Introduction
Career breaks are not uncommon, and there are many legitimate reasons why someone might take one. However, when interviewing for an investment banking job, it is important to be prepared to explain your career break in a positive light.
Here are some tips:
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Be honest and upfront about your career break. Don't try to hide or downplay it. The interviewer will likely find out about it anyway, and it will make you look less credible if you try to cover it up.
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Explain the reason for your career break in a positive way. For example, if you took a break to care for a sick family member, you can talk about how this experience made you more compassionate and resilient. Or, if you took a break to travel the world, you can talk about how this experience broadened your horizons and made you more culturally aware.
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Highlight the skills and experience that you gained during your career break. For example, if you volunteered at a nonprofit organization, you can talk about how this experience gave you valuable leadership and teamwork skills. Or, if you travelled to different countries, you can talk about how this experience gave you a better understanding of global markets.
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Explain how your career break has prepared you for the role that you are interviewing for. For example, if you took a break to start your own business, you can talk about how this experience gave you valuable entrepreneurial skills. Or, if you took a break to raise children, you can talk about how this experience gave you excellent time management and organizational skills.
Here is an example of how you could explain a career break in an investment banking interview:
"I took a two-year break from my career to care for my sick mother. This was a challenging experience, but it also taught me a lot about resilience and compassion. I also learned how to manage my time effectively and how to prioritize tasks. I am confident that these skills will be valuable in my role as an investment banker."
Conclusion
It is important to remember that career breaks are not necessarily a negative thing. In fact, they can be an opportunity to gain new skills and experiences that can make you a more well-rounded candidate. By being honest and upfront about your career break and explaining how it has prepared you for the role that you are interviewing for, you can show the interviewer that you are a valuable asset to their team.
