[Lostforevermore]

Hi,

I've been vegetating in my depression for a while now and has stopped doing anything with my life...but I think I somewhat ready to move forward with my life and I need help.

During some of the worst of my depression I stopped going to work...didn't even quit...I just stopped going. It has been about 6 months since I worked, and I think I'm ready to find a new job. (Actually it more like I have to, because I'm out of money...it had been ok so far because I've been living with my parents...but I can't keep really using their money. First my parents don't have a lot of money to start with and second they don't know that I haven't been working. They think that I still have a job so they don't understand why I need money from them.)

Well anyways so I'm trying to find a new job...but I don't know what to tell my possible employers as to why I have a 6 month gap in my work history. I can't really tell them I haven't been working because I've been too depressed to work. Also they can't really call my last employers for a reference because they will say that I'm no show.

So, what do I say to my possible employers on job interviews? How do I explain the gap in my work history? What should I write on my resume? Any Ideas?

Because of this, I'm having trouble taking the first step and actually looking for a job because I don't know the answers to these questions. I don't know what I will say to the employers.

HELP!!!

Hello, Lostforevermore. This site may be helpful: http://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/empl...question13.asp

[BashfullOne]

Hi, lostforevermore - put on your resume that you had Health issues that caused you to quit your last job. Your being honest and they "can not by law" ask you what your health issues are/were. But you will need to tell them weather you are healthy enough to work for them now. Honesty is the best policy. I hope I helped... Good luck and keep us posted.

[Shangrala]

Also, you have to consider the time duration of your last job to be included into the "unemployed gap". Since you'd rather not include your reason for the 6 month gap, you don't want to include your previous employment, as well. Meaning, you'll need to include the time of how long you were employed with this last, plus the 6 months....Does that make sense?

I guess, in other words, I'm assuming that you will be using your employment (before this last) as your LAST employer, (omitting the most recent entirely?). Thus increasing the 6 month gap with that of the duration of last employment, as well.
Example: If you worked at this last job for a year, then the "gap" will be that year + 6 months = 18 months.

While I agree that honesty is the best policy, (and I am no way implying that you "should" lie), but if it were me, I'd say something to the effect that I was assiting an ill family member out of state, somewhere...(whatever would coinside with the duration of the gap).

Shangrala

[Lostforevermore]

Thanks you guys...the website and these tips are really helpful. Now if I only can find a job.

Good luck with finding a job.

[amante]

I say stick with being as close to the truth as you can. Say that you took some time off to attend some medical needs, you don't have to be specific and they can't demand your records. All they need to know is that you are ready, willing and able to work right now. take things slow... perhaps you can practice a mock interview with a close friend who knows your situation. good luck finding work.

[Stranger2]

I agree with Amante.. Stay as close to the truth as possible.. Once you start lieing it usually turns into a snowball affect..Good Luck!!