How to Discuss Employment Gaps in an Interview (Family Issues)

You've been out of work for a while, maybe caring for an aging relative or young children. Now you're ready to get back in the game. But how will you explain that chunk of time without raising red flags? Potential employers will ask about your time off, so be ready to discuss your employment gap in an interview.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Confidence

1. Pretend that you are in a job interview, and the manager asks you, "What were you doing during this block of time not represented on your application?"
   
   Write down your initial response.

2. Now look at your response and remove all emotional, personal and defensive aspects. For example, the interviewer doesn't need to know that your dear uncle had a stroke and that you were the only person who cared about him during his wrenching illness.
   
   Simply state that you assumed care giving responsibilities for a relative.

3. Ease the interviewer's anxiety by assuring her of your commitment to working at this time. Continuing with the previous example, you could state that your uncle is now being well cared for in a skilled nursing facility and that you are eager to return to work. Make it clear that the previous issues that interfered with work are no longer relevant.

4. If possible, highlight some transferable skills that you gained from the experience. Maybe you developed excellent record-keeping skills keeping track of your uncle's medications, medical appointments, treatment plans and insurance claims.

Tips & Warnings

• It's very common for people to take time off to care for family. Don't feel defensive or marginalized for doing so.
• Practice giving your response until it feels natural.
• Keep your response brief and the focus on the future.