How Can I Rejoin HR After a 7-Year Break? Seeking Advice and Job Leads

Hi, I am Smitha, based in Delhi NCR. I had a career break in my HR journey after 11 years of experience in various renowned companies due to some personal responsibilities.

I wish to get back to HR. I am sharing my LinkedIn profile for your kind perusal: LinkedIn/in/smitha-hr

Any leads and advice on getting back to HR would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Regards,
Smitha.

Thank you for sharing your desire to get back into your career. I have conducted online training for several women professionals during and after COVID on career reconnection, post-wedding, post-childbirth, etc. During my training sessions, we focus on a few key areas.

Knowledge updating

When I quiz them on the latest developments in their field, they often draw a blank.

Appearance

It's common for people to gain some weight during their time away, so their appearance and attire also play a significant role.

Staying connected or reconnecting with professionals

Through social media, you may find yourself needing a job in a new location or industry. Have you refined your profile to reflect your expectations in these new circumstances?

Best wishes

Dear Smitha,

Welcome back to the HR field! Here are some steps you can take to ease your transition:

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile:

- Highlight your 11 years of experience and emphasize your achievements and skills.
- Mention your career break briefly, focusing on your readiness and enthusiasm to return to work.

Networking:

- Reconnect with former colleagues and industry contacts.
- Attend HR-related webinars, workshops, and conferences to expand your network.

Upskilling:

- Take online courses or certifications in the latest HR trends and technologies.
- Familiarize yourself with new HR software and tools.

Job Search Strategy:

- Apply for roles that match your experience and skills.
- Consider temporary or contract roles to ease back into the workforce.

Prepare for Interviews:

- Be ready to discuss your career break positively, focusing on what you learned during that time.
- Highlight your experience, skills, and how they align with the job requirements.

Stay Updated:

- Keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in HR.

Thanks

Wish you all the best for your second innings. I may even suggest trying to pursue a teaching profession (for MBA/MSW) if you possess adequate educational qualifications, as you'll be able to combine work experience with ease in the stipulated curriculum. If any additional qualifications are needed, you may try to acquire them in a matter of a year or two.