Going on a sabbatical is quite common nowadays. But leveraging the experience gained and showcasing the same on the CV is probably not. And the time is ripe to do just that.
Says Thammaiah BN, managing director, Kelly Services India, “Sabbaticals help us to acquire new skills, address personal issues, learn hobbies and emerge as refined professionals. It allows for a review of our accomplishments and shortcomings and to set new goals in life, while investing time in rebuilding oneself.”
Neha Bagaria, founder & CEO, JobsForHer, says the sabbatical she took during the early days of motherhood taught her the essence of multi-tasking, financial prudence, discipline, teamwork, patient and endurance.
“Nothing compares to the multi-tasking required as a mother. As parents, you start feeling part of a team that needs to support one another physically, mentally and emotionally and cover up when the other is not available. The team spirit of parenthood teaches you how important it is to build camaraderie in the workplace. The patience and enduring spirit built during the early stages of motherhood can be successfully applied to challenging business situations,” says Bagaria.
According to Saba Adil, chief people officer, Aegon Life Insurance, individuals should focus on what skills are relevant to their ambition and work out steps to gain those skills. “Like, you travel during the sabbatical, then pick up what you learnt from the experience…was it connecting with people, listening actively or dealing with uncertainties. Every experience is a teacher.”
Positioning the skills gained on the CV is vital. “As long as one can clarify the purpose of their sabbatical and what they gained from it, I believe you don’t need to cover up the ‘break’, but flaunt it on the CV as time used productively,” says Adil.
So what’s the best way in which the life skills can be positioned on the CV? Experts say by writing a cover letter with the skills mentioned.
“You can list down things such as: - attended workshops, did a certificate course, volunteered at an NGO. Focus on how the skills you developed will make you a stand-out applicant,” says Thammaiah.
A great way of making a skill relevant is to write on “how” it can add value to a prospective employer. “Another effective way of displaying acquired skills is by mapping your digital footprints. Recruiters often check your digital footprint. Align your profile on social and professional networks with your resume. It gives the option of explaining things in detail, which might not be possible in a two-page resume,” says Thammaiah.
All in all, it’s incorrect to cover up a gap year in the CV. Transparency goes a long way in enhancing trust with future employers.
MAKING MOST OF IT
- A great way of making a skill relevant is to write on “how” it can add value to a prospective employer
- You can list down things such as:- attended workshops, did a certificate course, volunteered at a NGO
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