Returning to work CV example
Office manager returning after a six-year career break. Professional design.
CV examples for career breaks and life changes
After a break or a change of direction, a CV explains the change in one line and then gets back to your evidence. The complete CVs below show an office manager returning after a six-year career break, a production team leader after redundancy, an army corporal leaving after 12 years, a bookkeeper with 30 years' experience, a self-employed decorator moving into employment and a bookkeeper returning after caring for a relative.
CV after redundancy example
Production team leader made redundant when the site closed. Classic design.
Armed forces leaver CV example
Army corporal leaving after 12 years. Modern design.
CV for an older worker example
Bookkeeper with 30 years' experience, looking for part-time work. Compact design.
Self-employed to employed CV example
Self-employed painter and decorator, ten years trading. Creative design.
CV after caring for a relative example
Bookkeeper returning to work after caring for a family member. Modern design.
What employers in this sector check
| What they check | Which jobs | What to write |
|---|---|---|
| The gap or the change | Everyone here | One dated line is enough, such as “Career break: caring for my father” or “Role made redundant when the site closed”. GOV.UK describes redundancy as a dismissal that happens when an employer needs fewer staff, so that line is a complete answer. |
| Returner programmes | Returners | If a programme has entry rules, add a short career break section with its reason, and list any course you took during the break with the year (GOV.UK returner toolkit). |
| Resettlement | Armed forces leavers | With more than six years' service you can have up to 35 days of resettlement time before discharge (GOV.UK). Courses you take in it belong on your CV. |
| Your age | Older workers | Age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (GOV.UK), and a UK CV does not need your date of birth. Give the last 15 years in detail and sum up earlier jobs in a line. |
| Flexible working | Returners and carers | Employees can ask for flexible working, such as different hours or days, from their first day in a job; the rules differ in Northern Ireland (GOV.UK). It does not need to go on your CV. |
| Site cards | Self-employed trades | You need a CSCS card or equivalent to work on a construction site (National Careers Service). Give the card type in your contact lines. |
Each example page has the full list with its sources and the date we checked them.
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