Hi Linda,

Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry to hear about losing your job but it's exciting that you're starting new! I have sent your question off to our coaches who will be in touch soon. 

In the meantime, if you haven't already checked out the information on addressing a resume gap on our website, I recommend checking that out: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/resume-gap

I would also recommend checking out our Job Search Toolkit, which has more information about dealing with a gap in work history, as well as a host of other information to help you with your job search. It can be downloaded or ordered for free here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new

I hope this is helpful. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi Linda, I second Sarah's sentiment, a new start is always exciting!

As for your concern about how you will explain the three year gap on your resume, it is important to realize that this is usually not as prevalent in a prospective employer's mind as it is in yours.

This said, it makes sense to come up with a response to the question, "What have you been doing for the last three years?" It is okay to say that you had been laid off and not elaborate on this. Then you can say that while you were looking for a job, you had to deal with a personal situation or a family situation and once that was resolved, you made the decision to relocate.

I am not telling you exactly what to say however do believe that you need to come up with a succinct answer and then do what Cancer and Careers calls "the swivel." Something like, "The reason I haven't worked in three years is blah, blah and now I am very excited about the opportunity to work with you to help you solve your blah, blah problems" (or whatever it is that you do.)

Practice your response to your family or a friend and focus on preparing behavioral answers of examples for the interview questions you will get.

I hope this helps and good luck! 

Julie