Career Comeback After a 3-Year Gap: Can I Re-enter the Workforce Successfully?

Hi all,

I need advice regarding my career. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I couldn't take up a job after my MBA (HR). It's been almost three years, and now I want to enter the workforce. Is there any chance for me now after such a big gap? How do I go about it?

Please guide.

Tanya

Hi Tanya,

Yes, you can definitely apply for a job in the HR department. I would like to suggest that you approach good consultancies in your city. If you are from Pune, please forward me your resume; I will help you with the job.

Regards,
Yogesh A
Email: y_tanaji@rediffmail.com

Thank you, Mr. Yogesh A, for sounding so positive. It's definitely a morale booster. However, a lot of people have told me that it's really difficult to get into core HR after this gap. So, a better path would be to first take up a job in admin and then shift to HR. Is that the right way?

Tanya

Hi Tanya,

It's not so easy to get into the industry after a 3-year gap. But in that case, we cannot say no and put an end to it. Understand the trends and practices in the industry. Identify your strengths and areas of interest; based on that, decide your career path. Equip yourself to meet the expectations of the industry and start doing it as soon as possible. I hope you do not deviate from your career goal because of the break.

I hope this will help you.

Regards,
Vijayakumar

Hi Mr. Vijaya Kumar,

It's really nice of you to reply. Sure, what you wrote helped me, but I want a little more detail. As you said, it's important to know the current trends and practices in the industry. How do I gather that info? Because the only experience I have with the industry is my internship which was four years back. So basically, I'm a fresher with outdated theoretical knowledge. That's what recruiters see on my CV. It's a vicious circle I have fallen into. I need to know current practices to get a job, and I can't understand the real situation until I get a job.

Citehr is a great site to learn. Can you suggest some other sources? Would you recommend a refresher course that can help me get a job in core HR? Because that's what I'm interested in.

Also, I am getting an admin job. Would it be wise to join it? I want to take up this job, but I think that would further hinder my prospects in the HR field.

Thanks a ton,
Tanya Roy

Hi Tanya,

How are you? How's life? I really appreciate your strength that after a gap of around 3 years you're planning to start your career.

Many people may say that it's difficult and tough to get started, but don't you think that our lives are full of problems and difficulties? When you start, you may face many hurdles, but then it matters how you handle them and face them; that's the way HR works. I may be sounding philosophical, but it's true.

If you want to start, contact your seniors, consultancies, etc. Don't jump into industries, okay? All the best for your future. Do let me know when you achieve success.

Regards, Yogesh A

09890413284

y_tanaji@rediffmail.com

Hi Mr. Yogesh,

How are you? My life is good, although there is a little bump in between, but no qualms about it because I know it will soon be over. Thank you for asking.

I have a question for you. I am getting an admin job; should I take it up? I don't know the salary yet. What should I expect? I mean, you know my situation, the whole gap thing. I know for sure "What is the salary you expect?" would come up. Please help me with this.

Regards,
Tanya

Hi Tanya,

Nice to hear from you! Well, the salary part matters from city to city because of the cost of living. So, what you get in Pune is not the same as what you get in Delhi, but no problems. It's good that you're getting a job in Admin – congratulations!

Well, I'll suggest that you go with the company norms about salary. I hope it shouldn't be less than 10k per month as you're an MBA in HR. Can you please forward me your resume; I'll see if I can help you.

If you can help me with the reason for the gap, I can assist you. You may feel this is odd, but in the interview, when you talk about the gap, it matters how genuine the reason is.

Take care and do well.

Regards,
Yogesh A