Chapter 11: Taking time out
Promoting your time out experience to employers
So what?
This is the fundamental question you have to answer in your own head about your time-out activities before you have a chance of impressing those around you.
You need to link your time-out to each new position you’re seeking and demonstrate how it has given you the specific attributes required, e.g. the skills and experience.
Therefore, start by:
- Identifying the specific attributes required in a job that you are going to prove through your time away (one or two should do)
- Outlining in detail how your experience gave you each of these specific attributes.For example, you could use your experience of teaching English in China for several different jobs, as follows:
For example, you could use your experience of teaching English in China for several different jobs, as follows:
Example: Proving your verbal communication skills for a job as a trainee solicitor
I demonstrated excellent verbal communications during my time teaching English to business students in China. I was able to get my point across to managers, administrators and students of mixed abilities and was able to listen and take my time to work out exactly what was required.
Example: Proving your organisation skills for an administrative role
I developed excellent administrative skills during my gap year working as a PA for the Jamaican Director of Charity Regulation where I managed her daily schedule and liaised with a wide range of high level colleagues and contacts. I learned the importance of taking great care and being resourceful and reliable.
Further Resources
