[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"detail-sidebar-cat-1-en-105":3,"doc-seo-279854-105":53,"doc-detail-279854-en":127},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"success",[7,14,19,24,29,34,39,44,49],{"id":8,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":11,"show_sort_weight":12,"slug":13},11,1,"Template","Presentations",90,"presentations",{"id":15,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":16,"show_sort_weight":17,"slug":18},12,"Resumes",80,"resumes",{"id":20,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":21,"show_sort_weight":22,"slug":23},14,"Invoices",70,"invoices",{"id":25,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":26,"show_sort_weight":27,"slug":28},15,"Posters",60,"posters",{"id":30,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":31,"show_sort_weight":32,"slug":33},16,"Social Media",50,"social-media",{"id":35,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":36,"show_sort_weight":37,"slug":38},17,"Forms",40,"forms",{"id":40,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":41,"show_sort_weight":42,"slug":43},18,"Letters",30,"letters",{"id":45,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":46,"show_sort_weight":47,"slug":48},21,"Paper Templates",5,"papers-templates",{"id":50,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":51,"show_sort_weight":4,"slug":52},158,"General","general-158",{"code":4,"msg":54,"data":55},"ok",{"site_id":56,"language":57,"slug":58,"title":59,"keywords":60,"description":61,"schema_data":62,"social_meta":120,"head_meta":122,"extra_data":124,"updated_unix":126},105,"en","career-break-cover-letter-template-2021","Career Break Cover Letter Template - 2021","","A career break cover letter template designed to help candidates re-enter the workforce with confidence. It guides structure across an opening that states the role and vacancy source, a second paragraph that markets achievements using measurable results, and a third paragraph that explains the gap while linking it to readiness for the position. Additional sections suggest keeping skills current through volunteering, courses, or study, then reiterating interest and concluding with an appropriate sign-off and gratitude. 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Keep it brief and relevant, using a short introduction rather than a long explanation.","Answer",{"name":112,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":113},"What should the second paragraph focus on if you have a career gap?",{"text":114,"@type":110},"Highlight relevant achievements and qualifications while positioning yourself as ready to take on the role. Use quantifiable examples whenever possible to strengthen your suitability.",{"name":116,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":117},"How can you address the career break without hurting your application?",{"text":118,"@type":110},"Briefly explain the reason for the break and then connect it to why you are the right candidate to return. 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Remember the cover letter is often the first impression a recruiter will get of your application and a valuable tool to help get your personality across and put your career break into context. Place precedence on the positives and assure the employer that you’re ready to  \nreturn to work, and your career gap shouldn’t prove to be as much of a hindrance as you may think Here’s a cover letter template specifically designed for people looking to return from a career break.  \n1. Opening the letter  \nAlways play it safe when it comes to the opening paragraph. Quite simply, the best way to start is with a brief explanation of the position you’re applying for and where you found the vacancy. Name-dropping is fine.  \nKeep it relevant and to the point. Remember: it should be a short sentence introduction, not a prolonged paragraph.  \nExample:  \nI am an accomplished personal assistant with three years experience in the field with excellent references. I wish to apply for the role of Executive PA, [currently being advertised on bizcommunity.co.za](currently being advertised on bizcommunity.co.za).  \n2. Second paragraph-Why are you suitable for the job?  \nAfter the introductions are out of the way, it’s time to go on the offensive.  \nIgnore your career gap at this stage and use your previous achievements and/or specific academic or vocational qualifications to help sell your suitability. This will demonstrate that, regardless of the break you’ve taken, you still possess the capability and mindset to undertake the role.  \nAlways make sure your examples are as quantifiable as possible. ‘ Increased revenue by x%’, for instance, sounds a lot more impressive than simply stating you ‘Increased revenue’.  \nLeading with the positives will help show what you can do for the company and ensure your contributions are front of mind before moving on.  \nExample:  \nAs you can see from my attached CV, I have over four years’ experience as a PA, as well as experience in office management. In my previous role as an Executive PA, I worked closely with the managing director, providing administrative support and representing her in any meetings she could not attend. My role also included full diary management, working with a budget of R20,000 and organising training events for upwards of 50 members of staff.  \n3. Third paragraph – Explain the gap  \nThe third paragraph is your opportunity to briefly explain the reason for your career break.  \nHowever, more important than explaining the gap, you need to define the reason you feel this is the right role for you to return to work.  \nOne of the main objections you’ll face is that recruiters may worry you’re not ready to return. Alleviating these fears will be key for your application to be a success.  \nExample:  \nAt the start of 2008, I had my daughter and took some time out to be with my family. However, she has now started school full-time, and I am ready and determined to resume my career and take up a new challenge.  \n4. Fourth/Fifth paragraph – What can you do for the company?  \nOnce you’ve addressed your career gap, use practical examples of how you’ve tried to keep your skills relevant during your time out.  \nThis could include volunteering, work experience or any events you may have attended to broaden your knowledge of the subject. You may also want to include any books you’ve read, courses you’ve undertaken or any other qualifications or experience relevant to the role.  \nReinforce your credentials and show you can hit the ground running, and your gap can easily be overcome.  \nExample:  \nDuring my professional break I have done my best to refresh my skills and keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments. For example, I’ve recently been working as a vol","cbCail6Url22jJII","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCail6Url22jJII","pdf",298622,"English","# Opening the letter\n# Second paragraph - Why are you suitable for the job?\n# Third paragraph - Explain the gap\n# Fourth/Fifth paragraph - What can you do for the company?\n# Fifth paragraph - Reiterate\n# Closing the letter\n# Final thoughts","[{\"question\":\"How should the opening paragraph of a career break cover letter be written?\",\"answer\":\"State the position you are applying for and where you found the vacancy. Keep it brief and relevant, using a short introduction rather than a long explanation.\"},{\"question\":\"What should the second paragraph focus on if you have a career gap?\",\"answer\":\"Highlight relevant achievements and qualifications while positioning yourself as ready to take on the role. Use quantifiable examples whenever possible to strengthen your suitability.\"},{\"question\":\"How can you address the career break without hurting your application?\",\"answer\":\"Briefly explain the reason for the break and then connect it to why you are the right candidate to return. Reassure recruiters that you are prepared and emphasize readiness and next steps.\"}]","Career Break Cover Letter Template - 2021 | PDF"]