[Amanda_1981]

The last time I worked was 2003.. I had to quit my job then and go on a disability pension because of my severe anxiety and agoraphobia and panic attacks. I am doing a lot better now and want to go back to work to save up for school, but I'm afraid no one will hire me because of the six year gap in work I have. Does anyone know of any tips or techniques to make your resume so that it doesn't show much emphasis on that fact and more emphasis on other things that stand out more? Also, if I do get an interview, any tips on what I should say if they ask why I haven't worked in 6 years? Should I tell them about my anxiety or just say that it was for medical reasons? But then what if they want to know more details? Then what do I say? Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[trevorzero]

This will be a big challenge. What exactly have you been doing for six years? Were you involved in any activity that might involve skills that could be put to use in a job? Any employer is going to focus hard on this gap and there will be no chance that it can be glossed over somehow.

Ultimately, though, it should be your skills, abilities and personal qualities that will matter the most. Don't go into an interview ready to apologize for something. Be pleasantly forceful and dynamic. Show them the person that you are NOW.

[splitimage]

You could try a functional resume as opposed to a chronological resume. That would allow you to highlight skills and make the gap less obvious. Warning though - recruitment agencies hate functional resumes.

6 years is a big gap to explain. I had a one year gap on my resume when I took time off to deal with mental health / addiction issues, and on the advice of my career coach I simply said that I'd taken a personal sabatical, after working full time since university to focus on reconnecting with family and friends and exploring personal interests. It was my experience that saying anything about medical reasons was the kiss of death. After all no employer wants to hire someone who they then think, might have to go on short term disability or otherwise take medical leave. Technically they can't discriminate on medical grounds, but in reality they can find lots of other reasons not to call you back for a second interview. Can you come up with some kind of white lie, like saying you were providing elder care to a family member.

If you do decide to say that you were not working for medical reasons, it is against the law in ON for employers to ask details about the illness.

I don't know where you are but you might want to contact your nearest CMHA chapter and see if they have any job re-integration programs. Or I'm assuming you're on ODSP? Talk to your case manager about employment reentry programs.

Good luck.

--splitimage

[AuburnSunshine]

Amanda ~

In response to another thread, I wrote a lengthy message giving tips on how to write a resume and find a job. However, I was timed out before I could post it and, after I had logged back in, it was gone .I'm in the process of rewriting it and I will address your issue as well.

Briefly, however, I will say that splitimage is right-on. Saying that you were caring for aging parents or simply that you had been left some money and decided to take a sabbatical...it's no one's business why you weren't working. However, saying that does not mean that a prospective employer will overlook it.

Also, check out another post of mine about doing volunteer work and joining any professional and social organizations in your area. That makes saying "I concentrated on my family and volunteering at such-and-such" all the easier!

A major advantage of volunteering and being a working member for any kind of an organization is that you interact with others. People who have worked with you and know you are much more likely to hire you or suggest you for a position.

If you do volunteer work, be sure to show up on time and be professional, whatever the job responsibilities entail. Wherever you are, always demonstrate your knowledge, your desire to learn, and your ability to persevere and succeed no matter what is thrown at you.

Good luck...let me know if I can help you in any way!

~ Melanie

[spiritual_emergency]

AuburnSunshine:In response to another thread, I wrote a lengthy message giving tips on how to write a resume and find a job. However, I was timed out before I could post it and, after I had logged back in, it was gone

Just a brief tip from someone else who can write lengthy posts: cut a copy to your clipboard before you hit preview or submit.

[Epimetheus]

Use volunteer work as recent experience and activity for your resume!