
Manage your job search during a career break – and how to explain a career break in an interview
Life is filled with surprises
and changes and sometimes, you find yourself taking a career break. Whether
it's for personal reasons, family responsibilities or study, career breaks are
a common part of many people’s careers. But what happens when you’re
considering going back into the workforce? How do you navigate the job search
when you’re having a career break? Here are some top tips to assist you on this
journey.
Your career goals - what are
you passionate about?
Take the time to consider
your career goals, passions, and priorities. Are you looking to return to your
previous industry or transition to a new industry? Having a break can give you
a unique and fresh perspective, so leverage the opportunity and use this time
to clearly define your objectives to prepare you and set you up for success.
Consider upskilling and
volunteering
Depending on the length of
your career break and the industry you are wanting to explore returning to,
industry trends may have changed, and entry requirements may differ. Consider
taking courses (there are lots of free courses available online), attending webinars
or seminars to update your skills and demonstrate your commitment to
professional growth. Look for volunteer opportunities to gain valuable
experience to add to your resume.
Update your resume and LinkedIn
Profile
Create a resume that
highlights your past experiences and emphasizes transferable skills. It doesn’t
need to be long winded or fancy – a clear and easy to read format is all you
need and lots of templates are available for free on Microsoft Word or Canva. Update
your LinkedIn profile to highlight your career journey and don't shy away from
mentioning any volunteer work, interim roles, or relatable study or projects
you have or are completing.
Connect, chat and network!
Reconnect with former
colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Mention to your friends and family
that you may be looking to re-enter the workforce. Never underestimate how a
simple conversation can open doors to job opportunities.
Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Whether it is a phone
interview or face to face interview, it’s important to be prepared! Do your
research about companies you may wish to apply for and be ready to address the
career gap in interviews.
Be honest in acknowledging
the career gap including the reason (eg health issues, education, travel,
family responsibilities etc). Speak to the skills you’ve learned during the
break (including relatable life skills) and how this has impacted you, your
perspective and your readiness to rejoin the workforce. For example, “I took a break from my career to
care for a family member but during that time I stayed education with [include
relevant activities eg freelance work, volunteering]”. By having a brief
explanation for your career break, how you used the time productively and highlighting
your new skills will allow them to see the value in hiring a candidate who has
taken a break.
Remember the 3 P’s
Re-entering the workforce
after a career break can be challenging and at times seem overwhelming! It may also
take some time to find the right role for you. It is key to remember the 3 P’s – stay positive, be patient, and remain persistent
in your search.
Looking for a new
opportunity? We’d love to hear from you! Check out our careers page and
register your interest in working at the NRMA Group to be notified of any jobs
that may become available.
Latest posts

Teaser
AdvocacyContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/30/2025
Summary
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect can help ease your mind and set you up for success. Whether you're preparing for your first job interview or looking to refine your app
.jpg)
Teaser
CareerContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2025
Summary
Self-described as a “happy helper” and “Pilates princess”, Britt Pyne is someone who brings heart, hustle and humour to everything she does. For the past few years, she’s been supporting some of Roads

Teaser
LIfe at the NRMAContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/14/2025
Summary
The year was 1985. Unleaded petrol was just 50 cents a litre, Careless Whisper was dominating the charts, and – most importantly – Colin, or Col, was starting his journey with the NRMA. Fast forward 4

Teaser
Recruitment Hints and TipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/27/2024
Summary
Spotted a role that catches your eye? Great! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you smoothly navigate our application process. Firstly, tailor your resume and cover letter to the position. We
Careers going further
Salary
Location
Perth Airport
Department
Washbay
Location
Perth
Brand
SIXT Australia
Job Type
Casual
Description
Your role at SIXTSIXT Australia is on the lookout for a Casual Vehicle Detailer to join the team Perth Airport. At SIXT, you can fully showcase your strengths. You’ll meet SIXT Australia’s vehicle pre
Reference
6daa9922-668d-4066-acc4-6bc5fe024b2f
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lisa SmithAuthor
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Melbourne Airport
Department
Washbay
Location
Melbourne
Brand
SIXT Australia
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Your role at SIXTSIXT Australia is on the lookout for a Full Time Vehicle Detailer to join the team at Melbourne Airport. At SIXT, you can fully showcase your strengths. You’ll meet SIXT Australia’s v
Reference
514acfac-47bf-4673-a205-bd6abeecf6c9
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lisa SmithAuthor
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Sydney Olympic Park
Department
Legal and Risk
Location
Sydney Olympic Park
Brand
My NRMA
Job Type
Full-time
Description
This exciting career opportunity will support the delivery and oversight of our Compliance and Internal Audit function. You will thrive in this role if you are passionate about working in an agile en
Reference
175206a8-8a90-4461-b996-0413e0a067ce
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lisa SmithAuthor
Lisa Smith