How to Get References After a Career Break
How to Get References After a Career Break
Taking a career break can be a necessary and valuable part of one’s professional journey. Whether it’s to care for family, pursue further education, travel, or recover from burnout, career breaks are common. However, returning to the workforce after a hiatus can present some challenges, particularly when it comes to securing references. References are crucial as they provide potential employers with third-party verification of your skills, work ethic, and reliability. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain references after a career break.
1. Reconnect with Former Colleagues and Managers
Why Reconnect?
Reconnecting with former colleagues and managers is often the most straightforward approach to obtaining references. These individuals have firsthand experience working with you and can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
How to Reconnect
– Professional Networking Sites: Use platforms like LinkedIn to reconnect. Send a personalized message reminding them of your shared experiences and expressing your intent to reenter the workforce.
– Professional Gatherings: Attend industry events, conferences, or alumni meetups. Face-to-face interactions can help re-establish connections.
– Emails and Calls: If you’re uncomfortable reaching out through social media, consider sending an email or making a phone call. Be concise and clear about why you’re getting in touch.
What to Ask For
When you ask for a reference, be specific about the type of reference you need—whether it’s a letter, a phone reference, or an endorsement on LinkedIn. Provide them with a brief overview of what you’ve been doing during your career break and the kind of roles you are targeting.
2. Volunteer Work and Freelancing
Leverage Volunteer Experience
Volunteering during your career break not only keeps you engaged and develops new skills but also provides a fresh source of references. Non-profit organizations, community groups, or professional associations can be good places to volunteer.
Freelance Projects
Taking on freelance projects can help you build a portfolio and secure references from clients. Even short-term projects can lead to valuable testimonials.
How to Ask for References
– Explain Your Situation: Let them know you’ve been on a career break and are now re-entering the workforce.
– Highlight Your Contributions: Remind them of the specific contributions you made during your volunteer or freelance work.
– Request a Reference: Ask if they would be willing to provide a reference, either in writing or verbally.
3. Academic References
Further Education
If you pursued further education or professional certifications during your career break, professors and instructors can serve as excellent references. They can speak to your dedication, ability to learn, and relevant skills.
How to Approach Academic References
– Build Relationships: Actively engage with your instructors and participate in class. The stronger the relationship, the better the reference.
– Request Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Ask for a reference well before you start your job hunt.
4. Networking
Networking Events
Attend industry-related events, seminars, and workshops. These events are not only great for learning but also for expanding your professional network.
Online Networking
Join online forums, social media groups, and professional associations related to your field. Participate in discussions and contribute valuable insights. Building a presence online can help you find people willing to provide references.
Informational Interviews
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your industry. These conversations can sometimes lead to offers of assistance, including references.
5. Professional Associations and Groups
Join Professional Groups
Membership in professional associations or groups can be beneficial. These organizations often have mentorship programs where experienced professionals can provide guidance and possibly references.
How to Leverage Professional Groups
– Active Participation: Attend meetings, contribute to discussions, and volunteer for projects within the group.
– Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor within the association who can provide a reference based on your interactions and contributions.
6. Online Courses and Certifications
Platforms Offering Certificates
Many online learning platforms offer certificates upon course completion. Instructors or the platform itself can sometimes provide references based on your performance.
Building Relationships
Even in an online setting, it’s possible to build relationships with instructors and peers. Participate in forums and group projects to increase your visibility and establish connections.
7. Personal References
Utilizing Personal References
While not as impactful as professional references, personal references can still play a role, especially if they are from individuals who can speak to your character, reliability, and skills.
Who to Ask
– Community Leaders: If you were involved in community activities, leaders or organizers can be good references.
– Mentors and Coaches: If you had a mentor or coach during your career break, they could provide a valuable reference.
How to Frame Personal References
Explain to potential employers why you’re including personal references and how these individuals can vouch for qualities relevant to the job.
8. Reference from Career Break Activities
Relevant Activities
If you engaged in any activities that are relevant to your professional skills during your break—such as writing, blogging, or speaking engagements—these can be sources of references.
How to Use These References
– Document Your Activities: Keep a record of your activities, achievements, and any feedback you received.
– Reach Out: Contact individuals who were involved in these activities with you and ask if they can provide a reference.
Conclusion
Securing references after a career break requires a proactive approach and a bit of creativity. By reconnecting with your professional network, leveraging volunteer and freelance work, engaging in further education, and participating in professional associations, you can obtain the references you need to successfully re-enter the workforce. Remember to be clear and specific when requesting references and provide context to help your referees give the best possible endorsement. With persistence and effort, you can overcome the challenge of obtaining references and confidently move forward in your career.