To explain or not to explain a career break in your CV? Thoughts? Experiences?
Replies7
- I agree with what everone has said. Certainly there will be an explanation to a break in the timeline and phrasing it through the scope of "added value" is plausable way of explaining it.But, I don't think that this applies to the design industry, and especially has no relavance if you are an artist, photographer, or a creator that doesn't need a boss. Creativity ebbs and flows to a different schedule and output is where the value lies.I recently I listened to a podcast with Matthew McConaughey about how he wanted to pivot from being the Rom-Com guy to playing more serious roles so he went into an 18 month career asolation, not accepting any scripts no matter the price. Then boom, he got the role he needed to make that pivot a real career move.
- Hi TijanaThis is always a tricky question and one that comes up frequently.My view is that a career break is often for a specific reason. And, usually within that break, people use the time to help them reflect, make choices, review where they are and what they want, learn new skills, absorb new thinking, make connections, follow a passion or any number of things.The thing to do is to position that time as creating some value that has helped you get to where you are now. How did you use it? What did you learn? How does that help create value for the company you’re speaking to and how does it make you even better.That is best delivered in the voice over in a meeting, covering letter or interview.Stay Boom!S
- Hi Tijana,I would suggest mentioning a career break in your cover letter rather than your resume. In my experience I appreciate the CV being more factual and it is the cover letter that actually puts your skills & trajectory in context.Of course it all comes down to the nature of your break, how long it was, what you made of it (not being judgamental at all!), etc. For me it is more about how taking this break contributed to your resume and professional profile.Hope this helps!Best,
- I would always say explain! Its super important in getting to you know, your CV isn't just about your work experience but also about your life experiences.
- Definitely! And explain how that career break actually has given you all this interpersonal skills that make you an even more exciting candidate! I took time out to teaching English to kids in Vietnam and it is still to this date one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
- @Lucinda Davis absolutely and well explained. It very often leads to the opportunity to build affinity, which goes a long way when you are interviewing and want to make a lasting impression. People remember the people they connect with!
- Lots of people take breaks at different times in their careers. If it's more than a few months, write the to and from dates (month/year) on your CV with a short explainer, something like Career break to go travelling, care for family member, skills training, etc. If it was simply time out, Career break is enough.
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