Taking a career break—whether for parenting, caregiving, health, or personal growth—is a deeply personal decision. But re-entering the workforce after such a hiatus, especially in a country like Finland with its structured labor market and competitive job environment, can be both exciting and daunting.
In Finland, where equality and work-life balance are core values, many employers are supportive of women returning to work. However, navigating the re-entry process requires preparation, confidence, and strategy. This article provides practical tips for women aiming to restart their careers after a break, tailored to the Finnish context.
1. Acknowledge and Embrace Your Career Break
The first step is to own your story. Taking a break doesn’t diminish your value—it adds depth to your life and career. Whether you spent time raising children, caring for a relative, studying, or dealing with health issues, these experiences contribute to your personal growth and resilience.
In Finland, employers increasingly value authenticity. When updating your CV or preparing for interviews, don’t shy away from explaining your break. Focus on what you learned during this time—time management, empathy, multitasking, or pursuing side projects—and how it has prepared you to re-enter the workplace stronger.
2. Update Your Skills
One of the biggest challenges after a break is feeling out of touch with the latest industry trends or tools. Before applying for jobs, assess the current requirements in your field and identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Where to upskill in Finland:
- TE-palvelut (Public Employment Services): Offers free online and in-person courses, especially for unemployed individuals or those looking to reskill.
- Universities and AMKs (Universities of Applied Sciences): Many offer short continuing education programs in English and Finnish.
- LinkedIn Learning and Coursera: Global platforms with a wide range of courses, often recognized by Finnish employers.
Focus on certifications, languages (especially Finnish and Swedish, if needed), and digital tools specific to your industry (e.g., Excel, SAP, project management tools, programming languages).
3. Start Networking Actively
In Finland, the job market often runs on relationships and recommendations. According to studies, a significant portion of jobs are never advertised publicly. That’s why building and activating your professional network is essential.
Tips for networking in Finland:
- Reconnect with former colleagues and mentors via LinkedIn or email.
- Attend industry-specific events, seminars, or webinars.
- Join local networking groups like Women in Tech Finland, Business and Professional Women Finland, or MyCareer at Aalto University.
- Use platforms like Meetup.com, Slush, or Maria01 to find networking events in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku.
Don’t be afraid to share your re-entry journey with others—many professionals have taken breaks themselves and are happy to support your return.
4. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Your application materials need to reflect your current ambitions, not just your past roles. Update your CV to highlight relevant skills, certifications, and volunteer work during your break. Address the career gap directly, but positively.
Example:
“After a two-year parental break, I am excited to re-enter the workforce with renewed energy and upgraded skills, including a recent certification in digital marketing.”
In Finland, CVs are typically 1–2 pages and straightforward. Employers appreciate clarity, honesty, and conciseness.
5. Tap into Government and Non-Profit Support
Finland offers robust support for jobseekers and those re-entering the workforce:
- TE-palvelut (Employment and Economic Development Office): Provides job coaching, resume workshops, job matching, and even salary subsidies for employers hiring returnees.
- Starttiraha (Start-up Grant): If you’re considering entrepreneurship, this grant offers financial support for starting your own business.
- Local Municipal Job Services (Kuntien Työllisyyspalvelut): Many cities offer localized support, especially for women and parents re-entering the job market.
- YWCA Finland and Monika-Naiset: These organizations support women from diverse backgrounds, especially immigrants, in gaining job skills and entering the labor market.
6. Consider Internships or Returnships
A great way to ease back into work is through internships or “returnships”—short-term programs designed for people returning to work after a break.
While less common than in some countries, returnship-style programs are slowly gaining traction in Finland, especially in tech and multinational firms.
- Check with companies like KONE, Nokia, Wärtsilä, and Supercell, which offer trainee or mid-career return programs.
- Explore international companies with Finnish offices that may offer such programs globally, like Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, or EY.
- Use platforms like Duunitori.fi, Oikotie.fi, and Jobly.fi to look for “trainee” or “junior” roles suitable for returnees.
7. Practice Your Interview Skills
Interviews can be stressful after a long break. Practicing beforehand helps rebuild confidence and polish your narrative.
What to prepare:
- Why you took a break and what you learned from it
- How you’ve stayed current in your field
- Why you’re the right fit for the role now
You can also ask for mock interviews through TE services or practice with a friend. If Finnish isn’t your first language, be prepared to explain your situation fluently in English, but also show willingness to learn or improve your Finnish.
8. Stay Open to Part-Time and Flexible Roles
Returning to full-time work after a long break may feel overwhelming. Consider starting with part-time, freelance, or fixed-term contracts. These allow you to re-adapt at your own pace while gaining current experience.
In Finland, part-time and remote roles are common and often used as stepping stones to full-time employment. Check platforms like LinkedIn, Recright, or Taloussanomat for flexible job listings.
9. Leverage Your Transferable Skills
During your break, you’ve likely developed valuable skills—whether through parenting, volunteering, or community involvement.
Examples of transferable skills:
- Conflict resolution
- Budget management
- Time organization
- Team leadership
- Cross-cultural communication
Frame these in your applications as assets that make you an even stronger candidate. Employers in Finland appreciate practical, team-oriented, and emotionally intelligent workers.
10. Take Care of Your Mental Well-being
Re-entering the workforce can bring self-doubt, anxiety, or imposter syndrome—especially if you’ve been away for years. Know that these feelings are common, but manageable.
How to stay mentally strong:
- Join women’s support groups or online forums like Naisten Linja, MamaBear, or Women’s Career Network Finland.
- Talk to a career coach or mentor.
- Celebrate small wins—updating your CV, applying for a job, or attending an event.
Taking care of your mental health during this transition is just as important as updating your LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Returning to work after a break can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Finland’s supportive infrastructure, progressive employment policies, and inclusive culture make it a promising place for women to relaunch their careers.
By embracing your unique journey, actively updating your skills, networking strategically, and using the support systems available, you can confidently re-enter the workforce and thrive.
