The Key Learning Points:

1.Considerations for individuals thinking about taking a career break

2.As a returner, the need to consider your CV as product placement - presenting the most relevant experience in the right way

3.The importance of maintaining a network and keeping abreast of industry developments to support confidence

On this week's remote Risky Mix podcast, we’re fortunate to be joined again by Stephanie Dillon, partner and founder at Inclusivity Partners, a business that designs and delivers returner programs for individuals who have taken career breaks. Stephanie joined us a few weeks ago and told us about the latest returner program launched in the insurance industry and what organisations can do to tap into the returner talent pool. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the personal perspective of being a returner and the three things Stephanie would recommend to returners looking to reignite their careers. 

We ask Stephanie for her tips for people considering taking a career break. Firstly, she explains that if you’re stepping out because you want to reduce your hours and you’re employer perhaps hasn’t been accommodating to that, which Stephanie often sees, “remember you worked hard for the career, so fight hard to keep it.” The challenge is that organisations often idealise the full-time position which doesn’t work for many women, so Stephanie recommends the following: “I encourage people to treat this like a business plan”. Explain how you see part-time working: “We need to put them [employers] in a position where they would feel ‘how can I possibly say no to this?’’ Stephanie thinks that too often we put this problem back on them, which can often lead to a poor outcome. “We do have to fight harder and be a little more creative and forward-thinking about how we approach that situation.” Her second piece of advice for those considering a break is: “It’s always easier to find a job when you’re in a job!” Stephanie suggests considering applying for other jobs because you may find an employer who is more accommodating to what you need and your personal circumstances.

And for those people already on a break and wanting to reignite their career, Stephanie talks about the importance of your CV: “Your CV literally becomes product placement.” She explains that a research study found that recruitment teams look at CVs for six seconds and the first thing they look at is role titles and dates, which presents a huge challenge for returners who may have lengthy breaks on their CVs. Stephanie recommends pulling all relevant experience closer to the top of your CV so that it’s within an eye-catching area. 

The conversation moves on to the power of the network for returners: “It’s so much easier to get your career back on track via your own network.” Stephanie explains that people know you and respect you, they know you haven’t changed during the career break. Interestingly, “you’re four times more likely to get back into the workforce via your own network than you are through a recruitment company – that’s how important the network is!”

Another tip Stephanie has for returners is to keep up to date on things going on in the industry and maintain market knowledge while on your break. Stephanie adds that this is a great tool to keep confidence. “I’d encourage you once a month to carve out 45 minutes to an hour to read the FT, look at what’s going on in the industry, read a blog, read a journal etc. You’d be surprised how much knowing a little bit can make you feel more confident.” 

Stephanie finishes by explaining about her free career reignite boot camps, where she shares tips about job searching, getting yourself out there and using Linkedin. You can find more information on these events at her website: Inclusivity.co.uk.