What should I say

When potential managers ask me why the long gap in job (2018 til now) with two months work in between

Should I just say I was ill. Fullstop

Thx

@Ninjastar I think ud have good advice on this :slight_smile:

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When I’m asked about my gap, I usually say I’ve been having personal problems and working on bettering myself and my situation

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It’s ok to be a little inventive for such things. You could use the I was in a relationship and didn’t need to work. Took some time off to do some art, write a book, …something creative but off the grid. Looked after the kids/house/ as a homemaker. Did some travelling. Looked after sick relative…

I’ve used a few in my time but haven’t worked in a long while.

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School. Best excuse.

Even better to say your taking it part time. More room for the gap.

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I have been job hunting for three months now, after starting my disability leave 4 1/2 years ago.

I explain that huge gap by saying I had a long-term illness that is now in complete remission. So far no one has asked further questions. I’ve had two interviews for paid jobs, plus the interview for my volunteer job, and it was no problem. To most people, I would explain it as being controlled by medication rather than being in remission, but I think that would put off a potential employer. True, they can’t discriminate based on disability, but they would probably find some other reason to overlook me, so I don’t take chances.

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I never made it look like a reflection against me. I would never say I was ill or trying to better myself because that raises red flags to a potential boss. However, the jobs I was applying for at the time were super compatible careers such as pharmaceutical sales and teaching so I had to make sure I upped my game in the interview process. Since I had moved from Louisiana to New York I said I did this because my grandmother was ill and needed full time help so that’s why I moved here, with some details and such.

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Say you were caring for “someone”. I know it sucks fiddling around with the truth but lots of employers will use it against you.

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I say “I was caring for a loved one who was sick.” They don’t have to know the loved one is me!

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Yeah the advice I was given by a job coach is similar to what ninjastar told you
I was told to say I was taking care of family.

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When employers ask me about my gaps in employment I tell one truth and one lie. I say I was off for being sick on disability (true), for heart problems (lie). Well it’s a partial lie. I do have heart problems, but my disability is for psychosis. If you are on disability you should just say you are. They’ll find out anyway because disability is required to report to your employer. If you’re not on disability, just say you were off for health issues. Employers technically are not allowed to ask about health issues if they will not effect your job (or they are protected as in the case of mental illness). No employer is allowed to ask if you are mentally ill. It’s illegal. If they do ask they are not an honest employer and I’d look elsewhere. If they’ll break the law, who knows how they’ll treat you. Also if you say you are on disability (if you are) it’s illegal for them to ask why.

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I just say health concerns but assure them I’m better now

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I say abeedabee

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If you have a sound car you could apply at a pizza delivery operation. They’re always wanting drivers. You can still get a few telemarketing jobs. They’re always hiring, and they’ll let anybody see if they have the knack for it.

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