Women make up an important part of the workforce but for reasons beyond their control, they sometimes have to take a break. For many women, re-entering the workforce after a career break can be both exciting and challenging. Whether the time away was due to a maternity leave, caring for a family member, pursuing further education, or personal reasons, stepping back into the job market often comes with uncertainties. How has the industry changed? Will employers see the gap as a disadvantage? What’s the best way to position your skills and experience?

The good news is that the professional world is becoming increasingly aware of the value that women returning to work bring such as diverse experiences, resilience, and highly adaptable skills. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that 43% of highly skilled women take a career break, yet 93% want to return to work. The key is knowing how to navigate the process effectively. Below are essential job search tips to help women re-enter the workforce with confidence and success.

1. Assess Your Skills and Update Your Resume

The first step is to evaluate your skills and experiences, both from your previous roles and any skills acquired during your break. Even if you were not in a formal work setting, you likely developed valuable abilities such as project management, budgeting, communication, or leadership.

Update your resume to highlight transferable skills and achievements. If you’ve taken on freelance projects, volunteer work, or online courses during your career break, be sure to include them. A study by LinkedIn found that 56% of hiring managers value soft skills as much as technical skills, so don’t underestimate the power of showcasing leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

2. Leverage Networking and Professional Connections

A strong network can significantly speed up your job search. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry connections to let them know you are looking for opportunities. Attending networking events, joining LinkedIn groups, and participating in industry discussions can also open doors to new roles.

Additionally, consider joining return-to-work programs specifically designed for women. Companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and IBM have returnship programs that provide training, mentorship, and a structured transition back into the workforce.

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions About Career Gaps

Employers may ask about your time away from work, so having a confident and positive response is crucial. Instead of framing your career break as a gap, present it as a period of skill enhancement, growth, or valuable experiences.

For example, instead of simply stating, “I took a career break to raise my children,” you can say, “During my career break, I developed strong organizational and problem-solving skills while managing multiple responsibilities. Additionally, I took online courses in digital marketing to stay updated with industry trends.” This approach shows that you remained proactive and continued learning.

4. Embrace the Digital Job Market

The hiring process has changed significantly over the years, with 75% of resumes now being filtered through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before reaching human eyes. To improve your chances, optimize your resume with relevant keywords and a clear structure that aligns with job descriptions.

Additionally, updating and optimizing your LinkedIn profile is crucial. Over 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates, so ensure your profile is complete, including a professional photo, detailed work experience, and an engaging summary.

5. Gain Confidence Through Skill-Building and Certifications

If you feel that your industry has evolved significantly since you last worked, consider taking short online courses or certifications to bridge the gap. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable programs in high-demand areas such as digital marketing, data analytics, and project management.

A 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum found that upskilling increases employability by up to 60%, making it a valuable investment in your job search.

6. Consider Flexible and Remote Work Opportunities

Many companies now offer remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements, which can be beneficial when re-entering the workforce. The remote job market has grown by 44% in the last five years, making it easier for women to find roles that align with their work-life balance goals.

Websites like FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, and Remote.co specialize in listing flexible job opportunities, making them great platforms to explore.

7. Utilize AI-Powered Job Search Tools

Technology has made job searching more efficient than ever. AI-powered job search tools like LightForth streamline the process by optimizing resumes, preparing candidates for interviews, and even automating job applications.

Given that only 2% of resumes make it past the first round of screening, using AI-driven platforms can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

How LightForth Can Give You A Head Start As A Woman

Whenever a woman is physically, mentally and emotionally ready to re-enter the workforce, there are proven strategies and tools that can help her secure a role that aligns with her skills and aspirations. At LightForth, we help women like you by providing resume optimization, interview preparation, and AI-driven job applications—giving you a competitive edge in today’s job market.

You don't have to restart your career from scratch. With the right support, it can evolve into something even greater. Let LightForth help you take the first step with confidence. Sign up today and take control of your job search!