Despite what you may think, taking a career break is not worth hiding, writes Aoibhinn Mc Bride.
Career break… a year spent travelling the globe… taking time out of the workforce to raise your children… simply not being able to withstand a toxic workplace and/or boss and quitting your previous role without a backup plan so you don’t completely burn out…
Whatever way you frame it, an unexplained gap on your CV can raise red flags when you’re looking for a new job, even if there’s a justifiable reason behind it. In fact, recent data shows that one in five hiring managers reject applicants who’ve had an extended period off work.
So how can you best get around a break in your work experience on your CV?
Own it
When it comes to gaps on your resume, honesty is always the best policy. Instead of dismissing time out of the workforce as a gap in your skills development, reframe your career break and add it to your work experience instead, making sure to detail exactly what you did by giving it a name.
An extended period of parental leave can be renamed as “Family Sabbatical”. If burn out led you to a period of unemployment, why not refer to it from here on out as a “Wellness Sabbatical”. Not only does this explain how your time was spent, it can offer hiring managers an insight into your personality, your interests and achievements outside of work, and be a great conversation starter during an interview to boot.
Most importantly, don’t lie about a gap, or try to cover it up as this will undoubtedly come back to haunt you during an interview or once you’re employed. Increasingly employers are checking social media platforms to get a glimpse into their lives of their potential new hires outside of the office, and this can immediately shine a light on any inconsistencies in your work history.
Look on the bright side
According to a recent report by Deloitte, soft skill-intensive jobs will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030, and three of the most important include teamwork and collaboration, communication and problem solving, and critical thinking.
Not all soft skills are acquired in the workplace, and whether you trekked to Machu Picchu or spent two years as a stay-at-home parent, you undoubtedly picked up transferable soft skills along the way such as resilience and negotiation. By detailing these experiences in this manner, you’ll be able to frame your career break in a constructive way.
Plus, as there is a gap between demand and supply (a quarter of entry level employers report that they have difficulty filling positions because applicants lack soft skills) employers need to think outside the box when it comes to hiring their teams.
Ready to put your new and improved CV to the test? The Professional Beauty Job Board has hundreds of opportunities across Australia, like the three below.
Skincare Specialist – Chermside, Sephora, Brisbane
As a Skincare Specialist, you will be a key team member who inspires and helps customers become the best version of themselves. You are encouraged to explore, create emotional connections, and help customers discover Sephora’s Beauty Selection. You’ll also be expected to help make a great first impression by always ensuring the store is sparkling and fully stocked and participate in cross-training to continuously learn and explore. Applicants should have previous experience in skincare and skin services and have sales experience. A certificate or diploma in skincare is highly desirable but not essential. View more details about this role here.
Technical Coordinator, AESOP Corporate, Melbourne
For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment. It is currently seeking a dynamic and resilient Technical Coordinator to join its supply chain team in a full-time position operating with a hybrid working pattern, based at the company’s global head office in Collingwood. Key responsibilities include attending R&D trials, reviewing manufacturing processes, technically assessing new and existing products and maintaining procedures and protocols within the supply chain. To apply you’ll need a degree in engineering, science or a similar field, a good understanding of manufacturing processes and experience working with cross-functional stakeholders. See the full job spec here.
Beauty Therapist, Laser Clinics Australia, Sydney
Laser Clinics Australia is recruiting a Beauty Therapist for its Darlinghurst clinic. This role is ideal for someone looking to kick-start their career or a more experienced senior therapist who wants to mentor teams, as full training will be provided. However, you will need a formal beauty qualification, either a Diploma of beauty therapy or Advanced Diploma in dermal therapy/science, along with a love of skincare, beauty, customer service and focus on achieving sales targets. Apply for this role here.
For more opportunities in beauty visit the Professional Beauty Job Board today.
This post was produced in partnership with Jobbio.
Read the current issue of our digital magazine here:
- For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Join Australia’s largest network of beauty industry professionals on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to our print magazine
Have an idea for a story or want to see a topic covered on our site and in our pages? Get in touch at info@professionalbeauty.com.au.