Reply to: Time Off / Starting Back Advice.

[srichards]

Well many thanks to 'everyone' who has posted, you have all been great help and got some great advice.

I ended up simply adding the below to my CV.

March 2008 – Present: Career Break - To pursue other interests / Professional development, Please ask for more details.

Now freshly posted on all job sites.. time to get cracking....
Thanks..

[srichards]

Well many thanks to 'everyone' who has posted, you have all been great help and got some great advice.

I ended up simply adding the below to my CV.

March 2008 – Career Break - To pursue other interests / Professional development
Present Please ask for more details

Not freshly posted on all job sites.. time to get cracking....
Thanks..

[scooterscot]

WHS



WHS too.

You'd be surprised how many interviewers will think you're a lucky b'stard. I've had a few 6 month sabbaticals which I take every 2-3 years. Each time they asked me what I've been up to, each time I tell them having a nice break, each time they were very jealous and said they wished they could do that and finally, each time I tell them they could if they wanted to.

Don't worry about it, it's a non-issue. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't had to sit in an interview and discuss it...

WHS - I had err about 5 months off last year and when asked my response was similar, time spent with family. Now I'm juggling between three contracts...

[pmeswani]

Just applied to a jobserve gig. It was security and compliance work so that could've made a difference. It was for RBS Global Banking rather than the likes of the anal IB's who need to see years and years of IB experience.

HTH.

Thanks. I was intereviewed by RBS for a Security Analyst role, but turns out that I didn't have enough experience with Project Management and an Event Management tool they were using. I'll live in hope in finding a role within the banking field.

[ratewhore]

Just out of interest... how did you managed to get into IB? I've been trying for years (both as a permie and as a contractor). What did you have to do the get in?

Just applied to a jobserve gig. It was security and compliance work so that could've made a difference. It was for RBS Global Banking rather than the likes of the anal IB's who need to see years and years of IB experience.

HTH.

[pmeswani]

I went straight into an IB after a 6 month break with no problems. That was with no IB experience too.

Of course, that is just my, singular, experience...

Just out of interest... how did you managed to get into IB? I've been trying for years (both as a permie and as a contractor). What did you have to do the get in?

[ratewhore]

I have heard the investment banks view career breaks dimly, but most people now view investment banks dimly so no worries there.

I went straight into an IB after a 6 month break with no problems. That was with no IB experience too.

Of course, that is just my, singular, experience...

[eliquant]

I have heard the investment banks view career breaks dimly, but most people now view investment banks dimly so no worries there.

100% agree with you on that one.

"Were you in prison" one once joked at an interview.

"No" I thought, just because your life and big money prospects are over doesn't mean that mine are.

[swamp]

I have heard the investment banks view career breaks dimly, but most people now view investment banks dimly so no worries there.

[ratewhore]

01/08 - 12/08 Career Break - to pursue other interests. Please ask for more details.

WHS

Agree. The interviewer will be perhaps envious and curious, but I'd tell the truth if I were in your boat. Sell it as an interesting soujourn / sabbatical, and it can be a talking point in the interview, rather than a cloud.

WHS too.

You'd be surprised how many interviewers will think you're a lucky b'stard. I've had a few 6 month sabbaticals which I take every 2-3 years. Each time they asked me what I've been up to, each time I tell them having a nice break, each time they were very jealous and said they wished they could do that and finally, each time I tell them they could if they wanted to.

Don't worry about it, it's a non-issue. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't had to sit in an interview and discuss it...

[vetran]

Think laterally

Is the family business instantly recognisable as such?

In 2003 I did some work for Vetran's parent's & co. It was just put down as XYZ at large company specialising in ABC. I also did some work for Vetran's mate co. again put down as valuable experience. Just make sure whoever signs the reference doesn't have the same surname.

I actually made the most money from doing day gigs for an old employer but I learnt loads of useful stuff from the family firm and my mate's company. All of which I sold in the interview.

Assuming the experience is relevant e.g. needed more man management / project experience then it isn't time wasted. They have no right to know how much you were paid.

Remember the interviewer is not likely to be a contractor and will be suspicious of time off for any reason. Explain it honestly but not exhaustively (not the whole truth) what the benefits to them are.

[Turion]

You mis-timed things badly. Next year will be an anus-horisbisy thing for contracting. You could well have another year on the bench whether you want it or not.

[BolshieBastard]

I took an 18 month break from IT to try another business venture. It didnt pay enough so I came back to IT.

On my cv I just have the period and brief details of the other work I did. I picked up a contract soon afterwards. Its now nearly 4 years ago. I've had other contracts and just agreed an extension with current client to June 2009 which will make nearly 3 years with the same client.

I've never once been asked about the break from IT.

However, now is a difficult time but even so, just be honest about what you did and why.

[lexington_spurs]

Question is: were you tagged on release and is it visible in an interview situation?

[Scotchpie]

...and software that I developed
which would help the client increase market share,
cut costs and improve efficiency.

... and which I'm willing to make available to you the client for a competitively priced per-user licence.