I quit my last job a year ago for health reasons. I’ve been up front about it while interviewing, but I’m starting to think that’s why I’m not getting offers. Is there a better way to handle this question? I want to be honest, but I don't want to overshare or look like a risky hire. How should I explain the gap instead?

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Be careful with transparency. There is a good chance you are making yourself seem like a risky candidate. Keep it simple. You took some planned time off to address a health matter. It’s resolved, and you are ready to commit to a career again.

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I agree. All you need to say is "personal reasons." That's it. That could be anything from health issues (potentially risky) to a death in the family (totally understandable). They don't need to know and they will not ask. No need to mention your health at all. Just talk about how you "unfortunately" had to leave the role for personal reasons ("unfortunately" helps make it sound temporary) but now you're excited to get back into the workforce and then move the interview along. Same goes for what you put on your resume [ex. "2021 - 2025 (Voluntarily left role due to personal reasons)" ]

Is there a way to make it clear that the health issues were temporary and no longer a problem? That would be my rec if so. I honestly don't think anything sounds better than the truth in this scenario.

(now it's letting me post direct.... my initial comment is under "Underwriter 1" so please check it out lol). I wanted to add to my original comment that depending on the company, they may see you as not having a solid enough work/personal boundary if you're talking about your health. Some companies welcome genuine sharing, some are turned off by it. In either case, it may subconsciously be the thing they remember from your interview, rather than a skill set sticking in their mind. That's why I go back to... "personal reasons" is all you ever need to say about it.

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