From Career Break to Comeback: Rebuilding with Confidence
Interviewee: Nisha Kapoor, Returning to Work after 5 Years
Interviewer: Jatin Agarwal, Senior Career Advisor at Prosumely
Q1: Nisha, what was your mindset when you approached Prosumely?
To be honest, I was nervous and full of self-doubt. I had taken a 5-year career break to raise my twins and care for elderly parents, and while it was a fulfilling time personally, it left me unsure of how the corporate world would perceive my gap. I knew I had the experience and the drive to return, but every job application I submitted seemed to vanish into a black hole. I wasn't getting shortlisted, and I started wondering if my career was over. When I found Prosumely, I hoped they would help me with a better-looking resume. But what I got was far more transformational—they helped me rebuild my confidence.
Q2: How did your initial resume reflect your break?
It didn't, really. I had removed the dates altogether, hoping it wouldn't come up, and simply listed my previous job experiences. But that approach made my resume feel vague and incomplete. It lacked continuity and raised more questions than it answered. Recruiters had no context, and I wasn't owning my story. It also didn't mention the freelance consulting projects I had taken on during my break or the certification courses I had completed. Essentially, it failed to represent the full picture of who I was and what I could offer now.
Q3: How did Jatin and the team help change that?
Jatin was incredibly empathetic and sharp in his approach. He told me that the break was nothing to hide—in fact, it could be positioned as a strength if framed the right way. Together, we created a "Career Sabbatical & Upskilling" section that clearly explained why I took the break, how I stayed engaged professionally through consulting and online courses, and why I was now ready to return. We updated my work experience to highlight leadership and problem-solving skills and included specific examples of impact. The resume started to reflect someone who took a purposeful pause, grew during it, and is now prepared to re-enter with clarity.
Q4: What new sections were added to your resume?
We added a sabbatical explanation, an updated summary, and a section on upskilling and certifications. The new executive summary framed my comeback story beautifully. We also added project-based consulting work I had done during the break, which previously I didn't think "counted." It absolutely did. I had supported a startup with market research and helped a friend's company revamp their HR processes. These were valuable experiences that showed I hadn't been idle. We also added a tech skills section, which included the HRIS and analytics tools I had trained on during my time away.
Q5: How did you feel after seeing the final version?
I was emotional, honestly. The new resume made me feel seen. For the first time in years, I felt proud of my journey instead of apologetic. The formatting, the tone, the language—everything reflected a version of me that was confident, capable, and ready. My friends who reviewed it said, "This is exactly who you are." That validation meant a lot. It gave me the courage to start applying again with hope instead of hesitation.
Q6: Did this version open real opportunities?
Yes, and quickly too. Within three weeks of sharing the new resume, I got shortlisted for three roles. One of them was a people manager role in a mid-sized company where they specifically appreciated the consulting work I had done during my break. The interviews were far more engaging than before, and I felt like the new resume had already done half the job by establishing credibility. I eventually landed a role that aligns perfectly with my experience and flexibility needs.
Q7: Did you do anything differently during the interview process?
Yes, I owned my story. I stopped hiding or apologizing for my break. I followed Prosumely's advice on positioning it as a chapter of personal growth. I talked about how I stayed engaged, what I learned, and why I was now ready. The interviewers responded well to that honesty and confidence. I also came prepared with stories and examples that were highlighted in the resume, which made it easier to connect the dots.
Q8: Your message to women on a break looking to return?
You are not your career gap. You are the sum of your experiences, and that includes what you did during your break. Own it. And more importantly, don't try to do it alone. The job market is competitive, and how you present your story matters. Prosumely helped me craft a narrative that felt both true and compelling. If you're planning a comeback, invest in the right support. It's not just about getting a job—it's about rediscovering your voice and value.
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