Back to Work Certificate (Return to Work)

About this course

Returning to work after time away, whether for caring, health, study or travel, is a common and entirely valid path. This course helps you explain career gaps with confidence, refresh your skills in a practical way, look at flexible and return-to-work options, update your resume and LinkedIn, and plan your first 90 days back. The content is general information only; for specific entitlements, speak with the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified adviser.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to explain a career break honestly and briefly in an interview
• You'll be able to identify and refresh the skills that matter most for your target role
• You'll be able to find and ask about flexible or return-to-work options
• You'll be able to update your resume and LinkedIn and plan your first 90 days back

Course outline

1. Explaining Career Gaps

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Many employers now recognise that career breaks happen for caring, health, study or personal reasons. A short, honest and forward-looking explanation builds trust, and it is far more effective than apologising or over-explaining.
2. Refreshing Your Skills

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Skills can feel rusty after a break, but most can be refreshed quickly with focused practice. Identify the skills your target role needs most, then build evidence that you are current.
3. Flexible Work and Return-to-Work Options

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Flexible work, part-time roles and structured return-to-work programs can make a restart easier. Knowing what to look for, and how to ask, helps you find an arrangement that suits your situation.
4. Updating Your Resume and LinkedIn

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Your resume and LinkedIn profile should show your recent skills, your strongest achievements and your readiness to return. Consistency across both documents builds trust with recruiters.
5. Building Confidence and Your First 90 Days Back

   9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Confidence grows from preparation and small wins. Planning your first 90 days back, with clear goals for learning, relationships and early results, makes the restart manageable and visible.
6. Tools you'll need

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   You can prepare for your return with free tools and resources that many libraries and government services provide.
7. Careers & next steps

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Many roles welcome people returning to work, from administration and customer service to project and community roles. This lesson shows where a return can lead and how to check what it may be worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.