company.” Mei Lee, who took two career breaks, agrees with this advice. “Be prepared with thoughtful answers on why you took the break and what you learnt in the process – employers love introspective employees.”

This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.