How Can I Explain a 2-Year Career Break to Recruiters and Re-enter HR?

Dear friends,

I completed my MBA in HR in 2006 and immediately worked as an HR executive for a media group, where I played a HR generalist role. I quit in 2007, and later I got married. Now, I am unsure if I will be able to find a position as I did before. I am very confused about how to respond if recruiters ask me why I took a break for 2 years. To be honest, at that time, I did not realize the importance of a job, but now I understand its significance. Please advise me on this.

Regards,
Divya

Hi Divya,

Just chill, you need not worry so much. You will be able to find a good job. You can very well tell them you were getting married and you had to concentrate on your family. Now you are in a matured situation, and you can very well manage work and family at the same time. That's the reason you are looking out for a job.

Dear Diviya,

Good luck with your job search. There is nothing to worry about. Just explain that you faced some personal challenges. If they require specifics, mention that you were getting married during that period.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Divya,

As others have said, there is nothing to worry about. Just keep one thing in mind: you have not committed a crime, so you need not feel guilty about it. Never show your interviewers that you regret taking a break. Just present it as a decision. Be confident. Good luck to you.

Looks like you didn't understand what I meant. No problem, because Divya understood. That's enough.

Taking a break is a positive step in an individual's life, but be aware that the corporate scenario and circumstances have changed a lot in the last two years of challenges...

Hi,

Same case with me... I was in India but currently in the Gulf for a different profile. Now I long to get back to my career and working out to achieve it. Yes, I got one in my profession in the Gulf itself, but due to certain constraints, I have apprehensions!

Regards,
Manu

I agree that it is difficult to find a job after a break. I am facing the same issue. I have 3 years of HR Generalistic experience. I took a break of around 2 years for my baby, and now when I apply, consultants tell me that my CV is not shortlisted just because of the gap. It is really frustrating at times. I was always among the toppers, got placed through campus placements, and received offers from Wipro and Accenture (however, could not avail them as I had complications in pregnancy and was advised not to travel far). Now, when I am looking for options, it is difficult to re-enter the industry again. Can any one of you help me to get into the industry again in Delhi & NCR?

Hi Divya,

I also faced the same problem like yours after completing my MBA. I worked for an International Pharma company for around 2.7 years. After that, I got married and took a break for almost 7 months. Right now, I am with an IT company.

I would suggest that you can take up some HR assignments for short durations with small start-ups just to start with. Later, as you settle, job offers will come to you. Simultaneously, keep yourself updated and float your updated resumes to all good placement consultants in your city. It will take some time for things to click as the market is slow, but keep trying.

Also, keep appearing for interviews for whichever profile you get; that will help you a lot. Appearing for interviews will help you in gauging the requirements of the organizations. Review your resume again and update it if required before floating it into the market.

Another option is that you can take up some further studies in the meantime to sharpen your knowledge. This will help you utilize your time as well as justify yourself in front of the interviewers, and you will also feel much more confident.

As many people said earlier, it is quite an acceptable thing that females do take breaks during their careers for various genuine reasons, so don't worry. All the best. Hope this suggestion helps you.

Had wishes been good enough, she would have got a job, but that is not the true scenario in the current situation. Let's all be realistic. It's not an easy thing to get a job of your choice, taking into view the fact that you have not worked for the past few years and you want to take up the job again. The gap is there in the resume, and as such, a flux of people is available with good skills and knowledge. Why should a company hire you when you are out of sight and touch with the current industry trends? Let's be practical; you need to start from scratch again. As the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers. You won't be able to dictate your terms while applying for jobs or going for interviews; it's the organization that has the upper hand in your case. Yes, it's not that you won't get a job. Getting a job of your choice will be a challenge, but start from a low position with low salary and then move upwards. Time is not good at the moment; you need to have patience as well. Be prepared and show knowledge, as the opportunities that would come your way will be very limited, and you need to turn these opportunities into success. Hence, be a soldier ready with your rifle to shoot and win the battle.

Your situation is the same as mine. You need not worry. Just confidently tell them that you were getting married and had to concentrate on your family. Be confident in front of them. And one most important thing, update yourself for the current scenario.

Anita Chandra

Dear Divya,

You just updated your resume on Naukri.com and other portals. Definitely, within a few days, you will receive an interview call. Be confident, don't lose your confidence.

Wish you all the very best.

Your knowledge, confidence, and interest in HR will undoubtedly help you secure a job. Regarding the two-year break, it is understandable and quite common; therefore, there is no need to worry about it. Stay positive.

Best Wishes,
Phanindra Sai A

Dear Divya,

There is no need to worry about a 2-year gap because it was a genuine reason. Now, you want to do a job, and that's a very good idea which will be appreciated. So, start searching for a job in your field of H.R. If you can prove that you had a genuine reason for the gap, every company will consider you.

Hi everyone,

I know I haven't committed a crime; I was worried because I feel I'm not updated about the field. Anyways, thanks for your responses.

Cheers,
Divya

Hi Divya, I am in the same boat as you. It has been two years since I left my job as an HR executive in a retail format. I have been concerned that I am not updated about my field as of today's date. However, I still keep updating my resume on job portals, and I do receive calls for interviews. Maybe now I need to start reading more and keep trying to look for a suitable opportunity.

All the best to you.
Neha