Posted by shelliR on June 1, 2001, at 23:56:16
In reply to How do you explain gaps in work history?, posted by Jane D on June 1, 2001, at 20:24:44
> Does anyone have any suggestions on what to tell prospective employers about my past job record? I'm going to be in the job market soon and I have these long periods I wasn't working that will need to be explained. I don't want to lie about it but I'm afraid that telling the truth will guarantee that I don't get hired.
Hi Jane. I say go for the lie. You can mention any of the following: illness in the family which you were in the best position to be the caretaker, robinibor's suggestion of writing/resarch, going overseas with your (then) finance' who had a year long job offer which provided you a wonderful opportunity to travel. If you present any of these with confidence and sparkle, I doubt that your time off will be an obstacle.
If you really decide that you don't want to lie, I would use the same strategy. I would say that I had some periods of illness, and again I would say it with the same confident affect. If asked if you are okay now, I would answer, "oh yes, my health is an issue that has been resolved for some time now."
I was always a terrible employee (restless, bored, depressed, or overwhelmed) , but a really good interviewee and got almost every job I ever interviewed for despite a spotty past. Anything you say with confidence, humor, and direct eye contact counts for at least 3/4 of the interview.
BTW, ultimately I believe it is better to be a good employee than a good interviewee; working for (and with) others was very very difficult for me. Now I work for myself, don't always love all the responsibity, but it seems to fit my temperment better.
Shelli
poster:shelliR
thread:6253
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010526/msgs/6257.html