How can I explain gaps in my work history?

loulou123

Definately tell the truth (or a edited down version of, on the application form and then explain the full situation when you get a interview.)

I had a HUGE gap on my CV due to mental illness, and i just put something along the lines of "between these dates, i was off work due to a health condition, i have been undergoing professional help with this, alongside taking medication and now feel ready to return to work."

I'm sure it will put some employers off (just being honest - sorry!) but i applied for about 5 jobs, got interviews for 2 of them and was offered the 2nd position i interviewed for, so it certainly doesnt put them all off. I think once you get to the interview stage though, its only fair if you tell them the full situation (or thats what i felt.)

ESKIMO

Play it by ear and don't fret as you might not get asked about it.

If you do, just elabourate and make something up. Somthing along the lines of... "unfortunately due to some unforseen and extenuating circumstances i had temporarily postpone work for a period of 'X' months however the matter is now resolved."

The less you say the better. Alow them to decide if it's a 'problem'.

Regards and good luck eitherway.

pop_gun

just get someone to lie for you or say you were unemployed but not claiming benefit. what the company will do is ask for you to provide 4 people who are unrelated who can vouch for you.

in these instances lying is the best policy.

LittleVoice

ESKIMO wrote: »

If you do, just elabourate and make something up. Somthing along the lines of... "unfortunately due to some unforseen and extenuating circumstances i had temporarily postpone work for a period of 'X' months however the matter is now resolved."

The less you say the better. Alow them to decide if it's a 'problem'

Do not "make something up". As other posters have said, tell the truth. And be prepared to explain at an interview.

In the CV, rather than concentrating your effort on explaining the gaps in your employment history, make the most of the work experience you do have. List what you achieved for the employers, how you have made things better, met deadlines, kept customers.

Also, if you normally put the dates of your various jobs at the beginning of lines, try moving it to the end. So then what the recruiter sees first is what you can do (job title for which employer), not when you did it.

Caz30

Hi

I agree with littlevoice. If you ignore the gap, employers will jump to their own conclusions - not usually good ones! Taking the emphasis off the gap and putting it on to your achievements and skills is the best way. In addition is there anything positive you have done during this gap that you could put in your CV? For example I joined a choir and also learned to play the flute while I was recovering from a long illness. I also did a little voluntary work. Perhaps during your recovery you learned a particular software package or brushed up on a foreign language or other skill you have. Any achievement that shows that you were not idle during this time and were working on returning to full health and fitness for work is worth mentioning, particularly if it is at all relevant to the position you are applying for.

Don't sell yourself short but definitely don't lie! Do reassure potential employers that your illness is no longer a problem if the question arises. A positive attitude will help with that. If you are positive about it they are more likely to feel positive about you.

You don't have to tell an employer the nature of your illness, and they shouldn't ask unless it is relevant to the job role for health and safety reasons etc.

It can be more difficult to get a job if you have gaps due to illness but I got a great job after a 4 year period of illness so don't give up hope! It is a worrying time though, isn't it. I wish you all the best in your job hunting.:)