I worked continuously for 20 yrs but then 2 yrs ago some medical problems I had got a lot worse & I was fired (for the 1st time in my life) due to missing so much work. I haven’t worked the past 2 yrs due to mostly my own medical reasons but also to help my mom with her medical problems. I have always done Admin /Accounting work & now need to find a new job. I did HR for a couple yrs & know that sometimes a huge break of 2 yrs can be counted against you (without being contacted & asked about the reason). Should I list on my resume above most recent job (ending in 10/05) that I have been unemployed last 2 yrs because of medical reasons?
Best answer:
Answer by ZORCH
If I were reading your application, I would want to know what you were doing and why you weren’t working for that period. In prison? Drug rehab? Terrorist training camp? Oooo..that is not good. Health problems? I understand that. Can you work now? Any limitations? Full time or not? Occasional medical time off? Be up front and just lay it on the line. If honesty doesn’t get you the job, it was the wrong job anyway.
What do you think? Answer below!
You should list on your resume that you were self employed.
I would not specifically put down medical reasons. It’s frankly not anyone’s business and could work against you. I would leave the gap there and if you are asked I would say that I was out of the work force for personal/family reasons.
i don’t think you should disclose the medical issue because they will not want to hire you if they think that you have been seriously ill / there might be a risk. Sad, but true.
i think that monster job boards has a site that gives ideas about how to answer tough interview questions . maybe see what the thoughts are there ??
also a site bad bosses .c om is another forum with posts / ideas
Not sure if these are perfect , but think they would be better than saying medical ….
Maybe you were downsized ? Decided to pursue personal interests during that time since the opportunity presented itself? Mom was sick needed to care for her / she’s now stable you can return to world of work ? maybe you decided to work for your husbands imaginary business / business didn’t do so well , you need to return to corporate world instead of being self employed ? you decided to stay home care for grandkids ? husband retired / you decided to travel together / realized you are too young / miss the world of work ?
maybe you know someone who will say you worked for them part time / full time to cover the gap ?
i know that the bookstores like borders have interviewing books for dummys / 1000 interview questions / how to prepare . maybe stop in one for a cup of coffee and sit down and read the books. maybe google the tough interview questions ?
good luck to you / hope you find perfect job !
You shouldn’t even worry about it!! When the time is right you will get asked and then you can give them an explanation. Just put it out there and someone will call you!! Just make sure your resume doesn’t seem outdated.
Good Luck!
There are templets out there that are great for covering time discrepancies. Usually you list your employer name and the job description and accomplishments and leave off the dates. During the interview process will be asked about the dates and I would recommend you tell them about your mothers health needs and leave out your own problems. Unless you have a condition now that would affect your job. No matter what the EOE says you won’t get hired if they feel you will be taking lots of sick time! Or using up the Medical leave time!
There are ways to word and present your resume when there are gaps in work history. You’ll find what you need to do the proper resume style by following this link:
http://resume.monster.ca/section1974.asp
Good luck… and keep a positive attitude and you can’t help but find work! All the best…