atw: Re: CV and interview advice

Hi Tracy

Just to add a couple of quick thoughts to the advice already given:

- If you're applying for permanent roles, don't forget that once you're
successful, you will have to fill out the usual plethora of HR forms, one of
which will relate to broad matters of health, including work claims, etc.
On that form you will need to note any pre-existing conditions, including
non-work related conditions.  Legally you are obliged to do so, as the
disclosure "covers" you and the company.  The form is staff in confidence,
and nothing on it should ever be given or revealed to your manager or anyone
else in the workplace, it's purely for HR records, so don't let it worry
you.

- So many people have "gaps" in their CVs these days that it's not often
that anyone would bother to ask about it.  The exception might be if you're
applying for an executive role, in which case you could expect to be drilled
quite a bit over why you haven't worked and what wonderful things you've
been doing that will now make you a better executive, and why they should
believe that you'll stick around.  (I'm talking about real executive jobs,
not the junior jobs with "executive" in the job title.)

- You didn't mention how long you've been off work, but anything up to a
year is likely to be met with disinterest by employers, beyond that, they
might be curious.  If asked, have a brief response ready, don't dwell on it,
and promptly emphasize that everything is great now and talk about how much
you're looking forward to being gainfully employed, etc.  Your attitude will
count more than your time off work.

- Also, unless they ask, don't offer.   It's foolish for anyone to offer up
personal unsolicited information in an interview, no matter the
circumstance, and it may raise concerns that the employer didn't even have
about you.  At the least it might create a sudden and uncomfortable silence,
or strange awkward follow up questions.  Don't put yourself in a potentially
uncomfortable situation.

- Finally, be mindful that if you've been invited to an interview, then
they've already indicated a lack of concern with the gap in your recent
employment.  No one is going to interview you if they are horrified or
concerned about a "gap" in your CV!    If they have looked over your
application and they want to meet you, they are taking you at face value,
that is, someone with a particular work history who is now actively looking
for employment.

I think you'll find it's not as big a problem is you might be thinking.  Be
confident and positive, and be sure about what you'll be able to do - that's
more important than your "gap".

Hope it all goes well.
C

On 10/31/07, Tracy Jenner <tcjenner@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
> Hi everyone
>
> Thank-you for all your advice and ideas. I'm just mulling it over at the
> moment, but the ideas have definitely helped and are much appreciated.
>
> Tracy
>
>
>
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-- 
Carolyn Hart

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