In the journey of building a successful career in office support jobs in London, life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way. An employment gap due to ill health is a valid concern for many job seekers. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can effectively explain this period and showcase your resilience and determination to potential employers.
Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this situation with confidence
· Be honest and upfront
Transparency is key when addressing an employment gap due to ill health. Be reasonably open about your situation while maintaining a positive and professional tone. Explain the circumstances briefly and emphasise your commitment to returning to the workforce and contributing your skills to the role.
· Focus on the recovery, not the difficulty
Shift the conversation towards your journey of recovery and highlight the steps you took to regain your health. This demonstrates your resilience and proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
· Think about any transferable skills
Use the opportunity to showcase the skills you developed or maintained during your time away from work. Even if you were not in an office support role, there are likely transferable skills such as communication, organisation, problem-solving, and adaptability that you can highlight to demonstrate your value as a candidate.
· Address the gap in your CV
Rather than leaving the employment gap unexplained, acknowledge it briefly on your CV. Provide a concise statement that mentions the period and indicates it was due to ill health. Avoid going into excessive detail and instead focus on the skills and experiences gained prior to and following the gap.
· Emphasise self-development
If you undertook any self-development activities during your break, such as online courses, volunteering, or freelance work, be sure to share them. This demonstrates your dedication to personal growth and your proactive mindset during challenging times.
· Prepare what you will say
Anticipate questions about your employment gap during interviews and prepare a confident and concise response. Practice delivering your explanation in a clear and positive manner, ensuring that you focus on why you are ready to commit to this job and this employer.
· Be enthusiastic
Express your enthusiasm for returning to work and your eagerness to contribute to a new office support role. Prospective employers like to see energy and positivity. Employers value candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to work in their field.
· Be proactive
If you think there might be misconceptions related to your health condition, or ongoing ways in which the employer may be concerned, address them proactively. Assure potential employers that you have taken the necessary steps to manage your health effectively and that it will not hinder your ability to perform the job responsibilities.
· Stay positive and resilient
Remember that an employment gap due to ill health does not define your capabilities or potential. Stay positive, maintain confidence in your abilities, and focus on the value you can bring to an office support role. Employers appreciate candidates who have faced challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Are you coming back into the workplace after a period of ill health? We’re here to support you on your journey. Register as a candidate today.