Don't explain time off for sickness on résumé
By Carol Kleiman
Chicago Tribune
Q. I have a two-year gap on my résumé. The reason for it is I had surgery, and while I was out sick, my former company eliminated my position and then went out of business. I have letters of recommendation, but one of the letters asks how I'm doing after my operation. Now, I'm better and actively job-hunting, so I wonder how I should handle this in an interview?
A. Just leave that time span blank and if you are asked about it, reply that the company closed and that you then attended to some personal matters. Add that everything is fine now and you're ready and eager to work. Do not show the letter that mentions your operation nor discuss any health issues. It's nobody's business but your own and if you do, you might not get the job.
Q. How do employers really feel about employees who attend college outside of working hours? Is it better to keep current educational endeavors a secret? I attend college in the evenings and am also job hunting. In my last job, I secretly went to school because my manager made it clear he thought school interferes with work. Do most managers feel this way? Is education a taboo subject?
A. Most managers applaud employees who want to get more education. Managers who think getting additional knowledge interferes with work are not the sort of bosses you ever want to work for. Most companies understand and approve of continuing education — and some even pay for it.
Q. I've heard my company plans to start hiring again in a few months. No one told me officially — I actually overheard it in the washroom. I have a friend who has the skills and experience to work here. Is it OK for me to tell her about the possible opening?
A. Sure it is. Also, give her the name of someone to contact.
Q. I was laid off several months ago and can't find a job in information technology. I have an associate degree in computer programming but have never held a job doing it. So far, I haven't had one interview. Not one. I've applied for over 90 jobs, with no luck. I can't even find an entry-level IT job. They don't seem to exist. I need to pay my mortgage and am getting frantic. I've networked, contacted temporary agencies, shortened my résumé to one page. Is there something I'm missing or doing incorrectly?
A. These are very bad times for job hunters and it takes a very long time to get a job. You would be wise to take anything you can get until this economy turns around. This may also be the time to improve your technical skills so you're ready when IT starts to revive. You seem to be doing everything right, except for those 90 résumés. That sounds like a mass mailing. It's much wiser to send résumés only to a few companies you have carefully researched.
