If you’re returning to work after a career break and aiming for a new job, the first days matter most. This UK guide shows exactly what to do first when returning to work after a break: pick target roles, craft a clear 'I’m back' story for your CV and interviews, and choose a fast route like a Bootcamp, SWAP or returner programme, while rebuilding a simple get back into work routine you can stick to. Whether it’s been months or years, we’ll help you restart your career after a career break, boost confidence, and turn momentum into interviews with practical, evidence-based steps and links to trusted UK support.
Jump to:
- Returning to work after a career break: what to do first
- How to start working after a long break: a 7-day reset
- Restarting your career after a career break: the best UK routes to a new job
- Getting back into a work routine with confidence habits that work
- Back to work after long break: fixing the CV gap & interview story
- Returning after maternity or caregiving: new-job tips
- Return to work after sick leave or burnout
- What to say to a hiring manager when coming back to work (example template)
- FAQs: first steps to take when returning to work after a break
- Your next steps (save this)
- Conclusion: what should you do first when returning to work after a break?
Returning to work after a career break: what to do first
If you’re returning to work after a career break and aiming for a new job, start with four moves on day one:
1. Join a free Return to Work Bootcamp
Join a free bootcamp specifically for individuals looking to return to work to get up to date with the latest shifts in recruitment, technology, and job seeking.
2. Pick a target role (or two)
Use the National Careers Service tools to map skills to roles and get tailored advice for people not in work and wanting to return after a break.
3. Shape your story in your CV
Start reworking your CV based on advice given in the Return to Work Bootcamp, before submitting it for a free review.
4. Start hitting ‘apply’!
You can find vetted flexible jobs for returner-friendly companies on sites like ivee, or explore returnship options.
How to start working after a long break: a 7-day reset
Remember: Small, repeatable actions + evidence-based self-care beat perfectionism!
Restarting your career after a career break: the best UK routes to a new job
Upskilling bootcamps
Free, flexible courses built with recruitment experts. Join for practical advice and resources entirely for free. Enrol in a Return to Work Bootcamp today.
SWAPs (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes)
Up to 6 weeks of short training + work placement + guaranteed interview, linked to a real vacancy. Ask a Work Coach/Jobcentre about live SWAPs.
Returner programmes (“returnships”)
Employer-run, time-limited roles with coaching for people back after ~12+ months out or more. Take a look at the best programmes in the UK right now.
Getting back into a work routine with confidence habits that work
Confidence tends to return fastest when you pair tiny wins (one application, one call) with wellbeing basics: the NHS 5 steps (connect, be active, keep learning, give, notice) and activity targets (150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous weekly).
Back to work after long break: fixing the CV gap & interview story
In an interview, follow ivee guidance and briefly state the reason for the break (e.g., caring, health, travel, study), then pivot to your value and what you bring to the table – your strongest achievements and recent upskilling. Use STAR examples that match the job advertisement.
On your CV, we recommend reframing your career break instead of explicitly listing it as a break on your CV. This is to help you get past the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which screen your CV. Rather than leaving a blank space, integrate any activities, projects, or learning experiences from your career break into your work history or professional development sections, such as volunteering, freelancing, consulting, or upskilling.
Returning after maternity or caregiving: new-job tips
ivee’s free Return to Work Bootcamp was specifically designed for those looking to get back into work after a prolonged break. It covers the current recruitment market, CV & application tailoring, and LinkedIn and interview tips.
The Government Returner Toolkit outlines where to find dedicated programmes and how to frame caring breaks.
Return to work after sick leave or burnout
Many services now include Employment Advisers who help with CVs, applications and interview prep alongside therapy. If you need changes during hiring (extra time on tests, quiet room), the Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments for candidates. Just make sure to ask early.
What to say to a hiring manager when coming back to work (example template)
Consider framing your career break in an interview like so:
After a planned career break to [raise a family/care/study/travel], I’m returning to [target field]. Previously, I [achievement with metric]. During my break I [kept skills fresh: course/volunteering/portfolio] and upskilled in [latest tech/new software/new skills]. I’m now focused on [role], where I can deliver [specific value related to the job ad].
This mirrors NCS advice on explaining gaps and keeps the emphasis on skills and recent action.
FAQs: first steps to take when returning to work after a break
Your next steps (save this)
- Pick 2 job adverts that excite you and note down the required skills.
- Enrol in a free Return to Work Bootcamp
- Update your CV using the advice given in the bootcamp and get it reviewed for free.
- Start getting into a jobseeking routine each week by blocking out time for applications and online networking.
- If you’re experiencing anxiety or low confidence, join ivee’s community of people returning to work or self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies if you need some clinical help.
Conclusion: what should you do first when returning to work after a break?
Keep it simple and doable, or else you won’t sustain the habit. Start by browsing live job ads and finding ones that excite you, noting the skills they want. Jump on a free Return to Work Bootcamp, then refresh your CV using what you learn and submit it for a free review to sanity-check it. Lock in a weekly jobseeking routine (block time for tailored applications and a bit of online networking) so momentum becomes a habit.
And if anxiety or low confidence creep in, you’re not doing this alone: join ivee’s community for peer support, and self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies if you’d like clinical help. Small, steady steps are how you restart your career after a break, get back into a work routine, and land that new job.
ivee is an all-in-one platform for your return to work journey. Sign up to access hand-vetted flexible jobs, free upskilling, and a community of UK jobseekers.
Take the first step and enrol in a free Return to Work Bootcamp
This is the only free online course made specifically for people returning to work after a break. With 5* reviews on TrustPilot, you’re sure to learn a lot and start rebuilding your confidence.
Join the next bootcampFeatured Blog Posts
