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How do you answer this question
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How do you answer this question
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A former team member of mine has asked for some assistance. They lost their job in Feb 2009 following a change of ownership/leadership where they worked. They started looking for a new job and were un
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » How do you answer this question
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How do you answer this question
posted at 2/28/2011 6:09 PM EST
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Posts: 45
First: 1/13/2011 Last: 4/14/2011 |
A former team member of mine has asked for some assistance. They lost their job in Feb 2009 following a change of ownership/leadership where they worked. They started looking for a new job and were unsuccessful. Tried to start a business (related to their career)and it didn't really go anywhere. In the summer of 2010 they were diagnosed with a very serious health condition that because of the treatment has kept them from looking for work. They are getting ready to begin looking for work once more and the question being asked is "How do I explain a 2 year gap in employment?"
Your suggestions, as always, are appreciated. |
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How do you answer this question
posted at 3/1/2011 4:00 AM EST
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Luckily they are in a "good" place on this one right now as many many good employees have been out of work for long periods of time.
I would definitely put the self-employment for the time period that it actually existed. Then if and when interviewed explain pretty much what you stated her. (1) went through a reduction in force when new mgmt took over (2) decided to work for self.... The question I would see that would be stickiest is the time off for health reasons. Did your colleague work his self employed business during that time? Even if it was closing the business down? Is the health reason an ongoing one? If not, then I would be less hesitant to talk about it openly. |
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How do you answer this question
posted at 3/1/2011 4:03 AM EST
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Posts: 2442
First: 2/12/2000 Last: 9/14/2011 |
The only answer can be............ THE TRUTH
We have to make lemonade out of lemons. This person has not been sitting around. Here is one "spin" on this story. 1. Did a job search. While it was unsuccessful I learned a. b. c. and did these activities a. b. c. 2. Decided to give my own business a try based on this model.... Did research on this business and went forward after I learned about a. b. c. Had some success but business model was not sustainable. Learned a. b. c. 3. Medical issue intervened and took me out of market for a period of time. Medical issue is now completely behind me and I have a clean bill of health. I am reinvigorating my search and your company is one that I have my eye on because of a. b. c. This is just a thought starter and I am surre their is much more that your friend can add to it. Major points to be made are a. What has been the journey b. What have you learned? c. How have you grown? d. What do you want to now and why? After all that is said, the candidate must still convinve the company that he can either make them money or save them money in order to get hired. |
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How do you answer this question
posted at 3/1/2011 4:34 AM EST
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Posts: 45
First: 1/13/2011 Last: 4/14/2011 |
Thanks all.
The illness, which appeared suddenly, was very aggressive, as was the treatment. Suffice it to say that the illness could have been terminal and may even reappear at a later date. That is what I believe is the true concern here, that the illness may return and they would have to deal with the stigma that comes from it. I too have been leaning toward advising that they tell the truth, however, because of the stigma attached to this non contagious illness I simply do not know. Perhaps I'm being jaded, which is why I sought other input. Keep those cards and letters coming as they say. Thanks again. |
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How do you answer this question
posted at 3/3/2011 5:16 AM EST
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Posts: 562
First: 11/12/2009 Last: 9/14/2011 |
HRPro:
I've been in this situation myself. I'm a cancer survivor and, like your client, had to take a 2 year LOA. Say in an interview that you had cancer and chances are that you won't get the job. Better, IMO, to say that you had to take a medical leave of absence, that the problem has been resolved and that you're fully cleared to return to work. Even after hire, advise your client not to say what the medical condition was. I've noticed that once you mention the C word, perceptions of you change. I don't think it's intentional, but I think many people have a visceral and subconscious fear of cancer - even though it's not contagious, people are afraid of it and on some level perhaps feel that they'll get it if they associate with others who've had it. |
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