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I took a year off after being laid off. I traveled, recovered from burnout, did some work around my house, lazed around and was generally depressed. Across dozens of interviews, the most important things I found around presenting this effectively were to (1) be positive and frame it as my choice to have been out of work for so long, (2) say I was just beginning my job search, and (3) be brief and try to move the conversation along (e.g. “and I’m excited to be talking to you about this role because…” and usually they moved on just as quickly).
I found your response extremely helpful and motivating in a sense where I don't feel like I'm the only one. It's been very difficult for me to find work recently after going through a bout of depression. I literally was finding it difficult to maintain daily activities. Through a hospital program I've been able to volunteer and earn a small stipend each week but I'm trying to find something more and eventually go back to school this next quarter. I just wanted to say that your story was very helpful to me and I appreciate it.
There are lies that can't be easily verfieid and are socially unchallengeable in this situation, so I use those.
Taking care of a sick relative is a good one (always good to make it clear the problem is permanently in the past)
Trying to start a business that didn't go well.
Needed more face time with the kids for a while.
Etc.
Rising Star
Spending time with family is always a nice vague option
Reframe it as if the gap in your work history is your choice and try to keep it positive. "I've been fortunate to be afforded some time to reflect on the direction I'd like to take my career. Now that I've identified some goals, I'm taking a thoughtful approach to my job search as I find the right fit."
I actually used the title professional contractor for the fulltime gap in employment. I did do contract work during that time. Believe it or not, no one asked what I was working on.
How about, I work as volunteer in a community service just not to get bored.
I was laid off at the end of September. I let recruiters and perspective employers know that I took a couple of months off to visit family and friends in CA as well as decompress and decipher exactly what I wanted to do next and with what kind of organization. Employers know what kind of job market this is and I believe they understand.
Yeah dude, but if they KNOW ... Why the hell do they keep on ASKING????🤣🤣🤣
I signed up for classes at the local junior college to show that I was strengthening existing skills and keeping up to date on market relevant skills.
I was a technical sales manager and thought my skills were transferable.I was able to get free funding to re-train as an Energy Assessor which is working out now ! Best advice is to have more than 1 income and search for free training in what you are interested in
That’s an easy one, I’ve been looking for work and I’ve been upgrading my skills and learning new ones
I resigned - I needed to take time off (personal matter). The truth. There is no need to wear your heart on your sleeve. Recruiters and HR folk these days are not interested in your personal well being; don’t expect them to be sympathetic.
Let them know you’ve been tirelessly working on expanding your knowledge and skillset in whatever your field is. ACTUALLY BE DOING THIS THOUGH! ChatGPT is a remarkable resource for learning absolutely anything. The largest part of intelligence is knowing how to use the tools and resources available to you, working smarter not harder. Let them know you WANTED this time to be very intentional about seeking out your next role. This lets them know you are valuable and discerning and they need to impress YOU as well, from a growth, financial, and culture perspective. They need to be a good fit for YOU. Embody this energy and know all you bring to the table. Be able to articulate your skills and value and you can’t lose. Be ready to present all the research you’ve done on the company and its products /services and display this knowledge through both their questions and your own. This reiterates what you will have sales about being intentional about your next role! Wishing you all the best. Everything is only how you frame it.
You could also leave off the end date for your last position so the length of the gap is less obvious.
Exercise and research. Health and strength of body and soul above all else.
Mention how your working on relevant skills like taking classes or working on obtaining certifications.
I took online college courses because doing nothing is just boring.
I've been out of job for an entire year and I don't really get asked what I did in between that time frame you don't actually have to answer that question
I was thinking the same thing! It may depend on your industry or work type, but i don't recall anyone even asking. I would like to think because the market is so tight they understand it may take a while.
I really like this answer!
The hiring manager didn't ask about the gap. She asked instead why I left the previous company and wanted to work there instead.
Oh this should be the easiest question ever! I recently was on 8 weeks medical leave. I was so bored and could not bare to watch any more TV or YouTube shorts .
I spent my days perfecting my bread game. Now, I make all of my bread homemade from scratch. If I was asked this question I would jump on the opportunity to stress how I learned to bake bread, embroider, grow herbs/flowers/vegetables, make butter and/or cheese, sew curtains/pillows/clothes, repurpose old furniture...
I mean, even if you worked diligently to surpass level 5 billion on GTA, it shows that you were active and pursuing a goal.