10 To-Do List Items for Networking After a Career Break

Returning to the workforce after a career break can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you've taken time off for personal reasons, to raise a family, travel, or care for a loved one, re-entering the professional world requires strategy, determination, and, most importantly, a robust networking plan. Networking after a career break isn't just about landing a job; it's about rebuilding professional relationships, learning about current industry trends, and gaining confidence in a new career landscape.

The following are 10 actionable to-do list items to help you network effectively after a career break and make your transition smoother and more successful.

Reassess Your Career Goals

Before diving into networking, take a moment to reflect on your career aspirations. What do you want to achieve upon your return? Do you want to return to the same industry, or are you considering a career change? Understanding your current career goals will help guide your networking efforts.

Why It's Important:

• Helps you align your networking strategy with your professional aspirations.
• Gives you the confidence to articulate your goals clearly when speaking to new connections.

Action Item: Write down your career objectives for the next 1-2 years. Are you aiming for a managerial role, looking to gain specific skills, or simply exploring opportunities? This will shape your networking approach.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for networking, and it's essential that your profile reflects your most up-to-date experience, skills, and career goals. When you've been away from the workforce, it can feel intimidating to resume using LinkedIn, but it's a necessary first step.

Why It's Important:

• Hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn as their go-to platform for sourcing candidates.
• It provides an opportunity to explain your career break in a positive light.

Action Item: Update your LinkedIn profile with your most recent skills, volunteer work, freelance projects, and education. In the summary section, briefly address your career break and how it has equipped you with new perspectives or skills.

Tip: If you're unsure about how to phrase your career break, be transparent. You could say something like, "I took time off to focus on personal growth, which helped me develop [insert skills] and refuel my passion for [industry]."

Reconnect with Former Colleagues and Mentors

After a career break, it's important to reconnect with people who knew you before your time off. These connections can provide valuable insights into your industry, introduce you to new opportunities, or simply offer a familiar voice of support.

Why It's Important:

• You already have a relationship with these people, which can lead to trust and stronger professional connections.
• Former colleagues and mentors are often in a position to give you advice or recommend you to others.

Action Item: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. Start by sending a friendly message to reconnect, share what you've been up to, and express your interest in learning more about the current state of your field. Ask for informational interviews to catch up.

Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Industry events, conferences, and meetups are prime networking opportunities. Although virtual events have become more common in recent years, in-person events can still provide richer, more personal networking experiences.

Why It's Important:

• Industry events allow you to meet people in your field who can offer insights into current trends and opportunities.
• They offer an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and stay updated on your industry.

Action Item: Research upcoming conferences, webinars, or meetups related to your field. If attending in person is not feasible, consider attending virtually. Make sure to engage in discussions, connect with speakers, and network with attendees.

Tip: Consider presenting at an event to position yourself as a thought leader or to showcase your expertise in a particular area.

Leverage Professional Organizations and Groups

Professional organizations, associations, and alumni groups are fantastic networking resources. Many of these organizations offer special programs for people returning to work after a break, such as mentorship opportunities, career development resources, and job boards.

Why It's Important:

• Professional organizations connect you to a wider network of individuals in your field.
• These groups often have career services or provide job openings that are not advertised publicly.

Action Item: Join industry-related professional groups or associations. Reach out to members for advice and mentorship, and participate in online discussions and events to build your network.

Tip: Many organizations have discounted or even free memberships for those re-entering the workforce after a break, so don't hesitate to inquire.

Develop a Personal Elevator Pitch

Networking conversations often start with the classic "tell me about yourself" question. After a career break, you may feel uncertain about how to position yourself. That's why having a concise, confident elevator pitch is key.

Why It's Important:

• An elevator pitch allows you to confidently introduce yourself and quickly explain your career background and goals.
• It's an excellent tool for making a positive first impression.

Action Item: Develop an elevator pitch that includes your past experience, skills, and the value you can bring to potential employers. Practice delivering it in a way that feels natural and confident.

Tip: Tailor your pitch depending on the person or group you're networking with. Highlight the aspects of your career that resonate with their needs.

Volunteer for Projects or Internships

If you're looking to break back into the workforce but feel like your skills need a refresher, consider volunteering for projects or taking on an internship. Many companies offer internships or project-based work that is open to professionals returning to the workforce.

Why It's Important:

• Volunteering or taking on project work provides a way to refresh your skills while re-entering the workforce.
• It demonstrates your commitment to staying current in your field and adds value to your resume.

Action Item: Reach out to local nonprofits, startups, or companies that may need help with projects in your field. You can also inquire about internship opportunities that align with your goals.

Use Informational Interviews to Gain Insights

Informational interviews are a great way to learn about companies, industries, or roles you're interested in. These interviews allow you to ask questions and gather insights about current trends, skills in demand, and challenges in the field.

Why It's Important:

• Provides you with valuable, up-to-date information that can help you decide on your next steps.
• Allows you to build relationships with people who might later refer you to job openings or new opportunities.

Action Item: Identify 5-10 people you admire or who work in roles you're interested in, and ask them for an informational interview. Use this time to ask about the industry, challenges in the field, and any advice for someone re-entering the workforce after a break.

Engage on Social Media and Online Communities

Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn and Twitter, can be invaluable tools for networking. By engaging with professionals in your field, joining conversations, and sharing valuable content, you can position yourself as someone who is knowledgeable and active in the industry.

Why It's Important:

• Social media allows you to maintain and expand your professional network in a low-pressure environment.
• It can help you stay visible to potential employers, colleagues, and industry leaders.

Action Item: Follow thought leaders, participate in discussions, and share relevant articles or insights on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or professional forums. Respond to posts and comment on content to show that you're actively engaged.

Be Patient and Persistent

Networking after a career break requires persistence. It may take time to rebuild your professional relationships and gain traction in the job market. Be patient with the process, but stay consistent in your efforts.

Why It's Important:

• Networking is a long-term investment, and it takes time to build meaningful relationships.
• Persistence shows employers that you're committed to your career and eager to contribute.

Action Item: Set aside time each week to focus on your networking efforts. Even small actions---such as reaching out to a new contact or attending an event---will add up over time.

Conclusion

Re-entering the workforce after a career break can be an overwhelming process, but effective networking can make all the difference. By following these 10 steps, you can rebuild and expand your professional network, gain new insights into your field, and confidently take the next steps in your career. Networking is not just about finding a job---it's about reconnecting with people, learning new things, and positioning yourself for future success. Stay patient, stay persistent, and trust that the effort you put into networking will pay off.

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