<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>ResumeBuilder.careers | Easy Professional Resume Builder</title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers</link> <description>Create standout resumes in minutes with ResumeBuilder.careers. Free templates, expert tips, and job search tools to land your dream job faster.</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:23:24 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>ResumeBuilder.careers | Easy Professional Resume Builder</title> <url>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, ResumeBuilder.careers</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[Unlocking Potential: How Supported Internships Can Solve the UK Youth Jobs Crisis]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/unlocking-potential-how-supported-internships-can-solve-the-uk-youth-jobs-crisis</link> <guid>unlocking-potential-how-supported-internships-can-solve-the-uk-youth-jobs-crisis</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:04:21 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[The UK is facing a youth employment crisis, with nearly 1 million young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training (NEET). A government review led by Alan Milburn proposes a radical solution: turbocharging supported internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These internships have proven to be a game-changer, with employment rates as high as 70% for participants, compared to just 5% for those without such support. **The Problem: A Generation at Risk** The number of NEETs has hit a 10-year high, and without urgent action, it could soar to 1.25 million by the early 2030s. A significant driver is the increase in young people with neurodevelopmental conditions or mental illness who struggle to transition into work. Milburn emphasizes that these young people can work—they just need the right opportunities and support. **The Solution: Supported Internships** Supported internships are year-long programs that provide tailored onsite work experience and job coaching for 16-24-year-olds with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Employers like the NHS, Asda, and Amazon are already involved, and the results speak for themselves. Callum Beeston, a 20-year-old with autism, completed an internship at Amazon and now works there full-time. His grandmother once worried he'd never find work, but he says, "In the last 12 months I've become a very confident young fella." **Why the Current System Fails** Despite the success, only 4,500 supported internships exist in England. Milburn points to capacity shortages, low awareness, and a system that prioritizes disability benefits over employment support. He argues that the current approach is neither effective nor progressive, as many young people end up on benefits for years without ever entering the workforce. **A Call to Action** The review calls for a massive expansion of these schemes, ensuring every young person with SEND has access to one. It also suggests early identification in primary schools to prevent future unemployment. Milburn dismisses the 'snowflake generation' myth, stating, "The problem isn't shortage of effort on the part of young people. It's a shortage of opportunities, jobs, support." **The Bottom Line** Supported internships are a proven solution to a pressing crisis. By investing in these programs, we can unlock the potential of thousands of young people, transforming their lives and strengthening the economy. It's time to turbocharge support and give every young person a fair chance at a fulfilling career.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>supportedinternships</category> <category>youthemployment</category> <category>send</category> <category>ukjobscrisis</category> <category>careersupport</category> <enclosure url="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9080e7c0a21ccf6ef7a06a0fc93dea1fa8931165/868_0_5832_4664/master/5832.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&precrop=40:21,offset-x50,offset-y0&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=e3156fa0e63dc6b6d4016c5dc24280f2" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Astrological Career Forecast: August 16, 2026 – Your Path to Success, Challenges, and Breakthroughs]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/astrological-career-forecast-august-16-2026-your-path-to-success-challenges-and-breakthroughs</link> <guid>astrological-career-forecast-august-16-2026-your-path-to-success-challenges-and-breakthroughs</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:04:10 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Aries: Stay Focused on Your Goals Keep your eye on the ball. Maybe you are growing nervous about a target you have recently set for yourself. You might wonder if you can achieve it. **Concentrate well** and avoid getting sidetracked. Also, pay attention to financial matters and paperwork. ## Taurus: Confidence and Composure You will impress everyone with your **composure and self-confidence**. Your efficiency will satisfy supervisors. **Give yourself fully to your work** to boost self-esteem and performance. Maintain a modest attitude despite your accomplishments. ## Gemini: Be Flexible and Receptive Consider others' views. When everyone is preoccupied, no one notices your difficulties. Today, you might receive help with a challenging task. **Learn from others' insights** to handle similar situations. ## Cancer: Soul-Searching for Career Clarity If uncertain about your professional future, it's time for **serious introspection**. Find a role model in your field and analyze their success path. **Learn from their triumphs and failures** to guide your own journey. ## Leo: Use Your Skills to Advance Utilize your skills to improve your position at work and build your career and finances. **Be innovative** to stand out and broaden your horizons. Imagination is key to success. ## Virgo: Evaluate Job Offers Carefully If you're deciding on a job offer, take your time. **Avoid letting independence hinder your success**. Evaluate all options and keep your end goals in mind to make the best choice. ## Libra: Creative Breakthroughs Ahead Your career deserves attention and effort. You may experience a **creative breakthrough** that boosts your income. Be open to unconventional opportunities and experiments. ## Scorpio: Embrace Positive Changes You might learn something that shifts your career perspective. **Embrace positive improvements** and stay alert to developments. Be specific about your work environment preferences. ## Sagittarius: Soaring Ambitions Your goals and connections have soared. Working with a wider network may bring **unexpected dream fulfillment**. Evaluate your growth and reflect on new insights. ## Capricorn: Prepare for Big Changes Activity around you signals a major work-life change. Things are going well, but **don't become complacent**. Plan for the future to secure long-term success. ## Aquarius: Financial and Priority Shifts Expect unanticipated changes in finances or priorities. **Let go of limiting beliefs** to feel more independent. Focus on the present while preparing for the future. ## Pisces: Sudden Improvements Your company and financial prospects may suddenly improve. **Problems may vanish**, and projects move faster. You'll feel healthy and energetic, with a hopeful and excited mindset.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>horoscope</category> <category>career</category> <category>astrology</category> <category>zodiac</category> <category>daily</category> <enclosure url="https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-133261460,width-1280,height-720,resizemode-6,overlay-toi_sw,pt-32,y_pad-600/photo.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Job Seeker Beware: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Job Offer Scams]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/job-seeker-beware-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fake-job-offer-scams</link> <guid>job-seeker-beware-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fake-job-offer-scams</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:04:21 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Rise of Job Scams In today's competitive job market, scammers are increasingly targeting job seekers with sophisticated fake job offers. Experts warn that these scams have become more frequent over the past few months, preying on the desperation of those looking for work. ## The Latest Scam: Fake Job Offers via Text The most recent scam involves **fraudulent job offers sent through text messages**. Scammers often impersonate reputable companies like Amazon, claiming they've found your resume online. If you express interest, they may ask questions like "Are you looking for a career change?" to gauge your engagement. According to John Haraburda of Transaction Network Services, "They're prompting you to act now, click this link, make this phone call back to the business to be able to activate your service or enable this opportunity for you." ## The Goal: Steal Your Personal Information Once they have your attention, scammers will ask for **sensitive personal information** such as your Social Security number, birthdate, or employment history. They may even engage in a more casual conversation to build trust, a tactic known as "catfishing" or "honeypotting," to string you along and extract more data. ## How to Protect Yourself - **Never click on links or scan QR codes** from unsolicited messages. - **Report scam calls** to your phone service provider and local law enforcement. - If you've been a victim, **reset your passwords** and **monitor your credit history** for any suspicious activity. Stay vigilant and always verify the legitimacy of any job offer before sharing personal information. Your career is important—don't let scammers derail it.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>jobscams</category> <category>jobsearchsafety</category> <category>fakejoboffers</category> <category>personalinformation</category> <category>scamprevention</category> <enclosure url="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2026/06/01/4c71c13d-7207-4b71-b644-a427acc31e3f/thumbnail/1200x630/2a0d3efe2718b1d0ba242cc4ccf557f0/sidorowicz-pkg-xfinity-phone-scam-260601-frame-2861.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[How Your Digital Footprint Could Derail Your Law Enforcement Career]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/how-your-digital-footprint-could-derail-your-law-enforcement-career</link> <guid>how-your-digital-footprint-could-derail-your-law-enforcement-career</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:04:20 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[In the digital age, your online presence can be a ticking time bomb for your career. For law enforcement officers, this is especially true. Every post, like, and share you've ever made is potentially discoverable and could be used against you in court or internal investigations. This article explores why auditing your digital footprint is not just a good idea—it's a professional necessity. ## The Internet Never Forgets The internet has a perfect memory, and the defense bar has a strong search function. Whatever you have posted, liked, shared, or commented on since the day you created your first social media account is potentially discoverable. The question is not whether a given post was legal, or whether it reflects your beliefs today. The question is how it reads to a jury five years from now when opposing counsel is trying to establish that you are a **biased, reckless, or dishonest actor**. This is not theoretical. ## Legal Implications: Brady and Giglio **Brady and Giglio disclosures** increasingly encompass social media content. Plaintiff’s attorneys in civil rights cases routinely conduct full social media audits of involved officers before trial. Departments facing pattern-and-practice investigations produce officer social media histories as part of discovery. The officer who posted a racially charged meme in 2019 and forgot about it will encounter that meme again under circumstances far less forgiving. ## Practical Steps to Protect Yourself The practical guidance here is not subtle: **Audit every account you have ever held, now, before someone else does.** Remove your employer and occupation from all profile fields. Lock down privacy settings, but understand they are imperfect protection. Before posting anything—anything—ask how it reads on the front page of a local newspaper the morning after a high-profile incident involving you. ## Family Risks The exposure question extends beyond your own accounts. Family members who announce your profession, post photos that identify your vehicle, or share your shift schedule on neighborhood apps create **real targeting risk**. The conversation with your family is uncomfortable. Have it anyway. You are not asking them to be secretive. You are asking them to be careful, and there is a difference. ## Quick Checklist: Lock Down Your Digital Life - Audit every social media account you’ve ever held—delete or restrict old posts. - Remove employer and occupation fields from all profiles. - Warn family: no badge photos, no shift schedule, no patrol car selfies. - Review participation in neighborhood apps (Nextdoor, etc.). - No photos near your personal vehicle that link it to law enforcement. - **Google yourself**. Then do it again. ## Watch: Social Media Safety for Public Safety Professionals <iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6JjP2kH7Mis?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Social Media Safety for Public Safety Professionals - Today's Tip from Lexipol"></iframe>]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>digitalfootprint</category> <category>lawenforcement</category> <category>socialmedia</category> <category>careeradvice</category> <category>privacy</category> <enclosure url="https://lexipol.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/46a030f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1672x941+0+0/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-lexipol.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F35%2F7d%2F3b61454242de94bdb799ce43a45b%2Fchatgpt-image-jul-28-2026-03-51-20-am.png" length="0" type="image//dims4/default/46a030f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1672x941+0+0/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[From Father Ted to New Horizons: Career Change Advice from Three Who Dared]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/from-father-ted-to-new-horizons-career-change-advice-from-three-who-dared</link> <guid>from-father-ted-to-new-horizons-career-change-advice-from-three-who-dared</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:04:21 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[What's a daydream for some people can become a career reality for others. If you've ever fantasised about quitting your unfulfilling job and beginning a new, totally different adventure, you might be on the verge of a **career pivot**. This week, we spoke to three people who have taken unusual leaps of faith into different fields about what they learned and their advice for anyone who might be considering doing the same thing. ## Joe Rooney: From Comedy to the Wax Museum Joe Rooney, best known for his role as Fr Damo in Father Ted, made a surprising move to the National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin. His journey shows that **career changes can happen at any stage** and often lead to unexpected opportunities. **Key advice from Joe:** - **Embrace the unknown**: Don't be afraid to step into a completely different environment. Your existing skills are more transferable than you think. - **Network actively**: Many opportunities come through people you know, so keep those connections warm. - **Stay curious**: A willingness to learn new things is your greatest asset when changing fields. ## The Importance of Preparation While each story is unique, common threads emerge. **Preparation is crucial** before making the leap. This includes: - **Financial planning**: Ensure you have a safety net to support yourself during the transition. - **Skill assessment**: Identify what skills you have that are valuable in your new field. - **Research**: Learn as much as you can about the industry you're entering. ## Advice for Making the Leap If you're considering a career change, here are some **practical steps** to take: 1. **Start small**: Test the waters with part-time work or volunteering in your desired field. 2. **Seek mentorship**: Find someone who has successfully made a similar transition. 3. **Update your resume**: Highlight transferable skills and reframe your experience for the new industry. 4. **Be patient**: Career changes take time. Don't expect overnight success. ## Real-Life Success Stories The article features three individuals who successfully changed careers. Their stories prove that with **determination and the right mindset**, you can reinvent your professional life. Whether you're moving from entertainment to tourism, or any other combination, the principles remain the same. **Remember**: Your career is not a straight line. It's a series of pivots and adjustments that lead to personal and professional growth. If you're feeling stuck, take inspiration from these brave individuals and consider what steps you can take today toward a more fulfilling career.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>careerchange</category> <category>careerpivot</category> <category>jobtransition</category> <category>careeradvice</category> <category>professionalgrowth</category> <enclosure url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HB5Q6742CYV5H5WQXFQDVWR3FA.jpg?smart=true&auth=7325bf9b039ebb9d60226ec3a2207a385c06f4c80b5abab7287be1b19e65a802&width=1200&height=630" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[6 Proven Strategies to Launch a Successful Private Practice: Expert Advice from a Physician Entrepreneur]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/6-proven-strategies-to-launch-a-successful-private-practice-expert-advice-from-a-physician-entrepreneur</link> <guid>6-proven-strategies-to-launch-a-successful-private-practice-expert-advice-from-a-physician-entrepreneur</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:04:25 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[For some physicians, the idea of going into private practice strikes early in their training. For others, it comes at the end, when they finally have to choose a practice setting. And for others, it arises after they have spent several years working for someone else. But no matter when it comes to mind, it’s good to get some top-level pointers from physicians who have succeeded in working for themselves. Carolynn Francavilla Brown, MD, a family medicine physician and obesity specialist, is one of those. She is the sole owner of Green Mountain Partners for Health in Lakewood, Colorado, which she co-founded in 2015. She is also the immediate past chair of the AMA Private Practice Physicians Section (AMA-PPPS) Governing Council, which seeks to preserve the freedom, independence and integrity of private practice so that physicians who choose to practice in that setting can provide compassionate personal medical care for their patients. Over the years, she has provided guidance to countless physicians aspiring to private practice through AMA interviews. Following is a brief collection of her tips for starting a private practice. ### For starters, don’t overthink it “We know to be excellent at medicine requires a lot of training, so we assume, as physicians, to be good at anything else takes that amount of effort, and it doesn’t,” Dr. Francavilla Brown said in a webinar produced by the AMA-PPPS featuring insights from young physicians who have successfully built careers in private practice. “Business can be quite complicated, but it also is fairly straightforward in that, at the end of the day, you have to make more money than your business costs to run,” she said. “It is much less complex than what any of us are doing as physicians.” ### But do keep your options open No matter when you make your move to private practice, you should know that your existing employment contract can often be make-or-break to your success, so make sure you pay attention to its terms. A case in point: the noncompete clause. “When you go to get your first job, you're going to be really excited because you're going to get a paycheck and you're going to get days off and you're thinking about all the things in the contract that are the things you want,” Dr. Francavilla Brown said. “What happens when you go to leave that job?” The noncompete clause—aka a “covenant not to compete,” which often includes a geographic radius—is a particularly important contract term for one reason: You’re probably not going to stay in any job forever. “Don't be afraid to walk away from a contract that may not serve you,” Dr. Francavilla Brown said, “because you probably will want to exit it at some point.” ### Look for opportunities to learn Much of training, at both the medical school and residency levels, takes place in larger academic hospital systems. Because of that, getting a firsthand view of physician private practice can be a challenge for physicians. Dr. Francavilla Brown was fortunate to get exposure through a medical school preceptorship. She said seeking out opportunities to view different types of practices during training, particularly through elective experiences during residency, can broaden your horizons. “While you have that chance as a student or a resident, look for unique opportunities in terms of setting,” she said in an episode of the “AMA Thriving in Private Practice” podcast, which looks at the transition from residency to private practice. “In family medicine, we have this focus on rural. We always make sure our residents in Colorado get exposed to what it looks like to work in a rural setting. “But that also may be looking at private practices, looking at a solo practice. What might it look like if you were the only doctor? What does it look like to be part of a private practice that maybe has a dozen or a hundred doctors, but it's an independent practice? I think exposing yourself to a variety of settings and locations, when possible, with those electives, is really powerful too.” ### There’s no shortage of help Starting your own physician private practice means that you have to fill in a lot of the blanks. But for every question, the medical community has a resource, Dr. Francavilla Brown said on the podcast. “In family medicine, I use resources all the time. If a cardiology case gets to a place where I can no longer manage it, I'm going to consult with a cardiologist,” she said, noting that the same thing applies to questions about private practice. “If there is a legal question—if there is a HIPAA question, if there is a supply question, if there's a technology question—there is someone out there that has that answer,” she said. “And that may be hiring someone, that may be networking and finding that person. But there is an answer to every question you have when starting a private practice.” It takes astute clinical judgment, as well as a commitment to collaboration and solving challenging problems, to succeed in independent settings that are often fluid, and the AMA offers the resources and support physicians need to both start and sustain success in private practice. ### Embrace the financial reality “I was part of a leadership conference recently, and someone there had the best quote: Don't bring emotions to a math fight,” she said in an interview about mistakes physicians should avoid when entering private practice. “Does the rent you're paying make sense? Are you going to be able to make a return on that? If you're taking insurance, what do you actually get from insurance companies? If that’s not sustainable, then you may have to take cash or be out of network.” Taking insurance is a particularly important issue, Dr. Francavilla Brown noted, because it constrains how much you can charge for services. “In another business, you’d set your own rates. But if you take health insurance, you can't raise them. So you really have to control your overhead,” she said. ### It may be tempting, but don’t go DIY Physicians are accustomed to making referrals to help patients get the best care available, and they should keep that practice in mind when working for themselves. “Just like in medicine, there is someone who has the answer for everything,” Dr. Francavilla Brown said in the podcast. “So if you have a financial question, there are accountants. If you have a legal question, there are lawyers. If you have general questions, there is your medical society.” The AMA Private Practice Playbook introduces foundational terms and concepts that apply to private practice. It also breaks out the professional advisors who can provide invaluable guidance as you develop a business plan for day-to-day and long-term operations. ### Epilogue: Consider the workshop Other featured speakers at the AMA Independent Practice Accelerator Workshop will include: - Bryan Batson, MD, chief executive officer of Hattiesburg Clinic. - Phil Boucher, MD, founder of Frontier Pediatric Care and PractOS. - Michael Jerkins, MD, cofounder and president of Panacea Financial. - Edward Kroger, MD, professor of practice at University of Houston Bauer College of Business. - Bobby Mukkamala, MD, immediate past president of the AMA. - Neal Shah, shareholder of Polsinelli. You will have the opportunity to: - Build your skills in business fundamentals, revenue cycle management, patient acquisition and retention, technology selection, compliance and more. - Get expert insights on navigating common challenges. - Apply what you learn through structured activities. - Network with peers and access the AMA’s professional support network. CME credit will be available for eligible sessions. Registration includes all workshop sessions and materials, as well as access to asynchronous AMA independent practice educational content. The workshop is just one part of the AMA Career Advancement Collective, a powerful suite of educational programs and training will help physicians develop and advance at every stage of their career. These include the: - AMA Peer Support Workshop, Oct. 28–29. - AMA Physician Leadership Academy, a 12-month hybrid program that combines in-person and virtual learning, Oct. 7, 2026–Sept. 22, 2027. Learn more and register for one of these career-shaping events now.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>privatepractice</category> <category>physicianentrepreneur</category> <category>careertips</category> <category>medicalpractice</category> <category>ama</category> <enclosure url="https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/ama-assn.org/files/styles/image_ratio_16_9/public/2026-08/2026_08_04_PPTIPS7_1170x780px.jpg?itok=7SWUkTiE" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[How to Bounce Back from a Career Break: 5 Proven Strategies to Re-Enter the Workforce with Confidence]]></title> <link>https://www.resumebuilder.careers/article/how-to-bounce-back-from-a-career-break-5-proven-strategies-to-re-enter-the-workforce-with-confidence</link> <guid>how-to-bounce-back-from-a-career-break-5-proven-strategies-to-re-enter-the-workforce-with-confidence</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:04:13 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Whether you took time off to raise a child, care for a loved one, recover from illness, or reassess your career path, reentering the workforce can feel overwhelming. But you're not alone: a LinkedIn survey of 23,000 employees found that **62% have taken a career break**, and 35% are considering one in the future. Re-launching your career doesn't have to be daunting. By reframing your resume gaps, strategically upskilling, and networking with confidence, you can stand out to employers. Here's how. ## Reframe Your Resume Gap When you're returning after time away, one of the first hurdles is how to talk about the gap. Experts agree: **own it**. Illustrate how your experiences can benefit your employer in this role. > "If you took time off to release the threads of a toxic work situation and travel around the world—or like me, to raise a colicky boy—don't treat that like a dirty secret. Own it with pride. Employers pick up on your insecurities, so instead, tell them what that time meant for you and for them." — Cara Heilmann, President of the International Association of Career Coaches Instead of focusing on what may be missing, **highlight how your experiences make you an ideal candidate**. Pivot the conversation toward what you bring to the table: > "The best candidates tell a story of how everything they've experienced and learned has led them to this precise moment, where this job is the exact next step they want to take. They don't claim to be perfect, but they relentlessly highlight the assets they do have to succeed." — Liz Cohen, Founder of Next Step Careers If you're missing a specific skill, be transparent—but proactive. For example, if you lack Salesforce experience but have used other CRMs, say: > "While I haven't used Salesforce specifically, I'm fully confident in my ability to take on this part of the role. I'm fluent in other CRM systems, I've interfaced with client teams who regularly used Salesforce, and I completed a product demo before this interview to get up to speed. I've swiftly learned new technologies in every past role, and I have no doubt I'll master this one quickly." ## Upskill Without Breaking the Bank You don't need to go back to school or take on student debt to show you're serious about reentry. Instead, you can: - **Take affordable (sometimes free) courses**: Start on platforms like Coursera or Google Career Certificates. Many world-class universities also offer free courses, such as **Harvard University** and **MIT**. - **Use LinkedIn Learning**: There are shorter courses tailored to specific or trending job skills. - **Watch online videos**: Familiarize yourself with new developments and technology platforms in your field. **Tip:** To get a stronger sense of the key skills you need, research industry trends, check job postings, or reach out to contacts in the field. Learning how to use **AI tools** like ChatGPT is becoming increasingly relevant in some fields. ## Cultivate Your Network As AI impacts the job market through resume scanning and automation, **personal connections** make a difference in standing apart. Start by compiling three sets of contacts: - **Past contacts**: Previous coworkers and classmates - **Present contacts**: People from social networks, community organizations, sports clubs, or other areas of your life - **Future contacts**: Anyone you'd like to meet, such as members of professional organizations, networking event attendees, employees in your field, or industry experts **LinkedIn** is a useful place to reconnect with past contacts, find curated job openings, and learn about industry trends. Remember that your contacts will remember you as you were when you last knew them—their view is "frozen in time." Reach out with a clear, warm message about your goals and ask for insights, not job leads. Be honest about your transition, but keep the tone forward-looking. ## Consider Returnship Programs Many **Fortune 500** companies now offer "returnships"—return-to-work programs typically for mid-career professionals. These resemble leadership development programs, providing support during the first 12 to 24 weeks on the job. Goldman Sachs launched the first returnship program almost 20 years ago, and many companies have since adopted them. **iRelaunch**, a platform connecting employees to returnship programs, works with more than 330 companies. It offers a job board, program lists, roadmaps, resources, and coaching services for those coming back to work. ## Negotiate a Strong Re-Entry Offer Taking a career break doesn't mean you should accept a pay cut. Instead, communicate your value using this three-step formula: 1. **Know your worth**: Do your research, tally up your skills, and remind yourself you're bringing fresh perspective and hard-won resilience to the table. 2. **Be enthusiastic**: You want them to think you're all-in—until the moment you actually accept. Never tip your hand early. 3. **Ask for more**: Whether it's salary, flexibility, professional development, or snacks in the break room—whatever matters to you. The answer is always no if you don't ask, and you'd be amazed how often a simple, confident ask gets a yes. ## The Bottom Line Taking a pause from your career gives you a valuable opportunity to step back and identify your goals. A five-year gap may feel huge, but in the scope of a 40-year career, it's just a fraction. By projecting ownership and thoroughly researching your industry's skills and requirements, you can tactfully demonstrate that your experience makes you an asset to any company.]]></description> <author>contact@resumebuilder.careers (ResumeBuilder.careers)</author> <category>careerbreak</category> <category>resumegap</category> <category>returntowork</category> <category>networking</category> <category>negotiation</category> <enclosure url="https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/FZfrkbaIHfyqzeFS7MO6eWav-0Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1760543415-6c6573da5bab463f8cc78005c779463c.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> </channel> </rss>