You need a compelling story for why you want to go back to being an IC. Good options are, love of programming and dislike of the tough challenges of leadership

You need a compelling story for why you want to go back to being an IC. Good options are, love of programming and dislike of the tough challenges of leadership and management. People are worried that you’ll quit after 3 months when you get another leadership position. Also come up with a one line explanation for the gap. “Dad was diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to spend the last year of his life with him.” Also leetcode. Just do one problem per day for a week or two. I quite enjoy doing those puzzles. They’re like crossword puzzles.