Write a clear CV after time away from work

A career break does not erase your experience. Make your relevant skills and recent evidence easy to find, use clear dates, and share personal context only if you choose to.

Keep the structure familiar

Use a short profile, relevant experience, education or training, and skills. Put the sections most useful for the role near the top. A clear chronological work history usually makes dates easier to follow; choose a format that presents your experience accurately.

Describe the break only as much as you want

You do not need to include private or medical details in a CV. If you want to account for a longer period, a brief factual entry such as “Career break” with dates is enough. You can also leave it unexplained and discuss context later if you decide it is useful.

Bring current strengths forward

• Include recent courses, certifications, freelance work, volunteering, or projects when relevant.
• Show transferable skills with concrete examples from any setting.
• Make dates consistent across roles, education, and training.
• Use a current email address and check that portfolio links still work.