BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps

Subject: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: GUEST,Interviewee
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:09 PM

I am a member here, but would prefer to ask this anonymously, if that's OK.

I have a job interview on Friday. Not the greatest job in the world, but better than any I've had in a while. I know that I could do the job well.

My problem (worry) is that my career path hasn't been great. Due to difficulties with alcohol, and the resultant mental health issues, my job history has numerous gaps, and I've drifted around in terms of employment.

If I'm asked:

"what did you do between April 2002 and the following September?"

answering,

Got drunk from morn to night, felt scared and wanted to die

will not get me the job.

So any ideas as to how to 'cover' this in an interview. I'm not given to telling total lies, btw.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Amos
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:14 PM

I was on sabbatical, trying my hand at writing.

But it didn't work out...

A

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:19 PM

A few ideas:

Tell them you were self-employed and it didn't work out.

You were on "sabbatical."

Or be semi-honest and tell them you had some personal/familial matters to attend to... or, be totally honest...they may appreciate it?

My brother has many gaps in his work history, too as do I. His are for various reasons, including not being able to hold a job because of alcohol. Mine have been from being home with kids to being unable physically. When I was helping him to promote his classical music, we wrote up a great CV for him which left out most dates and just gave a well-rounded impression of what he'd worked at and accomplished.

Above all, if you try to project a confident attitude, they may not even ask.

Hoep this helps and good luck!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:22 PM

Acceptable answer: unemployed for medical reasons, and I am now fully recovered (but they may ask for a physician's statement).

Better answer: I am a recovering alchoholic, and I was not able to work during that period. I am now participating/have finished a recovery program and hope to have put that part of my life behind me. Worse come to worse, if they turn you down because of this, you can sue them for handicapped discrimination (in the US)

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:32 PM

Honesty is usually the best policy if they ask directly. The gaps in my history are usually filled in with 'unemployed but seeking work', 'sabatical for research', or 'health problems which have been resolved/being dealt with'. I try not to say 'the bastards fired me for being sick', even though that's what they did.

Good luck with it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Allan C.
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:38 PM

A lot of interviewers (a) don't know how to interview and (b) don't really read the resume or application. Either could work to your advantage. If they don't know what they are doing, they may skip over the very questions you dread. If they don't pay attention to the details of the resume or application, they may miss the gap altogether. Many interviewers only give a brief glance at where you worked last and possibly your description of what you did there. Of course, if they do think to ask you, the suggestions above are really very good. You could say you helped a friend with an ill-fated enterprise. Whatever you plan to say, be sure you already have an answer for the next logical question. "Oh? What sort of enterprise? Was it local?" or "Really? Do you write fiction or non-fiction?" I'll bet iff you say, "Poetry" the questions will stop right then and there. You get the idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:49 PM

I took a career break to resolve family issues. And am now ready to pursue employment without any personal distractions.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 07:04 PM

I took almost two years off to deal with depression. My story (and I'm sticking to it) was that I was downsized, received a reasonably large severance, and decided to take a well-earned vacation. All true.

The key is to have a TRUE and reasonable explanation, give it in a very forthright tone, and move on. Maybe even explain what you did during the hiatus to improve your work skills or qualify you for the job. But do not dwell on it. Answer the question and move on.

Good luck. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as much as they you. Be prepared to ask intelligent questions to show your interest in the position. A trick - go in telling yourself that the job is, in fact, already yours. Just have to fill out the App with pertinent information.

Your story is not unusual. You had a problem and you have dealt with it. My brother was out of work for five years after being fired as a result of his depression. He is now VP of a bank that knew his entire history but recognized his work ethic and experience.

Lastly, your job is waiting for you. Keep interviewing until you find it. And when you do, update your resume and keep your eyes open for your next opportunity. Have a plan. Have fun!

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 07:18 PM

"I am a recovering alchoholic, and I was not able to work during that period. I am now participating/have finished a recovery program and hope to have put that part of my life behind me. "

Well, it worked for George Bush. Of course he had money and infuewnce behind him - but he might be a good example to be able to mention if you do tell it liken that. (All right maybe the man's a jerk, but it's not the drink that's the problem.)

A whole lot depends on the job. And of course the interviewers. There are jobs where that kind of open and honest answer might actually be helpful. If you come across as evasive, that's not going to help you get the job.

It'd probably be much less stressful to be in a job where you didn't have to worry about having a dark secret that might slip out sometime, as dark secrets tend to.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Deckman
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 07:24 PM

Get a GOOD night's rest before your interview. And, as Sinsull said, interview THEM. I hope this helps. Best Wishes, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 08:31 PM

An interview is a matchmaking conversation. YOU have just as much right to turn them down as they do to turn you down.

As for your question, I'd tell them the truth, and then tell them that you are now recovered and work very hard never to succumb to that problem again.

Don't lie; you can be fired later if you do. You can evade the question if you can do so without lying, but don't lie.

Get a good nights rest (or the best you can), but THE DAY BEFORE make a run out to the place so that you're sure where to go -- and be a little early for the interview, too.

Also, afterwards mail (like with a stamp) thank you notes to everyone you came in contact with (you did get their business cards or names and addresses before you left, didn't you?). If you promised them more info, make sure you send it along.

Remember, you can turn them down too if you don't think it would be a good fit or for any other reason.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: flattop
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 10:39 PM

GUEST,Interviewee

If you have an interview, you're ahead of the pack. Most written applications get rejected without getting an interview. Pat youself on the back.

Focus on the problems the interviewer needs to address as much as possible. You can get by almost any showstopper if they feel that you can best take care of their problems.

A Wiley book, The Executive Resume, covered surveys of people with hiring authority for decent paying jobs. A majority said they would (a) overlook advertised requirements like degrees and experience
(b) hire people with criminal records and bad work histories
if they felt they were getting great candidate.

The most important thing with people having hiring authority, according to the surveys was that applicants put lots of white space on their resumes. Surprized the hell out of me too. But it makes sense. They are concerned about their time and their aggraviation. A simple, neat and clean resume that promises to do the job would stand out in a pile of slush. We tend to write and say too much because we are insecure.   

Promise to solve their problem. Be interested in their annoyances. Ask questions. Good luck.

Tomorrow I'll need your support.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:02 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:15 AM

They have offered you an interview, so they know you can do the job, it costs them time and money to interview people, so they only bother with the best few applicants.Try not to worry about the gap in your work history, most people have at least a small gap from time to time, [unemploymnent, leave to have kids etc].
As others have said, it depends on the job what you tell them, ie if the job is with an NGO or any sort of caring role, your experiences could be seen as an advantage in the role.If you do decide to be economical with the truth, tell them you were doing something that you have done, but at a different time, ie if you toured Europe in 1992 for example, tell them it was 2002.

It could be worth having a chat with your local Careers Service , or whatever they are called where you live, see if they have any better ideas, there number will be in the phone book.

Good Luck.john

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 02:25 AM

If you were out of work from April 2002 - Sept 2002 (if I am reading your post correctly) then that is only a six month gap that occured nearly two years ago.

Use some of the suggestions given above but keep it honest. Time out due to family concerns etc.

Emphasise your latest most recent work and what you contributed to that job and what you could contribute to this one.

Better to show achievements and results where you can.

You say you have moved jobs a number of times. Were there good reasons for doing so? There often are.

Over the last few years I have interviewed a lot of people for jobs. Build up the postive side and do not dwell on the negative issues as this could affect your demeanour and attitude on the day.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Teribus
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 05:36 AM

You could always tell them for that period you played football for Leicester City

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:05 AM

There was a programme on the radio yesterday, which was aimed at Mothers returning to work after raising kids. The most sensible suggestion I heard was the response when somebody asked the same question about chronological gaps in their employment history. The answer was, write a CV that concentrates on your experience, relevant to the post being applied for, and tell them why you know you can do the job because of the qualities you will bring to the job. List these qualities.
John

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Ben Dover
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:13 AM

a) tell them you were a secret agent and cannot give any more details because you are bound by the official secrets act.
                        OR
b) You were on holiday in Afghanistan at camp Taliban, and have been in protracted "compensation" claims against the government.
                        OR
C) I live in Hull and can't remember because evry day in Hull is the same as the last.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: M.Ted
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:36 AM

Your prospective employer is not calling you in to ask you about the gaps in your work history--he/she wants to talk to you because something that you did was something that they needed--if you are asked about the gaps, it will likely be just in passing, so a simple and unebellished answer is best("The job market was slow, and I was sidetracked by some health problems, but they're resolved, and I am back on track")--

The truth is that if some people were honest about their work environments, they would say,
"It helps to be an alcoholic if you work here"--which is why you want to check the employer out even more carefully than they check you out--

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:50 AM

Depending on who is interviewing you, the question may never come up. It is best to be prepared with an answer. Frankly, if you say you were an alcholic and recovered in September of 2002, it will leave some doubt in the interviewers mind if he is getting a reliable employee. As Artbrooks pointed out, in the U.S. you could sue if that was the reason they did not hire you, but you will need to prove that was the case, and that can be quite difficult to do - unless they are stupid enough to say it or send you a letter stating that was the reason.

I had a friend that used to work for me. He was moving to Atlanta and put me down for a reference.   I gave him a good reference (which by the way, laws in the U.S. have changed - you should only confirm employment, other information could put you in a position of being sued if the candidate does not live up to your recommendation. Welcome to the litigious society we live in!).    My friend called me up to see if the company he appplied to had called me. I told them that they did and I gave a glowing recommendation, I said that when Tim showed up sober he was the best employee I ever had.   There was silence on the phone. Of course I was kidding.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: John P
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 10:27 AM

Part of my job is conducting interviews. On the subject of having had lots of jobs, a good answer might be that you are at a place in your life where you are looking for some long-term stability and want a real challenge to sink your teeth into for a good long while. Notice that this answer doesn't talk about any specifics of why you changed jobs a lot. It alludes to it without dwelling on it, and mostly talks about the future. And it makes the subtle assumption that you and the company would be a good fit, at least as far as employment longevity is concerned.

As for the alcoholism thing, the best answer is to say you had some health problems which are now cleared up. If they know their business, they will know that it is illegal -- or at least really stupid -- to ask for specifics. If they don't know that, you should reconsider your desire to work there. A willingness to be inappropriately intrusive during the interview will only get worse once you are on the staff. They can, and should, ask if you have any health problems that would prevent you from performing the tasks of the job. They shouldn't be particularly specific with that question and there is no need for you to be specific with the answer. They should be specific about the physical requrements of the job, so will be able to answer the question truthfully.

One of the things that kills interviewees with me very quickly is a perception on my part they don't have my interests in mind. People who answer questions without showing a clear understanding of why I am asking the questions come across to me as self-centered. They tend to be poor candidates for effective communication on the job, and for being able to clue into the concerns of thier coworkers, supervisors, or the company as a whole. Really think about why they are asking a question, why they feel a need to have that piece of information. Answer honestly, but include in your answer information that lets them know you are thinking about things from their point of view.

Teamwork is very important. Ask how the work teams are organized. Express an understanding of what it means to be part of a team of people, and an appreciation of the processes of work flow and decision making within a team. Talk about how you like working on projects by yourself, how you can drive yourself forward when given the authority and responsibility to to do so. But emphasize that all the solo projects brilliantly completed don't do much good if they don't fit accurately into the effort of the whole team.

If asked about conflict resolution with coworkers, don't say that you follow a policy of live-and-let-live. They will know from hard experience that such a policy doesn't work over the long term. Better to say something like, "Communication is key. I find that most conflicts are the result of misunderstandings. Getting together and talking through the issue and making an attempt to see it from each other's point of view almost always resolves things right away."

Ah, I could go on forever on how to blow an interview . . .

Good luck!

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: John P
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 09:58 AM

Guest, Interviewee,
Let us know how it went!

JP

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 12:47 PM

How did it go?

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: GUEST,Interviewee
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 01:31 PM

Thanks for your advice, everyone. Lots of helpful stuff.

How did it go? Sorry to let you down, but the interviews have been postponed until next Wednesday...

Will let you know then.

Thanks again for the support and good ideas.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 02:11 PM

Interviewee, where are these interviews taking place? In the U.S. there are a lot of things the interviewer is not allowed to ask. They aren't entitled to know anything about your family history, sexual preference, your health history, your personal life at all. If you tell them you have children, they can't ask if you have daycare provided for your children, and they can't ask if you have a car or how you plan to get to work. Politely declining to answer questions that are outside the legal framework is difficult, but you can and should do this if they get too inquisitive.

I was interviewed for a job in another state a couple of years ago, and they could do the math when reading my resume--I took 9 years off to raise my kids. Once they were both in school I went back to work, and had a work history since then. My answer was simple--I took the time off to raise kids. I had other gaps that they didn't note, and the answer would have been what was suggested above--I did take a year off and try my hand at freelance writing. I was lucky to be in a position to do that. Discipline was not my long suit as far as making enough money to live on, so after a while I realized I had better get a regular job, and I did so.

You can tell them the truth in many different ways. But the fact that you took that time off doesn't automatically mean that the prospective employer can do more than acknowledge it and receive a brief answer from you that assures them that you won't in the future disappear for long stretches of time.

I agree with those above who have said to interview them. If you're going to spend eight hours a day five days a week there, you need to know something about how they operate, so go in with a set of questions you need answered, and indicate to them that you'll have some questions for them when they're finished interviewing you.

Good luck!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Hrothgar
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 03:20 AM

My assumption is that you were employed up to April 2002. As the interviewer, I would be interested in why you left that employment. I wouldn't woory too much about the time off - that can happen once you've left a job.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: freda underhill
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 08:14 AM

I have interviewed job seekers. If its a position with a large number of applicants, the interviewers may not even have time to notice the gap in your employment history.

Your manner in interview has a big impact. Things that impress in interview are - confidence, demonstrating that you've heard the question, giving practical responses, with examples to show what you mean. its good to finish up with a smile, that can cover for all the concentration and serious focus in the interview.

if they ask you if you have anything to say, yes, take the chance to say a bit about your skills & commitment.

i'm going for a new job on Thursday. I don't have a law degree, which is an essential criteria, but they've given me an interview anyway. i'll be pushing my experience, but don't expect to get in.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From:
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 08:33 AM

I just recently went on my second interview with a pharmeceutical company. When they called me for the second interview they told me they were very impressed. When I finished the interview yesterday, they said, " we've had several very good interwiews, the good news is you're one of them." They told me they would call me next week either way. My question is, does this sound like a positive statement or are they just trying to soften the blow?

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Helen
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 08:50 AM

No, it sounds to me like they mean it. But, it doesn't guarantee you the job because they have to pick only one person. Even so, take it as a compliment and be cautiously optimistic - if not for this specific job, then at least for your job prospects in general.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:23 AM

And if you don't get the job, encourage them to think of you should another opening occur!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 05:36 PM

One possibility is that you're the one but this is a pre-emptive strike against the possibility of you asking them to up their offer. If you think that you're just one of several, you're less likely to quibble over $$$.

Just a thought.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 06:40 PM

It sounds like they're telling the truth - they really have to decide between 'several' people, which may only be two or three. Bev & Jerry may be right too, but if they've chosen you, they'll have to tell you sometime. Would it make any difference if you quibbled now or then?

They have absolutely no reason to keep you hanging on. People who do the hiring don't normally have a problems saying "Thank you for your time. We thought you were very good, but believe we've found someone else more suited for the job." They people doing the interviewing may not have the authority to hire people, and have to get their decision approved by someone else.

Send them a 'Thank You' card as soon as possible! (A little plus in the 'professionalism' department.)

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 06:55 PM

I's hate to disagree with friend Jeri, but I'd send a professional-looking think you letter rather than a card.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 07:18 PM

Good luck. It does sound positive.

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 07:33 PM

And remember, at the close of the interview (if it is true), tell them frankly, "I really would like the job we've talked about with XYZ Co. I'm confident that I could do a really good job for you and be happy doing it."

Interviewers like to have the feeling an applicant is sold on them and their company. A lackluster or noncommittal attitude on your part is likely to get them same from them.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 08:13 PM

I was out of work for over a year a while back -- more than ten years ago, actually. When I finally got a job, it wasn't a very good one, and so I hopped from one mediocre job to another over the next 3-4 years before falling into my current acceptable-enough position, where I've persevered for about eight years now.

Every time I applied for a job during and after that long out-of-work period, I expected to be asked about the gap in my employment record, but it *never* happened -- a lot of worry over nothing!

So, don't waste your energy in expectation of being raked over the coals by an interviewer trying to extract embarrassing information from you. As others have already mentioned, don't lie, but don't tell the complete warts-and-all truth, either. Tell 'em an edited version of the truth that accentuates the positive.

You'll do OK; even if you don't get this job this time, you'll be better prepared for the next try, which you should be able to handle with ever-increasing confidence.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Job Interview - Explaining the gaps
From: Pauline L
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 07:14 PM

I agree with the people who said that they are probably telling you the truth. The final decision has not been made yet. By all means, send them a thank you email note reitierating that you would do a great job for them and love it. If you don't get this job, think positive about the next job you apply for. I wish you the best of luck! Let us know what happens.