I have an interview next Tuesday and I'm worried as been unemployed a long while..

kingslayer

Hi, guys. I got an email come through today inviting me to an interview with a job I applied to a few weeks ago. I am really worried what they might ask, as I've been unemployed for a long time and I really want to make a good impression. If they elude to the gap and question it, do I be honest and tell them it's due to my mental issues that I've been unemployed for this amount of time? I just don't want them thinking that due to my mental health problems I would be a liability.

TBagpuss

It is probable that they will ask about the gap - but presumably they know about it from your application, and have still invited you for interview, so the fact that you have been out of work is not in itself putting them off.

It depends also on what your issues are , and whether you have now recovered / got appropriate treatment so are stablized. It may be that an appropriate response would be "I have had some health issues. I have taken the time to make sure I'm fully recovered and have suitable treatment / support in place to ensure I stay healthy"

It helps if you are able to explain how you have resolved a problem / issue, at the same time as explaining that it existed - so for instance "I had problems with severe depression, and a bad reaction to mediation I was prescribed. Happily I have had counselling, and my GP has prescribed a different medication which works for me, so I no longer have those problems. I'm also much more aware of early warning signs so I am able to get appropriate help at an early stage, to avoid becoming seriously unwell. I have had no issues for over 6 months now, despite the stress and uncertainty of job hunting" (or as appropriate)

bugslet

Never lie.

Unfortunately some people will see it as a black mark. Others will have family or even experience themselves of mental health issues and it may even benefit you in so far as they think you should be given a chance.

Excellent advice there Bagpuss!

ShadowPuma

Was the bout that made you unable to work due to another factor?

E.g. for me I'll be explaining my gap saying "due to a marital breakdown a number of health issues arose which have now been solved. Chatting with my employer of the time we all agreed it was best for both me and the firm for me to step back and allow someone else to have the role. The issues are now resolved and I am looking for a new role because I have moved to a new area".

pmduk

Try and identify some positive things that have happened while you were off work. Have you done any studying, or kept up to date with relevant events?

definitivefreak

Are you claiming Job Seeker's Allowance? Even if you aren't, you could still go to the job centre and ask for a Careers appointment. They're really helpful and can tutor you on interview skills. Mock interviews can really help.

Well done on getting the interview I've been unemployed since April 2010.

Sanne

TBagpuss wrote: »

It is probable that they will ask about the gap - but presumably they know about it from your application, and have still invited you for interview, so the fact that you have been out of work is not in itself putting them off.

It depends also on what your issues are , and whether you have now recovered / got appropriate treatment so are stablized. It may be that an appropriate response would be "I have had some health issues. I have taken the time to make sure I'm fully recovered and have suitable treatment / support in place to ensure I stay healthy"

It helps if you are able to explain how you have resolved a problem / issue, at the same time as explaining that it existed - so for instance "I had problems with severe depression, and a bad reaction to mediation I was prescribed. Happily I have had counselling, and my GP has prescribed a different medication which works for me, so I no longer have those problems. I'm also much more aware of early warning signs so I am able to get appropriate help at an early stage, to avoid becoming seriously unwell. I have had no issues for over 6 months now, despite the stress and uncertainty of job hunting" (or as appropriate)

Brilliant advice.

I have interviewed people with gaps on their CVs but, as long as they had a good explanation for them, I didn't mind. One person got the job despite large gaps due to health issues.

I've got a health condition myself and had quite a bit of time off work last year until it was diagnosed - on top of a flu and 10 further sick days in the same period :-\
This really worried me when I applied for jobs this year (doesn't particularly paint a good picture...) but, you know what, it was fine. I was upfront about both issues and it wasn't a problem for HR, though it probably would have raised questions had they only found out at reference stage.

Good luck and well done for getting the interview