Telling prospective employers about being out of work?

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bedo
bedo Member Posts: 1,866
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Our office closed July 1st then I was diagnosed had surgery, more surgery for another issure and radiation. What would you tell someone in an interview about why you've been out of work?  How did you handle it?  My sister said, "Say you've been traveling" Hahahahha!  Do I look like someone who could travel for 6 months?  No.  But I'm afraid of mentioning illness because small companies will not want me because they will be afraid I will raise their insurance rates.  Do you tell them that you had a medical issue, but it is resolved and have been cleared to work by your doctor and that he doesn't expect it to be an issue in the future.  Of course, if he wrote a note, it would be from a medical oncologist.  Any suggestions would really be appreciated. 

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited November 2011

    Bedo, in this economy it's not surprising sometimes that someone is out of work for a long time. There was also someone on these boards who once said she was 'helping a family member with serious health issues". OK, yes, she was the family member!

    You don't have an obligation to disclose that you had cancer treatment and you're probably better off not doing so.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited November 2011

    I have been on sick leave from work and all my medical certificates have been written by my GP (primary doctor) to preserve confidentiality about the nature of my illness.



    Having said that, I don't know if a prospective employer can legally ask for a medical clearance. They can't in Australia.



    If you are giving your previous employer's name as a referee, consider whether they know about and might mention your illness, and how you would feel about that.



    Also, you could just say you decided to take a 'career break' after your previous employer closed.

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  • Wabbit
    Wabbit Member Posts: 1,592
    edited November 2011

    "What would you tell someone in an interview about why you've been out of work?"  I would tell them that my previous office closed.  Period ... end of subject.   

    I agree with Leah.  In this economy it is not at all unusual to be out of work for several months before finding a new job.  I would be very surprised if they would even think to question it further. 

    I would not offer the information either.  Unless you have continuing treatment that will require time off work that you need to negotiate, your medical history is none of their business. 

    If a question is asked it would not be a lie to say that you delayed looking for a new job because you had some personal business to take care of before you went back to work.

    Good luck with your job hunt!! 

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