As a carer working in film and television, you may find yourself facing career gaps due to the demands of caring for loved ones. In such a competitive and demanding industry, where “you’re only as good as your last job,” re-entry can be challenging. Additionally, many job opportunities are shared nowadays within private networks, often on platforms like WhatsApp, making it harder to re-establish old connections.

Breaks can feel daunting when it comes to re-entering the industry at any age and women in particular experience ‘career gap stigma’. Older workers, who are more likely to be carers, find returning to work in our industry particularly challenging. However, recent studies suggest that career gaps are becoming more common and increasingly accepted and with the right resources and strategies, you can successfully re-enter the industry with confidence.

The Reality of Career Gaps

Recent research by Applied sheds light on the prevalence and perception of career gaps:

• 33% of employees have taken a career break of six months or more.

• Half of workers are reluctant to disclose career gaps to employers.

• Childcare is the most common reason for career gaps, particularly affecting women (38%) more than men (11%). 

• 29% cited redundancy or caring responsibilities for their career gaps.

The Silver Lining

Despite concerns about 'skill fade', 51% of those who took career breaks of a year or longer felt they had actually gained new or transferable skills. This is particularly relevant in the creative industries, where life experiences can often enrich your work.

Confidence

Following a career gap, carers perceive significant barriers to getting back into work. For the majority of carers, the number one personal barrier to a successful return to work after a career break is lack of professional confidence.

Over half of workers said they would feel more confident applying for jobs if they did not have to share their career gap with employers. Whereas almost half of HR professionals and employers expect candidates to explain their time away from work.

Returning to Work: Key Considerations

1. Flexible Working:

• 32% of returnees prioritise flexible working hours.

• 12% prioritise the ability to work from home.

The film and TV industry, with its project-based nature, can accommodate flexible working arrangements and this was successfully proven during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, flexible working has subsequently declined. Don't be afraid to discuss these options with potential employers though.

2. Age and Experience:

• The industry benefits from diverse experiences.

• Older professionals bring valuable skills and mentoring capabilities to productions.

3. Addressing Potential Barriers:

• Be prepared to explain your career gap positively by focusing on any skills or experiences gained.

• Update technical skills if necessary.

• Highlight soft skills gained during your break.

• Seek employers who value diversity and life experience.

Steps for a Successful Return

1. Reflect on Your Gap and Skills:

• Begin by understanding the reasons behind your career gap and what you’ve gained during this period.

• Reflect on the skills and strengths developed through caregiving, such as problem-solving, time management, and empathy. These are valuable traits that can be highly beneficial in the film and TV industry, known for its demanding schedules and need for emotional intelligence.

• Create a comprehensive skills inventory. Skills might include new competencies from personal projects, online courses, or any freelance work you managed to undertake. Include both hard skills (technical abilities, specific software proficiency) and soft skills (communication, leadership, adaptability).

• Consider volunteering your skillset via the Media Trust.

• Explore the options on the government’s webpage about moving from benefits into work.

2. Build Your Confidence, Update Your CV and Portfolio:

• Look for confidence building opportunities through the local and national carer groups.

• Follow these tips for boosting your confidence.

• Highlight relevant experience and skills.

• Emphasise any freelance work, projects, or courses completed during your career gap.

• Remove any references to age from your CV.

• Address your career gap honestly and focus on what you have learned. For instance, you could write: “Took a career break to provide full-time care for a family member, during which time I honed my organisational and multitasking abilities, managed complex schedules, and maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends through continuous learning and personal development.”

• Or, you could reframe your CV without start and end dates. Rather than specify the dates attached to previous roles, disclose the amount of time you spent on each job or role instead. For example, instead of saying you worked in a job from February 2020 to April 2022, say you worked in that job for two years.

  Research from the government’s Behavioural Insights Team found that when CV dates are replaced with number of years experience, call-back rates for candidates improved by 14% compared to candidates with an ‘explained’ or ‘unexplained’ gap on their CV.

• Clean up your social media profiles to ensure you present yourself positively.

• Update your portfolio or showreel with recent work or personal projects. If you lack recent projects, consider creating spec work or collaborating on independent or charitable projects to keep your portfolio current. Highlight any innovative or unique projects that demonstrate your ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges.

• Contact both local and national carer organisations for information about returning to work courses and support. For example, Carers UK has a page about returning to work and Carers Trust has factsheets covering many helpful topics.

• When you’re ready to move forward, get a new haircut and makeover.

3. Re-establish and Expand Your Network:

• Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors and industry contacts. Send personalised messages explaining your career gap and your intention to return to the industry.

• Network within the industry - attend industry events, film festivals, and networking functions to meet old contacts and make new ones.

• Join organisations like the BFI, Women in Film and Television, PACT, BAFTA, BECTU, the Royal Television Society and guilds like the Production Guild and the Guild of Television Camera Professionals. These organisations offer networking opportunities, workshops and events that can help you stay connected and informed. Membership often comes with access to job boards, forums, industry news and professional development resources.

• Apply for a TV Foundation’s returners Reconnect scheme bursary to attend the Edinburgh TV Festival.

• Join agencies such as Talented People.

• Apply for training courses and bursaries via ScreenSkills.

• Keep an eye on ScreenSkills’ website for the Returners Mentoring programme.

• Utilise social media and online communities. Join relevant Facebook groups such as TV Jobs for Freelancers, UK TV and Film Jobs, Loving Your Work, TV Mindset and WeAreDocWomen.

• Use LinkedIn to reconnect and update your profile to reflect your recent activities and aspirations. Participate actively in discussions to re-establish your presence and connect with new people.

• Follow industry leaders and influencers on Linked In, X and Instagram, and engage with their posts to increase your visibility.

4. Leverage Networking Platforms:

• Seek access to private WhatsApp job networks through contacts. Politely ask trusted colleagues if they can add you to these groups or introduce you to those who can. Be active in these groups by offering help, sharing job leads, and contributing to discussions to build rapport and increase your chances of being considered for opportunities.

• Use industry-specific platforms like Talent Manager to find job openings and network with other professionals. These platforms often feature job postings from reputable companies and allow you to showcase your portfolio to potential employers. Think carefully before paying costly monthly subscriptions at the moment.

5. Upskill and Stay Current:

In a 2019 ScreenSkills survey, 61% of film industry employers stated that their workforces and freelance pools are characterised by skills gaps.

• Soft skills (defined as personality, attitude or being a selfstarter) and technical skills (especially in the context of post-production) really can make you stand out.

• Enrol in industry-related courses through ScreenSkills, FutureLearn, Skillshare, the Open University and LinkedIn Learning.

• Consider attending masterclasses by renowned industry professionals to gain insights and enhance your skill set.

• Stay informed about industry trends and news through resources like Broadcast.

• Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts to stay informed about the latest developments and opportunities in the UK film and TV industry.

• Explore the vast range of resources on The Unit List - from podcasts to membership groups.

6. Approach Your Job Search Strategically:

• Tailor your applications for each job by customising your CV and covering letter for each job application.

• Use reputable job boards such as the Call Sheet, GEMS and Talentbases. Set up alerts for new job postings that match your skills and apply promptly to increase your chances of securing interviews. Place your details on the free Talent Manager option - it’s also a good way to keep your work up to date.

• Visit TV Watercooler for additional job sites.

7. Consider Temporary and Freelance Work:

• Use freelancing to rebuild your portfolio and expand your network.

• Consider short-term contracts within the industry, but perhaps not in your usual area of work.

• Consider short-term flexible work opportunities outside the industry whilst you rebuild your network. You could train to be a counsellor, a fitness or swimming instructor, teach English as a foreign language, learn a trade, build websites, temp in offices, or undertake driving jobs, sales or bar work.

• If you are still caring, consider being open about your needs as a carer - many employers are becoming more understanding and accommodating.

Conclusion

Remember, your experience as a carer can bring unique perspectives and skills to your work in film and TV. Don't underestimate the value of your journey, and approach your return to the industry with confidence. Re-entering the UK film and TV industry after a career gap may present challenges, but with a strategic approach, continuous learning, and effective networking, you can successfully navigate your return.

Embrace the unique experiences and skills you’ve gained during your break and leverage both traditional and modern networking methods to re-establish your presence and access job opportunities in the industry.

Useful Resources

• ScreenSkills: Offers training and career support for the UK screen industries

• Carers UK: Provides advice and support for carers

• The Film and TV Charity: Offers support, advice and financial grants for those working in the UK film, TV, and cinema industry

• BECTU: The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union