Playbook
How to apply for returnships
Returnships are paid, fixed-term programs for people coming back after a career break for caregiving, health or relocation. They usually include training and a mentor, and many lead to a permanent offer.
How these are won
- Explain the break in one honest line and move on; returnship reviewers expect gaps and don't need them justified.
- Show how you kept current, such as a course, volunteering, freelance work or a certification, with dates.
- Name the role you want to return to and the skills from before the break that carry over directly.
Materials checklist
- Tailored résuméOnward Scout drafts it from your sourced profile; you approve every line.
A preparation timeline
Counted back from the deadline. Each program guide puts real dates on it.
- 28 days before the deadlineCheck fit and list the materialsRead the official page, confirm every eligibility rule and list what the application asks for.
- 21 days before the deadlineDraft the answers and documentsDraft each written answer and document from what you already have, citing real facts only.
- 7 days before the deadlineReview against the criteriaReread every answer against the published criteria, fill the gaps and check every upload.
- 2 days before the deadlineSubmit and keep the confirmationSubmit before the last day; portals slow down near deadlines. Save the confirmation.
Questions you will meet, answered honestly
Tell us about your career break.
One or two sentences on what it was. You don't have to share health or family details; “I was caring for a family member” is enough.
Which skills do you need to refresh?
Be specific and say how you are refreshing them already. Naming one real gap is more credible than claiming none.
How Onward Scout helps
Onward Scout maps the official form field by field, fills it from your sourced profile and drafts the written answers; you review and tap to submit. If the form stops at a CAPTCHA, a login or a payment, you get a handoff with every field ready to paste.
Open now
- Apply by 30 November 2026Return to Work ProgramMorgan StanleyRoughly 16-week paid return-to-work programme at Morgan Stanley (January to May 2027) for people out of the workforce two or more years; completers can be considered for…paid ~16-week programme · placement in a business areaBengaluru, Mumbai, India, United States, United KingdomDetails and how to apply
- Apply by 28 February 2027ReEntry ProgramJPMorganChaseA 15-week paid fellowship (April to July) for experienced professionals on a long career break, with skills refresh, a mentor and the prospect of a permanent offer at…paid 15-week fellowship · mentor pairingNew York, Atlanta, United States, United Kingdom, IrelandDetails and how to apply
- RollingCareer Comeback ProgrammeSevern TrentSevern Trent's year-round returner route for people after a career break of 12 months or more: a recruiter matches you to a current vacancy, then you get a mentor…matched to a current vacancy · mentorUnited KingdomDetails and how to apply
- RollingCDK Global Returnship ProgramCDK GlobalA 16-week full-time paid returnship, built with Path Forward, for professionals back after a caregiving break of two or more years: real project work, a mentor, training…paid 16-week fixed-term role (40 hours a week) · posted base pay $65,000–$85,500Austin, Hoffman Estates, United States · remoteDetails and how to apply
- RollingIBM Tech Re-Entry ProgramIBMA full-time paid returnship for technical professionals restarting after a break of a year or more, combining a tailored learning plan with real client project work and…paid full-time returnship · structured skills-refresh learning planUnited States, Canada, IndiaDetails and how to apply
- RollingPath Forward Returnship MatcherPath ForwardA US nonprofit that helps caregivers relaunch careers; its free matcher and weekly-updated directory point returners to employer returnship programs that fit their…free directory of US returnship programs · filters by gap length, experience and remoteUnited States · remoteDetails and how to apply
Let Onward Scout prepare your returnships applications
Drop in the résumé, deck or portfolio you already have. Onward Scout builds a sourced profile, finds opportunities you can win and prepares each application for you to approve with a tap.
Nothing is submitted without your tap. Logins, CAPTCHAs, payments and interviews stay with you.