No joy in finding work - feel I am being penalised for taking two years out

makeyourdaddyproud

Leave the political aspirations to those where 9-5 work is a mystery, class mobility isn't an issue and where accessing money easily is simply tapping into one's bank account for unlimited funds - thanks to old family money.

Marshmallow82

Are you making the reason for the gap clear? Perhaps on the covering letter

Sncjw

In the additional info have you put on what skills you have acquired and that your willing to undertake training to further the department and yourself.

You may be stronger than me as you have experience but I've got an offer and I put what transferable skills I have and how training me can help the department and NHS. Sit down and think what you learned and what you did and see what you can pick out of that even if it was a dead end role.
Are you applying for similar banding to what you left at or higher maybe that's an issue as well.
Did you not go on any courses or training in previous job. Nothing wrong with a gap but you don't have to explain this .

Good luck.

PETIE

Predaleko1984 wrote: »

I have indeed yes - quite good at those mentioned, but it's only Word 2003 and my lappy only runs that too.

I could get my co-candidate to look at it when we meet up for canavssing as he works with employment law.

Did you put Microsoft Word 2003 on you're CV?

Little things like this, just change to 'Microsoft Word', that way you're not lying but leaves you open.

I'd say get someone to look it over, possibly change the CV to 'alter' outdated skills and qualifications so they do not appear outdated etc.

agrinnall

Although your reasons for taking 2 years away from work are perfectly valid, it's also valid for employers to take that into account when deciding whether to consider you for a job. In many cases employes may think that if someone has taken a break previously they may decide to do so again; I assume that is much less likely for you, but is your explanation for the gap when filling in the application one that causes employers to realise it won't happen again?

makeyourdaddyproud

I've taken 3 years out so far and enjoying every minute of it. Obfuscation of this fact by creative CV writing or lies is only going to make your case for employment far worse. Why can't people just be honest; if you wanted time out its that and nothing else.

If your interviewer takes umbrage to that then maybe THEY shouldn't be considered for your next appt.

cazziebo

For the kind of jobs you are going for, you haven't really been looking for very long. NHS jobs are very much sought after, and will attract a deluge of candidates.

If you want to work relatively soon, then I'd widen the employers beyond NHS roles. (your comment on your neighbour suggests you might not fit the empathetic and enabling requirements in NHS job roles)

Marshmallow makes a good point -do make it clear that the reason for the gap is you were a full time carer. And yes, keep political ambitions out of job applications.

Takeaway_Addict

makeyourdaddyproud wrote: »

I've taken 3 years out so far and enjoying every minute of it. Obfuscation of this fact by creative CV writing or lies is only going to make your case for employment far worse. Why can't people just be honest; if you wanted time out its that and nothing else.

If your interviewer takes umbrage to that then maybe THEY shouldn't be considered for your next appt.

Because the interviewee is often in the position of power in this situation aren't they.....

Predaleko1984

I didn't mention Microsoft Word 2003 on the CV, as I felt that was not releveant, but because of the gap between October 2012 and now even, it was right to mention it.

As for the comment about my ex-neighbour, I know people can beat addiction but I just have a dislike for this man. He thinks he owns me and I've had to block his mobile out of my phone to stop him ringing.

The politics thing is just me trying to make a difference to where I live and I prefer to keep that out of the way. I could do with someone looking at what I've written and to be fair, this is a new CV as I lost my old when my old laptop corrupted.

What other employers could I try and do you suggest? Our local newspaper only seems to have care and shop/service jobs.