Hi Steve,

Thanks for reaching out. I totally understand your concern regarding a resume gap. With that said,  I'd say that at this point in time, a resume gap is not as big of a red flag as it once was, given the way the last three years have played out due to the pandemic. With mass layoffs, furloughs, and people needing to quit their jobs for a multitude of reasons, a gap in work, particularly in the last few years is likely less impactful than in the past. You do have an advantage in that you technically were employed until June of this year, so you don't have a lot of time off to account for. 

With all of that said, it's not a bad idea to start thinking of some ways to talk about your gap in the event it does come up. You can make the decision around what, and how much, you'd like to share. Take a look at our article on Minding the Resume Gap for specific ideas. You could speak to an interest in exploring alternative career paths and interests, taking the time to add to your skillset and pursue various avenues.

In terms of disclosure, it's always a good idea to be aware of decisions around disclosure, especially when looking for work. I'd encourage you to take a look at our article on Managing Disclosure When Looking for a Job to get a better sense of how you might approach it. You are generally not legally obligated to disclose your medical history and/or any medical conditions to your prospective or current employer, ultimately it’s a personal decision. However, if you need to access a reasonable accommodation you may have to disclose some information to show you’re entitled to it, but may choose not to disclose during the interview process and instead wait until you receive an offer to request an accommodation or even wait until you have started the job. Additionally, putting in time to prepare for interviews can really help instill confidence and also help to ensure you don't accidentally share information you didn't intend because you felt put on the spot. Check out some of our resources on interviewing to identify some tools and techniques to be best prepared for interviews, including how to answer questions about resume gaps and more.One method that we 've found to be successful is called “The Swivel.” It involves addressing a question asked by an interviewer, and then redirecting (or swiveling) the conversation towards your actual goals and desire for the job. When planning your swivel, you want to come up with concise, credible answers to the gap question and practice it until you’re comfortable with it. The most important thing you can do is be prepared by having practiced interviewing, so you can sell your skills and show them that you are the best for the job. Remind yourself of your accomplishments, none of which should be overshadowed by taking time off. For more info on “The Swivel”: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/the-swivel.

I hope the above is helpful. If you still find you have questions or concerns not fully addressed, please don't hesittate to reach out to us at cancerandcareers@cew.org anytime.

Best of luck on your job search!

Warmly,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers