Within investment banking/financial services, If you take a year off from work and now back in the market looking for a new role. Is it ok to tell the interviewer the reason for being away from work was due to mental health problems?
Idk if it’s a good idea as they will reject straight away as they would look at one as a potential liability? Thoughts?

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I don't know how people feel about this, but I might change the story a little bit to talk about needing to take care of a family member or something like that so that you don't seem like the one with the problems. You could probably stretch the truth enough to make it seem like someone close to you was having the issue rather than you having the issue yourself. But maybe I'm just paranoid about these things

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Hard agree with MD. Yes it’s illegal and unethical to discriminate but you can’t fault them for, however subconsciously, wondering if your mental health issue persists and will affect your work going forward. Better to just say it’s a family member. Trust me they won’t ask further because there’s a chance that family member isn’t with us anymore, and THAT would be an awkward conversation.

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I would probably just say I took a sabbatical and focused on XYZ in my time off.

I’d avoid any specifics as health details aren’t relevant. “I took some time off to take care of a health issue,” is a complete answer. They won’t probe, it could open up a ton of legal risk.

Hope you’re doing better.

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Thank you for asking…ok tbh but with variety of emotional rollercoaster.

This is my my exact answer but also added pandemic with lockdowns in the last few years wasn’t easy so needed this break…this q was asked in the final interview with the Head, and a couple of days later the Hr came back with a rejection message.

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Are you trying to go back to IB?

Mental health. I would keep it short and sweet.

Tbh don’t say mental health. Just say you were dealing with a health issue within your family.

Yes that is much better! I agree.

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