8 Steps to Write the Perfect Return to Workforce Resume

Why Should You Update Your Resume When Returning to the Workforce?

Updating your resume after taking a break from the workforce isn’t just a formality – it’s your chance to reintroduce yourself to employers and show them why you’re the perfect fit for any job you’re applying to. 

Here’s why refreshing your resume is a must:

• Showcase your growth. A career break doesn’t mean you stopped growing. Updating your resume lets you highlight new skills, certifications, or experiences you gained during your time away.
• Align with today’s job market. Industries and job requirements evolve. A fresh resume ensures you’re using the right keywords and tailoring your experience to what employers are looking for now.
• Bridge the gap. A well-crafted resume can turn your employment gap into a strength. Whether you volunteered, freelanced, or took care of family, updating your resume helps you frame that time in a way that adds value.
• Boost your confidence. A polished resume reminds you of your accomplishments and prepares you to answer questions confidently when you land that job interview.

Think of your resume as your marketing tool – it’s your first impression, so make it count!

When Should I Use a Return to Workforce Resume?

While a return-to-workforce resume is aimed at people re-entering the job market, here are some other cases when it makes sense to use one:

• After a career break. Did you take time off for parenting, caregiving, health reasons, or personal growth? Regardless, this resume helps you reframe your break as a period of personal development.
• Switching Industries. If you’re jumping to a new field, a return-to-workforce resume lets you emphasize transferable skills and relevant experiences from your break.
• Re-entering after retirement. Are you coming back to work after retiring? This resume can highlight your expertise while addressing the gap naturally.
• Freelancers or gig workers. If you’ve been freelancing, consulting, or working on short-term projects, this resume helps consolidate those experiences into a cohesive narrative.
• After upskilling or education. Did you take courses, earn certifications, or learn new skills during your break? Then, an updated resume for the workforce is the perfect place to showcase them.
• When you feel out of practice. Has it been a while since you’ve job-hunted? A return-to-workforce resume helps you organize your thoughts and present yourself confidently.

8 Steps to Create Your Return-to-Workforce Resume

Returning to the workforce after a break is no reason to stress – crafting a standout resume is easier than you think. 

Follow these eight steps to create a resume that highlights your strengths, addresses your career gap, and shows employers why you’re the perfect fit, starting with: 

#1. Pick a Resume Format 

Before you start filling in the details, it’s important to choose the right resume format. There are three main types to consider:

• Functional format. This resume format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It is perfect if you have employment gaps, have changed careers, or you’re re-entering the workforce.
• Reverse-chronological format. Lists your work experience in order, starting with the most recent job. While this resume format is what we recommend 99% of the time, it’s not ideal if you have significant career gaps or just returning to the workforce. 
• Combination format. It blends the functional and reverse-chronological formats, highlighting skills and work history. 
• The functional format is your best bet for a return-to-workforce resume. It shifts the focus away from your career break and emphasizes your transferable skills instead, making it easier for employers to see your value.

Here is what the functional format looks like in action:

Resume Layout Tips for a Return-to-Workforce Resume

Once you’ve chosen the right format, it’s time to fix your resume’s layout. 

A clean, professional layout ensures your resume is easy to read and effectively highlights your skills, which is especially important when addressing a career break. 

Here’s how to get it right:

• Adjust the Margins. Keep your margins between 0.5” to 1” to ensure your resume doesn’t look cluttered.
• Choose a Professional Font. Stick to easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use the same font consistently throughout your resume for a polished look.
• Use the Right Font Size. For the body text, go for 11-12 pt, and 14-16 pt for headings. This way, your resume won’t spill over to page two.
• Leverage Bullet Points. Use bullet points to organize your skills, achievements, and work experience. They make your resume easier to skim and help hiring managers quickly spot your strengths.
• Keep It to One Page. If possible, limit your resume to a single page. This is especially important for return-to-workforce resumes, as it forces you to focus on the most relevant skills and experiences.
• Save as a PDF. Unless the job posting specifies otherwise, save your resume as a PDF. This ensures your formatting stays intact, no matter what device or software the hiring manager uses.

#2. Update Your Contact Information

Now that you’ve picked the right format, let’s start filling in the basics—your contact details. This section is straightforward, but it’s also your first impression, so make sure it’s accurate.

Here’s what to include:

• Your first and last name, in slightly bigger font than the rest of the contact details (e.g. John Doe).
• Your professional title (you can either include your past job title or the title of the job you’re currently targetting).
• Your phone number (make sure it’s updated and doesn’t include any typos). 
• Your email address (use a professional one, like firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
• Your location (city and state or country are enough – no need for a full address).
• Relevant links (portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or personal website, if applicable).

It’s simple, but don’t overlook it! Typos or outdated information here can make you look careless, which you definitely want to avoid.

As you can see, the updated version is professional and includes relevant links to showcase your work. That said, always take a few minutes to double-check your contact details – you won’t like it if you don’t land that job interview because of a typo in your email address or phone number.

#3. Rewrite Your Resume Summary 

Think of your resume summary as your elevator pitch—it’s your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention in just two to three sentences. 

Considering that hiring managers only spend six seconds scanning your resume, this is more than important. This brief section, placed at the top of your resume, should highlight your professional background, key skills, and top achievements, giving recruiters a snapshot of why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

For someone returning to the workforce, your summary is also an opportunity to positively address your career break. Mention any new certifications, skills, or personal growth you’ve gained while away.

Here’s a practical example: 

#4. Polish Your Work Experience 

Your work experience section is the backbone of your resume—it’s where you prove your value to potential employers. 

You’re just returning to the workforce, so this is even more critical. It’s your chance to show that your skills are still sharp, your achievements are impressive, and your career break hasn’t slowed you down.

Here’s how to structure and polish your work experience to make it stand out:

Focus on Your Transferable Skills 

Transferable skills are your secret weapon if you’re changing careers or re-entering the workforce after a break. 

These are skills you’ve gained in previous roles that can apply to your new industry. Here is a practical example:

By focusing on transferable skills, you can show hiring managers that your experience is still relevant, even if you’re targeting a slightly different role.

Mention Your Employment Gaps 

Ignoring a career gap on your resume can raise red flags for employers. 

Instead, address it head-on by including an entry in your work history. Be brief but clear about what you did during the gap, and save the full story for your cover letter.

Here’s a practical example of how bad it looks when you leave an employment gap unaddressed – in this case, from 2019 to 2023. 

List Achievements Over Responsibilities 

If you’re just returning to the workforce, you want your past experiences and accomplishments to pop more than ever. 

After all, employers don’t just want to know what you did—they want to see the impact you made. Instead of listing generic responsibilities, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your value. Use numbers, percentages, or concrete outcomes to make your accomplishments stand out.

Here’s an example of a work experience entry that only lists responsibilities: 

You can see how vague this enty is. We can almost imagine hiring managers thinking “What did this candidate achieve?”

Now, here’s an example of an achievements-focused work experience entry:

If you’re having trouble with this part, here are some tips that can help you highlight your achievements effectively: 

• Use Numbers. Quantify your impact wherever possible. For example, “Boosted website traffic by 60%” is more compelling than “Improved website traffic.”
• Focus on Outcomes. Show how your work benefited the company, team, or project.
• Start with Action Verbs. Use strong verbs like “increased,” “led,” “optimized,” or “implemented” to make your achievements sound dynamic.

Here is a practical example of an IT resume that shows what a difference listing achievements over responsibilities can make: 

#5. Include Any New Skills 

Your skills section is more than just a list—it’s proof that you’ve stayed sharp and relevant, even during your time away. Employers want to see that you’ve used your career break to grow, whether through education, certifications, or hands-on experience.

For example, if you completed a Data Analytics certification during your break, you’ve likely gained more than some basic computer skills – proficiency in tools like Tableau, or SQL. 

Or, if you pursued a digital marketing course, you might now be skilled in SEO, Google Ads, or content strategy. 

These are tangible skills that can make you stand out.

Here’s how to make the most of your skills section:

• Tailor your skills to the job. Carefully read the job description and include any skills they’re looking for. For instance, if you’re applying for a project management role, highlight your newfound proficiency in tools like Trello or Asana.
• Showcase hard and soft skills. Separate your technical (hard) skills from your interpersonal (soft) skills to make your resume more organized. For example:
  • Hard Skills: Data analysis, social media advertising, Python programming.
  • Soft Skills: Leadership, time management, problem-solving.
• Highlight skills gained during your break. Mention any skill you picked up while away from traditional employment. For example:
  • Freelancing: If you worked as a freelance graphic designer, you might have honed skills in Adobe Creative Suite or client communication.
  • Volunteering: If you volunteered for a nonprofit, you could have developed event planning or fundraising skills.

For example, if you completed a Data Analytics certification and freelanced as a digital marketing consultant during your career break, here’s how you might list your new skills:

• Hard Skills. Google Analytics, SEO optimization, data visualization (Tableau), and social media advertising.
• Soft Skills. Project management, client communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

By including these skills, you can show employers that you’re not just ready to return to work—you’re coming back with even more to offer.

#6. Keep Your Education Brief 

Your education section doesn’t need to be lengthy – especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. 

Focus on your highest degree and only list courses or achievements if they’re highly relevant to the position you’re applying for. 

If you earned a degree or completed a program during your career break, this is your chance to briefly highlight what you achieved and how it prepared you for your return to work. Let’s say you took a career break to care for your family but used the time to complete a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). 

Here’s how you might structure your education section:

#7. Take Advantage of Optional Sections

Do you have some extra space on your resume? 

Use it to showcase your unique professional experience with optional sections! These sections are a great way to highlight skills, achievements, or activities that don’t fit into the standard resume categories but still add value to your profile.

For someone returning to the workforce, optional sections like “Certifications” and “Personal Projects” are compelling because they let you demonstrate how you’ve stayed active and relevant during your career break.

For example, if you earned any certifications during your time off, here is how you’d list them on your resume. 

Or, if you worked on any side projects, freelance gigs, or volunteered during your break, you should list such personal projects even if they’re not part of a traditional job. They will show the hiring manager you have initiative, creativity, and hands-on experience. 

Here’s an example:

Some additional - but equally valuable - optional sections you can consider adding to your resume include: 

• Languages. If you’re proficient in multiple languages, mention them! This is especially valuable for roles in global companies or customer-facing positions. Remember to include your proficiency level (e.g. Spanish – Professional Working Proficiency). 
• Awards. Have you received any recognition for your work? Don’t be shy – brag a little! (E.g. “Top Performer Award” – BrightPath Marketing (2018)).
• Volunteer work. Volunteering shows you’ve been active and contributing to your community, even during a career break. (E.g. Volunteer Marketing Coordinator - Local Food Bank (2021 - 2022)).

#8. Write a New Cover Letter 

You’re almost there! 

The final step to completing your return-to-workforce resume is writing a new and improved cover letter. 

A cover letter is your opportunity to go beyond the resume and connect with the hiring manager personally. It’s where you can address your employment gap in more detail, highlight your growth during that time, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Here’s how to write a cover letter that stands out:

• Start with your contact info. At the top of the page, start your cover letter by listing your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
• Address the hiring manager. Skip the generic “To Whom It May Concern” and personalize it. A quick LinkedIn search can help you find the right person.
• Grab their attention. In the first paragraph, mention one or two of your top achievements to show you’re a results-driven candidate.
• Tell your story. Use the body of the letter to elaborate on your career break positively. For example, you could write: “During my time away from the workforce, I completed a Data Analytics certification and freelanced as a marketing consultant, helping small businesses grow their online presence. This experience honed my technical skills and deepened my passion for data-driven decision-making.”
• Show enthusiasm. Explain why you’re excited about this specific role and company. Research their mission, values, or recent projects to make your letter more tailored.
• End with a call to action. Close by expressing your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute. For example: “I’m particularly interested in project X and would love to discuss how my skills in Y can help achieve Z. I look forward to speaking with you!”

4 Returning to Workforce Resume Examples 

Stay-at-home Mom Resume Example

Military to Civilian Resume Example

Career Change Resume Example

Graduate Resume Example

6 Tips for Creating a Great Return to Workforce Resume 

Creating a standout resume when returning to the workforce doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Here are some practical tips to help you create a resume that gets noticed:

1. Keep your resume to one page. Recruiters often skim resumes in less than ten seconds, so keep it concise. Focus on your most relevant experiences and skills, and cut out anything that doesn’t add value to the role you’re applying for.
2. List work experience reverse-chronologically. Start with your most recent job and work backward. This format helps recruiters quickly see your career progression and recent achievements.
3. Change specific dates to years. Instead of listing exact months (e.g., “March 2018 – June 2020”), use years only (e.g., “2018 – 2020”). This minimizes the focus on gaps and keeps the resume clean.
4. Use a modern, ATS-friendly template. Avoid outdated templates. Use a clean, professional layout with plenty of white space to make your resume easy to read. Tools like Novorésumé can help you create a polished design.
5. Tailor your resume for each job. Customize your resume for every application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description. This shows recruiters you’ve done your homework.
6. Proofread multiple times. Typos and errors can make you look careless. Read your resume aloud, use spell-check tools, and ask a friend to review it before sending it off.

FAQs on Return-to-Workforce Resumes

Do you still have some questions about your return-to-the-workforce resume? See if we can answer them below:

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Before you go and start writing the perfect resume that’ll get you back into the workforce, here is a recap of the main points we covered in this article:

• Focus on transferable skills, recent certifications, and any activities like freelancing or volunteering during your career break.
• The functional resume format emphasizes skills over chronological work history, so it’s ideal for addressing employment gaps.
• In your resume and cover letter, briefly explain your career gap and frame it as a period of growth and learning.
• Tailor your resume to each job. Customize it to match the job description, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences.
• Use sections like “Certifications,” “Personal Projects,” or “Volunteer Work” to showcase how you spent your time away.
• Use your cover letter to tell your story, explain your career break, and express your enthusiasm for returning to work.