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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Hello folks,
So now Christmas is over and I got over illnesses, it's time to go back to the job hunt. I'm a little uncomfortable sharing this info but some of you guys are so nice and may be able to help me. 
The thing is, I've been unemployed over a year due to depression. The year gap really isn't going to look good on my CV.
Any recruiters or other experts able to advise me on how I can explain the job gap to potential employers without deterring them? I've been honest in the past about my mental health issues and got a feeling it's why they didn't get back to me.
Just to note I have been getting help and I'm on medication. I'm improving as the days go on so it's not like I'm not doing anything about it.
Is honesty the best policy in this case? Should I just tell them the truth and explain I'm getting treatment?
Also anybody who can offer me a job out there? I've worked in retail and do have a little bit of office experience. It's a long shot but if you don't ask, you don't get. Hehe. |
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Yes honesty is the best policy, i sincerely hope you never have a relapse but if you did they wouldnt be happy that you had not told them.
We here an awful lot about mental health in the work place these days. Maybe you could get a letter from your doctor/psyciatrist/health professional that was looking after you outlining how well you are doing and that you are ready to go back to work and put that on your cv. I wish you all the best |
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By *alcon43Woman
over a year ago
Paisley |
I have been out of work for 7 years and was off with depression and other issues before leaving that employer. I am now employed in a temporary job and put down personal and health reasons for my gap. I don't remember them asking much about it but I did disclose it on the health form which is confidential. A year isn't long but I did feel the same way that I was unemployable due to the gap.
Good luck and you can PM if you want to chat about anything.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Personally, I'd split the year between the last two jobs on your CV. Add six months to the end of the second but last one, and the other six months to the beginning of the last job you had, bringing you up to date.
They hardly ever check, so wing it and see what happens. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Personally, I'd split the year between the last two jobs on your CV. Add six months to the end of the second but last one, and the other six months to the beginning of the last job you had, bringing you up to date.
They hardly ever check, so wing it and see what happens."
 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hello folks,
So now Christmas is over and I got over illnesses, it's time to go back to the job hunt. I'm a little uncomfortable sharing this info but some of you guys are so nice and may be able to help me.
The thing is, I've been unemployed over a year due to depression. The year gap really isn't going to look good on my CV.
Any recruiters or other experts able to advise me on how I can explain the job gap to potential employers without deterring them? I've been honest in the past about my mental health issues and got a feeling it's why they didn't get back to me.
Just to note I have been getting help and I'm on medication. I'm improving as the days go on so it's not like I'm not doing anything about it.
Is honesty the best policy in this case? Should I just tell them the truth and explain I'm getting treatment?
Also anybody who can offer me a job out there? I've worked in retail and do have a little bit of office experience. It's a long shot but if you don't ask, you don't get. Hehe."
Be open I am a employer in Manchester and it would not put me of offering you a job as lomg as you had the skills or could learn the skills to do it! It is so good to see someone want to work nowadays more so if they have a illness.
I wish you all the luck in the world Onenaughty. And let us all know how you get on! I think it would make all our day if you got sorted.
Good luck! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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i would be honest about it, you don't have to say everything in detail but is better to be honest. i recruit alot and if you change empoyment dates or something like that to hide it, it should come up on reference checks |
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By *ubbly2012Woman
over a year ago
inver somewhere |
just say you havent worked due to medical reasons, but you have been cleared to return to work by your doctor.
if they ask more,..just say,..id rather not,.its a bit personal
END OF QUESTIONS! lol
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would put, due circumstances beyond your control and changing priorities you were fortunate enough to be given time to rearrange your busy/personal lifestyle and get back on track and prepare yourself for bright future ahead and gain regular employment with a worthwhile employer.
Good luck. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As a previous employer and mental health professional I wouldnt lie about past employment you might get caught out on referrences.
Yes its not ideal that you havent worked for a year but then many people take time out for various reasons and then return to work. I would just look at putting personal reasons or health reasons. For all they know you could have been travelling or caring for someone in the family. You could have been working for yourself. You do not have to put all the details and say what your comfortable disclosing.
You could be honest and just mention the depression and hopefully the employer will be understanding. Their main concern will be regarding relapse and reliability. This shouldnt be a problem for temp jobs in your area of retail though or you might need to build up a new referrence with volunteering. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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In this day and age there is a great reason for being unemployed for long periods of time , --- the recession, , you will not be the only person to be putting a year or more due to the economy, if you know your personal issue would in no way interfere with yourself being able to do the work then there is no reason to add your issues to a c.v. I.e. if you were packing items or or folding clothes or something like that , would you write down that you had a previous broken arm, xxx |
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As an employer..this would not deter me at all , honesty is both good and refreshing.
As myslef and the M.D have built the companies from scratch , we identify that sometimes all people need is an oppurtunity , would you do with that is down to you.
Go for the oppurtunities and hold you head up.
Regardless what has happened in the past , it is the future you are focusing on. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As an employer..this would not deter me at all , honesty is both good and refreshing.
As myslef and the M.D have built the companies from scratch , we identify that sometimes all people need is an oppurtunity , would you do with that is down to you.
Go for the oppurtunities and hold you head up.
Regardless what has happened in the past , it is the future you are focusing on. "
Same stituation and same thoughts as you very well said! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I would put, due circumstances beyond your control and changing priorities you were fortunate enough to be given time to rearrange your busy/personal lifestyle and get back on track and prepare yourself for bright future ahead and gain regular employment with a worthwhile employer.
Good luck."
*put in your CV I meant. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"just say you havent worked due to medical reasons, but you have been cleared to return to work by your doctor.
if they ask more,..just say,..id rather not,.its a bit personal
END OF QUESTIONS! lol
"
Sounds like a good plan to me. They might just assume it's 'lady problems' and not want to ask anything else!
Good luck x |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
I'd inform them though it all depends on the type of role you will be going for. If it is something that deals with sensitive information/circumstances then both you and they need to know you're able to cope with certain situations.
The position may become stressful at times and you need them knowing before hand that you may need support or discretion.
If its for a job at a local chippy, I wouldn't bother though, end of the day you know your capabilities, so it is up to you. You don't have to stay there either if you don't like. Good luck |
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"Personally, I'd split the year between the last two jobs on your CV. Add six months to the end of the second but last one, and the other six months to the beginning of the last job you had, bringing you up to date.
They hardly ever check, so wing it and see what happens."
Incorrect and dangerous advice.
Most companies DO check. I work in HR for a large international company and if dates come back that badly wrong and the applicant clearly lied, they wouldn't pass our referencing criteria and the job offer would be withdrawn.
I personally wouldn't mention your mental health issues to a prospective employer. It's none of their business and they don't need to know as someone has suggested above. It's not uncommon for people to have been searching for work for over a year in this day & age so I would just say that's what you have been doing but finding competition tough. |
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I've been unemployed now for 6 months but it has been because I moved house and a 175 mile each way commute didn't appeal. My cv states that it was due to relocation and setting up small home business. I'm getting the inter_iews but not the job offers 
In answer to your dilemma though - I would say personal reasons but disclose it on medical form if you have to fill one in.
Good luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Personally, I'd split the year between the last two jobs on your CV. Add six months to the end of the second but last one, and the other six months to the beginning of the last job you had, bringing you up to date.
They hardly ever check, so wing it and see what happens.
Incorrect and dangerous advice.
Most companies DO check. I work in HR for a large international company and if dates come back that badly wrong and the applicant clearly lied, they wouldn't pass our referencing criteria and the job offer would be withdrawn.
I personally wouldn't mention your mental health issues to a prospective employer. It's none of their business and they don't need to know as someone has suggested above. It's not uncommon for people to have been searching for work for over a year in this day & age so I would just say that's what you have been doing but finding competition tough. "
i agree 100% with this statement, i know the company i work for check out vigourously all applications, i deffo wouldnt tell them, good luck with your job search xxx |
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I wouldn't lie but I wouldnt disclose it if you don't have to. Sadly, even with equality laws etc some employers still have issues employing people with mental health issues. There was a tv experiment about it last year where applicants went through assessment centre type activities and bosses chose who they would employ. Afterwards they were told about the various mental helath problems each candidate had and some of them said that if they had known from the start it would have affected their decision.
Its not right and I don't mean to put you off or scare you. Lots of people with mental health problems find work fine and I am sure you will be one of them but you need to be aware of the issues you face and use them to work for you.
If asked about the gap just say you had time off for personal reasons. You have no obligation to disclose medical history unless it is relevant to the role. |
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As tempting as it is not to mention it sometimes, I know for a fact that I am still going to have down days and times when I may not be myself due to changes in medication, ect. so although it's not ideal, I feel it's only fair that employers are aware for times when I may need a little discretion/understanding.
You don't need to go into detail and you don't need to be shy or make a big deal out of it. I go into inter_iews with my head held high, wearing a smile, showing enthusiasm and willingness to work and, if asked, I will say I have suffered from depression as casually as saying I own a dog... As far as they are concerned (and you, hopefully!), you are back on track and striving to return to work. It may take a while, but it shouldn't cause you too many problems.
Chin up and good luck.
- Amy. x |
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By *iewMan
over a year ago
Forum Mod Angus & Findhorn |
if you don't mention it and complete a health declaration questionnaire without any reference to it, and god forbid you suffer from it again in the future and your employer refers you to an OHS specialist, I think it may come back to bite....
I think.
Worth checking the involvement your medical records with the GP come into play when referred to an independent specialist. |
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"if you don't mention it and complete a health declaration questionnaire without any reference to it, and god forbid you suffer from it again in the future and your employer refers you to an OHS specialist, I think it may come back to bite....
I think.
Worth checking the involvement your medical records with the GP come into play when referred to an independent specialist."
Yep, I would definitely recommend it as I had a massive relapse in my last job and my employer wasn't happy that I hadn't declared it in the medical form.
He said that had I of made him aware in the first place, they would've been able to make exceptions for me. x |
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"Personally, I'd split the year between the last two jobs on your CV. Add six months to the end of the second but last one, and the other six months to the beginning of the last job you had, bringing you up to date.
They hardly ever check, so wing it and see what happens."
Oddly enough I so check references and phone up and speak to precious employers about what the person did, why they left, how long they were there. If I came across a liar who wanted a job, I wouldn't employ them. How could I trust them? Mental health issues are not such a concern as they used to be as long as you can explain. If your skills, abilities, experience etc are good, you meet the criteria and person spec, then go for it. Pm me for inter_iew techniques |
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"I've been unemployed now for 6 months but it has been because I moved house and a 175 mile each way commute didn't appeal. My cv states that it was due to relocation and setting up small home business. I'm getting the inter_iews but not the job offers
Inter_iew techniques?
In answer to your dilemma though - I would say personal reasons but disclose it on medical form if you have to fill one in.
Good luck"
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By *els_BellsWoman
over a year ago
with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc |
I'd be weary omitting your mental health issues from application forms, as the dda can protect you from being dismissed if you need to take time off if you go through a bad patch again.
As others have said you dont have to say what you did exactly for the last 12 months as to why you couldnt work.
I wish you all the best as I am struggling too to get work. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would be honest and tell your prospective employers about it. I was lucky that my current employers helped my when I suffered.
If you embrace it, and tell them you are on the mend and have medication to help you they should be ok with it.
If you wait to disclose it on a medical form or application the employers are still within theirr ights to withdraw the offer, due to misrepresentation.
Have you considered volunteering to work at your local mental health charity. If you do a good job you may get an offer of a job, and if not you will pick up valuable experience which will look good on your cv.
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