If you’ve taken a sabbatical, you may be wondering how to include it on your resume. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this predicament. Many people wonder how to showcase their time away from work on their resumes, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. In this article, you’ll learn how to write sabbatical on your resume and stand out from the crowd. You’ll find examples and tips on how to tailor your sabbatical experience to your career goals. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with all the tools you need to impress potential employers with your time away from work. So why wait? Let’s get started.
The Best Structure for Writing Sabbatical in a Resume
If you have taken a sabbatical, it can be challenging to figure out how to include it in your resume. Fortunately, there is a structure that can help you present your sabbatical in a way that highlights your skills and experiences effectively. In this article, we will discuss the best structure for writing a sabbatical in your resume based on the writing style of Tim Ferriss.
1. Start with a brief explanation
To begin, start with a brief explanation of what your sabbatical was and why you took it. This explanation can be placed in your cover letter or objective statement. This information can give employers context and help them understand why there may be a gap in your resume. Be honest and clear about why you decided to take a sabbatical. For example, you may have taken a sabbatical to travel, focus on personal growth, or to care for a family member.
2. Highlight the skills you gained
During your sabbatical, you most likely had opportunities to develop new skills or enhance existing ones. Use your resume to highlight these skills. List them as bullet points under a “Skills” or “Experience” section on your resume. For example, if you have taken a sabbatical to travel, you may have developed skills in adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. Make sure to relate these skills to the job you are applying for as well.
3. Discuss any volunteer work or personal projects
If you participated in any volunteer work or personal projects during your sabbatical, make sure to include them in your resume. Employers value candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to work on their own projects. Make sure to relate your experience to the job you are applying for. If you volunteered at a nonprofit, you can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills. If you worked on a personal project, you can explain how it demonstrates your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
4. Use your sabbatical as a selling point
Finally, use your sabbatical as a selling point. Explain to employers how it has shaped you and your outlook on your career. You can also use it to show how dedicated you are to your own personal and professional growth. By demonstrating the value of your break, you can help shift the focus from the gap in your resume to the skills and experiences you have gained. This can make you stand out from other candidates who have not taken a sabbatical.
In conclusion, incorporating your sabbatical into your resume is all about framing it properly. By highlighting your skills and experiences gained during your sabbatical in a relevant and coherent way, you can make your break work in your favor. Remember, a sabbatical is not a weakness but a strength, and properly represented, it can make you a desirable candidate in the eyes of an employer.
Sabbatical to Pursue Personal Growth
Greetings,
After careful consideration, I have decided to take a sabbatical to pursue personal growth outside of my profession. This decision is one that I have been contemplating for some time now, and I believe taking this time off will allow me to come back to my career rejuvenated and refreshed.
During my sabbatical, I plan to travel, volunteer, and take courses in areas I am passionate about. Through these experiences, I hope to broaden my perspective on the world and gain new insights that will positively impact my work when I return.
Thank you for considering my request for a sabbatical. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and returning eager and motivated.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Sabbatical to Care for a Family Member
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
It is with regret that I request a sabbatical for a personal matter. A family member of mine is going through a difficult time, and I need to take some time off work to care for them.
I appreciate the support that you have given me since joining this company, and this decision is not one that I take lightly. I will work closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition and make sure all projects and assignments are delegated before I leave.
Thank you for taking the time to review my request. I am committed to returning to work once my sabbatical is over and look forward to rejoining the team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sabbatical for Personal Development and Further Education
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am reaching out to request a sabbatical to take advantage of an educational opportunity that I have been offered. I see this as an excellent chance to develop my skills and broaden my experience. The opportunity will allow me to gain a professional specialization and will likely prove beneficial to the company in the long run.
The specific program I am interested in, is a [name of the programme with the details of how it will benefit you]. The program runs for 7-10 months or as specified, and I will cover all costs associated with it.
I appreciate the company’s continued support, understanding, and encouragement, and I am committed to returning to work once my sabbatical is complete.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Sabbatical for Health Reasons
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a sabbatical leave of absence as I need to focus on my health. I have been advised by medical professionals to take time off work, which will give me the space required to recover from my condition and return to the workplace with full health and vitality.
I have faith in the team, and I trust that everything will be handled appropriately in my absence. Please be assured that before my departure, I will do my best to provide the necessary support and information to guarantee a seamless transition period.
Thank you for understanding and your support during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Sabbatical to Care for a Newborn
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a sabbatical to care for a new child. The arrival of my baby is a significant change, and I’d like to take the opportunity to take time off work to bond with him/her before they are taken to childcare or when they attain an adequate age.
I understand that my absence will require arrangements to fill my role, and I will make sure to complete all tasks and delegate responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition and a positive impact on the team continuity.
Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter,
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sabbatical to Write A Novel
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am humbly requesting a sabbatical leave of absence from work to work on my fantasy novel, which I have been writing for the last year in my spare time. I understand that this request will require the team to adjust to my absence, and I’m willing to assist in finding a good solution to ensure business continuity.
I believe this move will allow me to pursue my passion, significantly improve my writing skills, and help publish a story that could benefit the company, I can ensure that I will return to work after my sabbatical leave energized and motivated to see everything through.
Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your support in this matter.
Warmest Regards,
[Your Name]
Sabbatical for Travel and Cultural Immersion
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I would like to request a sabbatical leave of absence from work to embark on a life-changing experience. I want to take the opportunity to travel, immerse myself in different cultures, and broaden my horizons. I believe that this trip will have a positive impact on my personal and professional growth.
As an employee of the company, I value the work I do, and I know my absence will impact the team. I assure you that before leaving, I’ll keep everyone well-informed and complete all data that need to be covered before I leave.
Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your support in this matter.
Best Wishes,
[Your Name]
How to Write Sabbatical in Resume
For many professionals, taking a sabbatical can be a life-changing experience. Whether you traveled the world, pursued a personal passion project, or simply took a break from the daily grind to refresh and recharge, the skills and knowledge you gained during your time away can be valuable assets in your career search. However, it can be challenging to effectively communicate the value of your sabbatical to potential employers. Here are some practical tips for how to write sabbatical in your resume to showcase your skills, experience, and personal growth.
1. Focus on the Results
When you describe your sabbatical in your resume, it’s essential to highlight the results and outcomes you achieved. Whether it’s the projects you completed, the skills you developed, the challenges you overcame, or the personal growth you experienced, focus on the tangible benefits that your sabbatical brought to you. For example, you could write:
- “Traveled the world for one year, developing my communication and interpersonal skills while learning about new cultures and customs.”
- “Completed a six-month sabbatical to start an online business, which generated $50,000 in revenue in its first year.”
- “Took a three-month break to focus on my mental and physical health, resulting in increased productivity and work-life balance.”
2. Use Action Verbs
Using strong action verbs to describe your sabbatical experiences can make your resume more impactful and engaging. Action verbs can help you convey a sense of achievement, energy, and purpose, and make your accomplishments stand out. Here are some examples of strong action verbs you can use to describe your sabbatical:
- “Traveled”
- “Explored”
- “Created”
- “Mentored”
- “Volunteered”
- “Developed”
- “Achieved”
- “Transformed”
3. Be Honest and Transparent
When you include your sabbatical on your resume, it’s essential to be honest and transparent about your experiences, the duration of your break, and your reasons for taking the break. Avoid making up excuses or trying to cover up the fact that you were on a sabbatical. Instead, frame your sabbatical as a positive experience that has contributed to your personal and professional growth, and that can bring value to your future employer. Honesty and transparency can also help you build trust with potential employers, which is crucial in today’s competitive job market.
4. Show Your Relevance
Finally, it’s essential to show how your sabbatical experiences and skills are relevant to the job or industry you are applying to. While your sabbatical may have been a valuable personal experience, it’s essential to frame it in a way that shows how it has prepared you for your next career step. For example, if you took time off to volunteer abroad, you could highlight how this experience has helped you develop cultural awareness, teamwork skills, and adaptability, all of which are valuable skills in a cross-cultural work environment. Demonstrating relevance is crucial in convincing potential employers that your sabbatical has equipped you with the skills and experiences that can contribute to their organization’s success.
By following these tips, you can write sabbatical on your resume in a way that highlights your skills, achievements, and personal growth, and shows your relevance to potential employers. Remember to focus on the results, use action verbs, be honest and transparent, and show your relevance to make your sabbatical a valuable asset in your career search.
What is a sabbatical on a resume?
A sabbatical on a resume refers to an extended leave of absence that someone takes from their job or career to pursue personal or professional interests. It can be used to demonstrate personal and professional growth.
How do I write about my sabbatical on my resume?
First, mention that you took a sabbatical along with the duration you were away. Highlight the skills or experience you gained during your sabbatical, and how you can apply them to the position you’re applying for. Use bullet points to make it more readable and emphasize the positive impact of your sabbatical on your career.
Can a sabbatical be considered as a career gap?
Yes, a sabbatical is considered a career gap since you took an intentional break from your job. Be honest about the reason for your sabbatical because the employer might ask questions, so there is no point in hiding it. You can use your sabbatical as an opportunity to show how you used the time to learn and grow personally and professionally.
Do employers value sabbaticals?
Usually, employers appreciate sabbaticals because it shows that the applicant has a varied experience and has a good work-life balance. However, it depends on the organization’s culture and whether they view taking sabbaticals as a positive or negative thing. Be sure to research the company before deciding to mention your sabbatical on your resume.
Should I include details about my sabbatical in my cover letter?
It’s essential to mention your sabbatical in your cover letter as it shows your honesty and initiative to acquire new skills. A well-written cover letter can help you explain the reason for your sabbatical, what you learned, and how it enhances your suitability for the position you’re applying for.
Is it necessary to explain the reason for the sabbatical?
Yes, it’s appropriate to explain the reason for your sabbatical because it will help the employer to understand what you did during your break and how it’s related to the position you’re applying for. This can be crucial if you’re aiming to transition your career path.
How many details about my sabbatical should I provide on my resume?
Provide enough information about your sabbatical to demonstrate your professional and personal growth and make the employer more interested in you. However, bear in mind that it should not exceed more than one or two bullet points in your resume. You can consider expanding on your experience in your cover letter or during an interview.
Happy Writing!
Writing about a sabbatical on your resume can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, you can highlight your experience and add value to your job search. Remember to focus on the skills and insights gained during your time away and how they can benefit your potential employer. Thanks for reading and I hope you found these tips helpful. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more career advice!