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How to respond to questions about long absences from the workplace

Topic: Interviewing

Posted on October 18, 2007
by Cancer and Careers

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Do you have any advice on HOW to respond to questions from potential employers about absences from the workplace for multiple years due to cancer treatment too debilitating to work?

Thank you

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Discussion Comments

by Jennifer, June 23, 2009

I just want to say to Lori...YOU ARE AWESOME! You are so brave to interview with very little hair/wig and that alone should make you feel like the strongest person in the world. Turn it around and realise the guts you have and how amazing you are and how lucky they will be to hire you...if you can interview for a job with wig/little hair, you can do anything. I don't know when you posted your comment but if it's already passed I hope you did well and are proud of yourself.
xjennifer

by Kathy, February 09, 2009

Cancer and Careers Career Coach comment

I am guessing from your post that you have completed your treatment and are actively back in the job search mode. Congratulations!

That question also used to come up for those of us who stopped out of the workforce for a while when we had young children and decided to stay home to raise them until they went to school. The strategy for answering such questions has not changed.

First, anticipate the question and fill in the blanks during your initial overview of yourself that comes after the first question, "Tell me about yourself." If you provide a summary of your experience and background, coupled with a brief statement such as this, "I stopped out of the workforce for a while, but during that time, I was actively involved in...." without offering any of the health details, you may head off the direct question entirely. No need to tell them why you stopped out, just that you were engaged in productive volunteer work, community involvement, child care, health related issues to tackle etc. should be enough.

But, if they do ask directly, no need to go into all the details. Simply say, "Yes, I was out of work for a while due to health issues that are now behind me." Then, wow them with your enthusiasm by saying something like, "I am looking forward to contributing to a company such as yours in the areas of XXX. I have finely honed skills in XXX. What can you tell me about your needs in that area?"

Do you see how turning that question into a way to probe the employer for their needs would deflect further curiosity on their part, while also helping you gather the information you need to show how you fit the job?

Keep in mind, the less said about health issues the better, and when directly asked, state simply that you dealt with a health issue but that it is behind you now. That should suffice.

Best of luck in that search!

Kathy

by lori, February 09, 2009

This seems unimportant, but it is to me, I am now interviewing and wearing a wig, as the hair that has grown back since chemo, well, does not look professional. when it grows a bit more and is dyed, i will shed the wig I now wear a baseball cap, but can't do that on a job Worrying about this "hair" situation. Wish i could just go as is, but it is SO short, i am self conscious
need advice!ljsiegelmsw@aol.com

by Anonymous, October 03, 2008

i am a licensed medical social worker was "asked to resign" after medical leave was over ( not FMLA, job was new) I am about to begin radiation, just finished chemo, and will have a sizeable gap in my resume ( appr.8 months i am thinking) i have 20 yrs experience, thinking of changing career perhaps a different aspect of social work

by Kathy, August 20, 2007

Cancer and Careers Career Coach comment

The good news is that you are getting interviews. Congratulations on making it to that stage of the job search! That means that you have some good experience and strong resume that sets you apart from the pack. But in spite of that great experience, those difficult questions can throw you for a loop, especially when they touch on areas that are sensitive or have the potential to derail a positive experience if mishandled.

One of the things to keep in mind is that it is very common for individuals to change jobs, to stop out of the workplace for personal or family reasons or to go back to school. So, if asked about gaps in your employment history, be ready with a short, clear answer that does not go into detail about the difficulties of your cancer treatment. Then redirect the conversation with a question of your own that focuses on finding out more about the employer's needs.

Some examples of possible answers could be:

"I took some personal time to rethink my career and brush up my skills in the area of .....and now find that that time allowed me to refocus. I am very excited about using my skills to add value in a firm such as yours. Can you tell me more about.....?"

"I had some family (and/or) health issues to settle. I am happy to report that all is now on an even keel and I am ready and eager to bring my skills to bear in a position such as ..... With the distraction behind me, I am sure I will be a strong asset to my next employer. What else can you tell me about the role?"

or your could try being very direct yet positive. "I faced cancer and won. I am proud to say that I am a survivor. I learned a lot from my experience, it has made me appreciate what I can contribute in the world. I am eager to make a difference in a role such as the one we are discussing today."

You can probably tell from the examples I offered that the focus should not be on the cancer, but on the future and what you have to bring to the table. Each person will have to decide how much or how little to reveal about their illness and recovery. Think through your own situation, assess your own comfort level in discussing your past health history, and craft a short, positive answer that focuses on what you have to offer a potential employer. Just like in your recovery, focusing on the future and the possibilities for making a contribution can generate excitement, not only in you, but in future employers as well. Best of luck to you as you continue your search!

Kathy

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