I am 24 and have a really bad work history. I have large gaps of unemployment and haven't held a job for very long. This was due to a mental illness that made it hard to work. I don't want to say that in an interview and sound crazy. How can I be honest on an application and still get a job? I'm trying to turn my life around and make good choices.
How to Answer Common Job Interview Questions
Recommended Answer:You, by no means, have to tell them it was a mental illness. You can simply state that you were unable to work due to serious medical complications, and that you are able to verify this information with my doctor(s) if there is a need (this would only be required of you after you have been offered a job, as it is illegal to request this information prior.)
They cannot question you about your medical history, due to the Americans with Disabilities Act...and besides that, it's none of their business. The only things they are allowed to ask would be if you need reasonable accommodation, and if so, what type? AND whether or not you can perform the specific duties of the job. I don't see that either of these will matter in your case.
Good luck!
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- I think it's better to just say the truth. You may lose a few offers, but people might be willing to give you a shot in spite of what may have happened and you won't have to worry about hiding your illness.
Even if you lose a few offers, if you haven't had a job in a while where you performed well, maybe just getting "a" job would be a great idea, it would give you the chance to build up some positive work experience and some references.
I would say that 24 is young though. If you have a particular field that you would like to work in, I would say try getting some more education in that field, like another degree. That's a great way to start building a resume without having to find a job. Don't worry about your grades, if you really care about a career (as long as it's not law) it almost doesn't matter where you went to school, as long as you work hard when you're there.
I think you're going to be fine if you put your mind to it.
Good luck.
- Rather than saying you worked from January 2007 to March 2008, and then from December 2008 to April 2009, simply write 2007-2008 for a particular tenure, followed by 2008 to 2009. This technique helps cover gaps for as far as you resume will take you, yet, be sure to bring convincing reasons to explain the "real" employment gap on resume when you meet with a prospective employer in an interview.
For very large gaps, though, consider writing a functional resume instead of a chronological resume. Be warned though most employers prefer the latter, and forms negative connotations about the former - they could think you're trying to hide something.
When writing an explanation about long gaps, make it sound like the lull was an opportunity rather than a liability. Highlight the activities and the experience and lessons you learned from these in line with how these improved your skills and gave you knowledge you wouldn't have learned in an office environment.
An employment gap could also be an opportunity to stress your independence, and despite your unemployment, there was never a dull moment for you but an entirely fruitful time outside the walls of traditional employment.
- Very simple, in your resume group your related jobs into one summary and write the dates e.g 2001 - 2005, instead of listing every job move. Hope this helps. Any illness is confidential, you can simply state that you had personal issues that you needed to look after, all of that is cleared up now and you are ready for resposibilities. I was coached by www.resumepass.com they have amazing interview coaches.
John
- Say that you were exploring career opportunities and what work situations would fit you best. If you work history has several gaps, then you should explain i in your cover letter. If employers must ask too many questions by looking at your resume, then they will overlook your resume.
- I am 20 years old and i have taken history last year at university. I felt a little happy about what i get in history. I got a C in history and i myself obviously enjoy it.
- You can say you were ill [but not elaborate on the illness if you choose, as that is your right] or find some other excuse. I personally recommend being as truthful as possible.
- Just tell them you played poker for a living for the past couple years. Thats what I did. ;-)
- Honest? Get real
- Think about it - what does the employer want to confirm:
1. That you have the skills to do the job (functional fit)
2. That you will fit into the team (social fit)
3. That you will stay for a year or two (magnetic fit)
4. That anything in the past is in the past, and all is stable
You don't need to say anything legally about your previous and now wholly stable condition. Secondly, and assuming that they ask you to take a medical, in which case it would come out in your medical history; if the job being applied for is inside the scope pre-agreed with you doctor, you can't be rejected for that reason.
Go and see your doctor, and make sure you have a clear brief from him on which/what work you can/should not apply for. This should include an idea of work conditions and hours.
Now, make sure that what you are applying for is REALLY what you want to do. You need to make up what is called a Lift Pitch, based around both what you offer now and a three year "vision" of where you see yourself going. This will show (when used as your personal statement in your CV), that you are committed to this career choice.
Now, explain the gaps as periods where you were assessing what you wanted to do: you had the changes as these periods didn't suit you. The clear employer question will be why is this job right for you, to hence you now have a clear lift pitch/commitment statement.
That's probably your best strategy. Good Luck!
