If you’ve missed work for a while or had to quit your previous job due to a physical illness you experienced (or someone you love), there are certain ways to handle that discussion in an interview.
While I advocate honesty on a resume and even in an interview, I don’t necessarily believe that in every circumstance – at all times – the “interviewee” needs to (or should) share every piece of personal info.
One way to deal with or handle the question of the gap is to be
a) proactive and NOT put a gap (a flag) on a resume to begin with by putting the four digit years instead of months and years on a resume, or by putting the number of years instead of the four digit years. I can’t imagine a interviewer taking the time or interest to then ask you the exact months of when you worked there – so that might help to avoid the whole issue of the gap from the get-go.
Another way is to say, “I’ve been exploring my options and interviewing to find just the right company for me where I can continue to grow as an individual while utilizing my diverse skills to contribute to its success.”
So how do you handle the 18 months you’ve been unemployed? Just say you’ve been honing certain skills (by taking courses, reading up on them, etc.), and searching (and waiting for) just the right job. You do NOT mention you were ill or that you stopped working to take care of someone else who was ill.
Remember, 85% of the interview and the decision to hire you is based on your communication and social skills. 15% is based on your “techncial” skills.
