Resumes look different than when my parents were job hunting – – or for that matter, when I was first in the game. For most of the 20th century, a person took a job expecting to die in that job.
But sometime in the early 1990’s, job security and employee loyalty were pushed aside in a new economy. An unhappy or fired employee could leave a job confident in finding a new one.
But the landscape has changed again.
Looking for a job in 2009? No one has to tell you that it’s a fiercely competitive buyer’s market. Unless you grew up next door to the hiring manager, a resume is likely your only shot at wedging a toe in the door. That thing has to demonstrate your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Oh– and don’t forget sing your praises without being obvious.
Does that leave you feeling hopeless, wondering, what do I do with those “gaping holes” – the gaps in employment due to chronic illness?
Many of my clients – folks like you living with chronic illness and worrying about their jobs/careers — get stuck here. I’ve seen more than one who was unable to look for a job for fear of explaining the gap.
Let’s face it. It’s one thing to say that you opted out for a few years off to be with your children — or to work for yourself (although that’s career counselors will tell you that’s not always a plus either). But it’s a different kettle of fish when time off was due to illness.
The former doesn’t impact your ability to be a reliable employee. The latter does. But this doesn’t have to stop you. Over the years, I’ve developed 3 pitfalls to avoid in your resumes when you live with chronic illness and have employment gaps:
- Don’t include anything about illness or even visible disability on your resume — unless it is an asset in getting the job.
- Don’t lie but you can make what you did during the unemployment sound career building — even if you never left your house!
- Don’t let your own shame or disappointment in not working for periods of time stop you from applying for a job.
Here are some concrete ideas – not illness specific but very useful — that can help you write that resume:
- In “Disguising Employment Gaps on Your Resume“, Susan Ireland writes that most employers “don’t like gaps”. She offers 4 helpful tips for dealing with employment gaps.
- In Explaining the Gap, tips include explaining the gap in the interview (rather than on the resume), downplaying dates and use recessions to your advantage.
- In How to Explain a Gap in Unemployment, there are 7 good ideas. My favorites are: practicing w/a friend, don’t let it make you so nervous you overlook your strengths, and be honest and succinct about the gap.
What have you done about this? Do you find the resume stumps you and why? Click through the headline (if you subscribe and got this as an email) and go online to respond!
Susan Ireland says
Here’s a technique for presenting a long employment gap which has no other explanation than illness: let’s say you were institutionalized for mental illness and during that time you were unable to do anything except recover. You’re now ready to go back into the work force. You could list “Caergiver” or “Caregiver to family member” as your job title. This is true because you were caring for yourself… and you are a family member. In the interview you can keep it vague as to whom you were caring for.
Rosalind says
What a terrific idea. I never thought of that. It’s not even a “stretch” – it’s true Thanks, Susan!
maria says
Thank you Rosalind for, once again, being so timely with a topic that I am struggling with and for your excellent resources to get me over some self-induced hurdles.
I appreciate all that you are doing for us out here~ and recommend everyone to learn more about what you have to offer.
Rosalind says
Thank you, Maria!
Robin says
thanks for the tips on interviewing and resume-writing. I have juvenile arthritis and recently had to stop my college career. I don’t know when I will be able to finish my degree, and I’m in no shape to work right now, so being able to find a job when I’m ready is a huge concern of mine. I’ve been blogging, writing, healing myself and starting an RA Support group, so maybe I will have something to fill in the gap! thanks again, –robin
Rosalind says
That’s too bad you had to stop college. Have you looked into the virtual options? Sounds like you’re doing a great job healing and growing, though. The more skills you can develop that can be done virtually, the more easy it will be to support yourself and do things you enjoy. Keep going!
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Ali says
I haven’t worked in the last 3.5 years due to a rare condition and had four back and Pelvic surgeries one of which made me worse.I have been on SSDI all these years.
I am better now and have started looking for jobs.
I am an Electrical Engineer and have 12 years of experience with major companies. How can I explain the gap on my resume.Some people are advising me to lie on my resume which I cannot agree to because I have lived an honest life.I am very confused to what to do.
Rosalind says
I don’t have a simple answer because there isn’t one. IF you are better now and can do the jobs you are applying for, it seems to me that there is no need to tell people about your medical problems. It’s what you do say that will matter. You have to do what feels right to you, though, don’t you?
Pam says
I’ve had a long absence from the workforce because of numerous surgeries related to a chronic, inherited condition. I was even in a wheelchair for almost a year and a half, but now I am walking again! I must use a cane, so my disability won’t be invisible when I meet a prospective employer, but how do I structure my resume because of the extended absence from the workforce? Especially when there is always the possibility of more complications from my condition?
Rosalind says
Hi Pam – This is a complicated question. I’m not a resume writer but I’ve worked with many people to help them get their ‘story’ clear so they can either write their own resume or hire someone with those skills. You’re right to give this a lot of thought because you want to be sure that you position yourself in the best possible way while not creating future headaches for yourself. My program, “Just in Time Coaching” http://www.cicoach.com/justintime.html is designed to help you address a concrete situation like this.
Xavier says
Hi,
So I have just graduated and due to a chronic back problem, I have not been able to work. I can’t stand up for long periods of time because it is too painful. I’ve done all kinds of scans and test and nothing shows up. I’ve also tried lot’s of treatments and nothing has worked. I have literally nothing to add to my CV for work experience, not even a little, what should I do?
Rosalind says
Hi Xavier –There are multiple levels on which we could discuss what you can do. First it sounds like you need to find some kind of work that you can do with this chronic problem that doesn’t seem to be going away. No matter how full your resume, you have to be able to do the job. This is key. Then you need to fill in the blanks as best you can with volunteer and any other experience that you can add. I hope this is helpful. I have a program for recent graduates living with chronic health conditions who need to figure out the best possible career – https://cicoach.com/kickstart.html check it out and let me know if you have any questions