Taking a career break is becoming increasingly common; be it for personal reasons, furthering education, or to re-evaluate career goals. However, for those re-entering the workforce, one of the most significant challenges is that a career gap may harm their chances of professional success. Networking can therefore seem intimidating if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. The good news though is that you can leverage networking etiquette to bridge that gap—both in terms of professional relationships and confidence.
This article explains the essential networking etiquette tips you can use to make a great impression as a career gap candidate. With the right approach, networking can become a powerful tool to reignite your career and position you for success.
Acknowledge Your Career Gap Honestly and Confidently
The first step in networking after a career gap is addressing it. Many people feel the urge to avoid discussing the break. They fear that it will raise red flags or cause potential employers or contacts to judge them. However, this approach can lead to more awkwardness than simply acknowledging the gap head-on.
Be upfront but positive when discussing your career break; whether it was for personal reasons, family commitments, education, or health. Framing your gap as a deliberate choice that provided valuable life experiences or personal growth is key. The goal is to maintain confidence. This will put others at ease and allow them to focus on your abilities, rather than any time away.
For example, instead of saying, “I’ve been out of work for two years,” try framing it like this: “I took some time away to focus on personal development and upskill in areas that will make me even more effective in my career moving forward.”
This transparency, combined with a positive tone, demonstrates that you are proactive and forward-thinking, not simply stuck in the past.
Leverage Existing Connections
When you’re ready to start networking, begin with people you already know. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, or mentors. These people already know your work ethic, capabilities, and character. Consecutively, they pave the way for a smoother interaction than trying to network with complete strangers.
When reaching out to them, be clear about your intentions. Let them know you’re looking to re-enter the workforce and that you value their advice and insights. Don’t be afraid to ask for a brief conversation or even an informational interview. Although they can’t help directly with job leads, they may be able to introduce you to someone who can.
A simple message could look like this:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’ve recently been focusing on personal development during my career break and am now looking to re-enter the workforce. I’d love to catch up and hear your thoughts on industry trends. Any advice you might have for someone returning after a break would be appreciated.”
Being specific about what you’re looking for helps your contact understand how they can assist you, and it shows respect for their time.
Update Your Online Presence
Before diving into networking, ensure your online professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, are up to date. A career gap can look awkward if you haven’t updated your resume, LinkedIn, or portfolio to reflect what you’ve been up to during the break. Whether it’s volunteer work, freelance projects, certifications, or personal development courses, be sure to highlight all relevant experiences.
On LinkedIn, in particular, you can use the “About” section to briefly mention your career break in a positive light. This helps avoid awkward conversations when a potential employer or connection sees the gap. Instead of leaving it as a blank space, show how you’ve made the most of your time off. This proactive approach conveys that you are serious about your career, despite the break.
Offer Value to Others
In the spirit of networking, remember that it’s not all about you. Despite being away from the workforce for a while, you likely have valuable experiences, insights, or skills that can be useful to others. Look for ways to offer value to your new contacts. They could include; sharing an interesting article, offering to help solve a specific challenge, or offering your own industry expertise. This “give before you get” approach will help strengthen your relationships over time.
Helping others fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships, which will eventually come back to benefit you in unexpected ways.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Being overly cautious about asking for assistance is a major and common mistake made when networking after a career gap. Many people worry they’ll be seen as taking too much or asking for favors. However, networking is about mutual support, and many people are happy to help if they see a genuine need.
Be transparent with your network about where you are in your career journey, but don’t shy away from asking for help when appropriate. Whether it’s advice, introductions, or information about potential opportunities, being clear about what you need makes it easier for others to provide value.
For example, you might ask:
“I’m currently seeking opportunities in [specific field] and would heartily appreciate any recommendations on companies or people to connect with.”
By focusing on mutual respect and shared goals, you ensure that you are not coming across as desperate. Instead you appear as someone who is actively seeking to re-engage in a meaningful way.
Attend Networking Events with a Learning Mindset
Networking events (in person or virtual) offer a prime opportunity to meet new people in your industry. However, if you’re nervous about your career gap, the thought of attending such events can feel daunting. Instead of approaching networking events with the goal of immediately securing a job, focus on relationship-building and knowledge-gathering.
Networking is mutually beneficial as it’s not just about asking for a job but also learning from others. Attend events with curiosity. Approach conversations with the mindset of making connections, sharing experiences, and listening to others’ career stories. Ask questions like, “What has your experience been like in the industry?” or “How have you seen the field change in recent years?”
Positioning yourself as eager to learn helps build meaningful relationships with others who value curiosity.. They may also be more willing to help you when the time comes.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
The final and most crucial step in networking etiquette is follow-up. After meeting a potential connection, send a brief follow-up to thank them and express interest in staying in touch.
You don’t need to follow up excessively, but consistency matters. Updating your network on your progress shows you’re actively working toward goals and you may need help..
Conclusion
Networking etiquette during a career gap is all about authenticity, confidence, and a willingness to engage with others. Addressing your career gap, updating your online presence, leveraging connections, and offering value help build meaningful relationships. These will in turn help you transition back into the workforce with ease. With the right approach, your career gap need not be a barrier, but a stepping stone to new opportunities and career growth.
