What does it really look like to take a multi-year career break and then jump back in? In this episode of Control Your Career, I sit down with Jamie Dye, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at M3 USA, to explore what happens during those in-between years that don’t always show up on a resume.

Jamie’s story is a reminder that stepping away from the workforce doesn’t mean your career is over, it just means it’s changing. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or navigating a personal life transition, this conversation gives you honest insights about what it means to pause your professional life and how to thoughtfully return.

Jamie opens up about her unplanned career break, which started with a cross-country move and turned into several years focused on family and fertility treatment. What makes her story so helpful is the clarity she had about eventually returning to work and the practical steps she took to make that transition smoother. That included staying involved in community and networking events, completing an MBA, and staying conversationally sharp by connecting with people regularly. Even though she wasn’t working full-time, she was still investing in her future career.

You don’t have to be in a job to be growing your skills. Jamie talks about the importance of finding ways to stay current in your industry even if you’re not working full-time. That could mean volunteering, joining professional groups, earning certifications, or simply networking. The goal isn't to have a perfect resume, it’s to show you’ve stayed engaged and have something to offer when the time is right.

When it came time to re-enter the workforce, Jamie didn’t jump straight into her dream job and she wants others to know that’s okay. Her return started with a customer service role that gave her space to rebuild confidence, recalibrate expectations, and refresh her day-to-day skills. Eventually, she found her way into talent acquisition and has built a successful career in that space ever since. The key takeaway? Be flexible with your first step back. It doesn’t have to be permanent, it just needs to get you moving again.

We also dive into one of the most common questions I get from clients: How do I talk about this gap on my resume? Jamie offers a recruiter’s perspective that may surprise you. She doesn’t necessarily need the why behind the break, she’s more interested in what you’ve done to stay current. And you don’t have to share personal details if you’re not comfortable. Use that space to highlight any relevant learning, certifications, or part-time work you’ve done.

Of course, we couldn’t end the conversation without talking about resumes and interviews. Jamie shares what she actually looks for in a resume (hint: skip the overly designed Canva templates), how AI is showing up in candidate interviews, and why honesty matters more than perfect answers. If you’ve been using ChatGPT to rehearse your interview responses word-for-word, you’ll want to hear her take.

This episode is especially powerful for anyone considering a break, coming back from one, or supporting someone through that transition.

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdye/