What would you say....?

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renee97

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Try my shoes on, and then think of an appropriate way to handle the following situation.
December 2004 I was hired to perform Mortgage Collections for a large employer in town (Minneapolis). I had been employed there before but as a temp; this time I was going in as a part-time employee, Within six weeks, I knew that working part-time would provide neither the financial security I needed nor enough time to really do another job search, so I went full time 2nd shift (12 to 9 or something). As time wore on the work environment went from bad to worse. I became convinced that the supervisors were trained to make life difficult so that we would do that to the people in collections. Despite this I did receive some incredible compliments from callers (I only accepted calls, I did not call out). The last straw was when my supervisor was replaced with a woman who was disagreeable to the point of being impossible to communicate effectively with. And I am certain that my being a "fish out of water" in the job in the first place did not help. I already hated the job, but I really hated it when I had to deal with this supervisor. And then on 11/11/05 I called in sick:
"You have run out of sick days already. If you don't come in today, you don't have a job here anymore."
"Fine." and I hung up and didn't have a job.
11/16/05 came the first tonic / clonic leaving me and my bathroom a bloody mess, and Epilepsy here to stay.

I haven't worked a day since then. As of late January, but even more since late February I finally have the energy and stamina to go back to work. How do I explain not working for 28 + months? What do I say? "Personal reasons," and can they legally ask me for more specific information? My biggest concern is just having employers say "forget it, you've been unemployed too long."
With no income for all but six of those 28 months, I really have to pray for a lower stress level because that is the trigger for auras, seizures and everything that wrecks my life. Thanks. I'll settle back down and read what others have to say.
 
Hi there!
O.k...I asked my husband who is upper mgmt. with a Major employer..he said they really have no way of verifying it. He thinks honesty would be fine.."I had a major health situation that has been resolved or even say seizures..and he would have no problem hiring with that,unless it was really for an essential position..must be there etc. I hope this helps some. Best of luck!!!
I know it'll work out!

Michelle
 
Sometimes, its not so much what you say, but how you say it. Body language, tone, etc. can communicate when you are uncomfortable with the subject or hiding something. If you are brimming with confidence that you are a great worker and your time off is no big deal, that message will be communicated non-verbally too. :twocents:
 
Laws can vary by state, but the federal statutes usually apply. The employer can not ask why you were out of the work force. Even if the question is on a form, they are not 'leagally' allowed to pursue the question. However, that does not stop them from considering an unanswered question or reading something into it.

If you offer information, they can use it in their decision making.

My personal advice after 20+ years in the business world would be to use the 'personal reasons' terminology with the addition of:

These reasons are not relative to my possible employment and do not effect my employability.

Stated in a confident tone (per Bernard), not confrontational, this will come across as an assurance to the employer that you have not been in jail, in rehab, etc ... Lapses from work are not as unusual as they used to be in today's job market.

Just don't lie about medical conditions once they have offered the employment. That would give them the grounds for dismissal.

You may want to seek advice from your state employment agency.

GOOD LUCK!
 
Laws can vary by state, but the federal statutes usually apply. The employer can not ask why you were out of the work force. Even if the question is on a form, they are not 'leagally' allowed to pursue the question. However, that does not stop them from considering an unanswered question or reading something into it.

If you offer information, they can use it in their decision making.

My personal advice after 20+ years in the business world would be to use the 'personal reasons' terminology with the addition of:

These reasons are not relative to my possible employment and do not effect my employability.

Stated in a confident tone (per Bernard), not confrontational, this will come across as an assurance to the employer that you have not been in jail, in rehab, etc ... Lapses from work are not as unusual as they used to be in today's job market.

Just don't lie about medical conditions once they have offered the employment. That would give them the grounds for dismissal.

You may want to seek advice from your state employment agency.

GOOD LUCK!

As some forms I have had to fill out for employment request (or more) ANY previous names, I leave those blank. My attitude and practice has always been and will remain "You offer me a job and hire me and I will provide whatever legal data you require. But not before I am an employee." So far I have not had a problem with this.
There was one truly bizarre situation several years ago. I went to interview for a large firm in Eagan MN, a southern suburb of the Cities. The interview was for all purposes over, when the gentleman (I use the term loosely here) looked at me and asked pointedly:
"Is there anything else you need to tell us?"
"No," I said as politely as possible.
Considering that I had dressed in appropriate business attire for a woman, his voice begged for something overtly sexual or gender related.
I just got up and left and never heard back. I also didn't care because I did not want to work in that kind of environment. If people want to make a big deal of my being transsexual, that's their problem because I ignore it.
What made this particularly unusual was that another transsexual woman had had a problem with this company, yet just two years after all of this stuff hit the fan, the same company published a book on helping transgender people in the workplace. Go figure!

I am an intelligent, well educated, qualified, confident, capable individual woman and I am perfectly able to do the work I am applying for and nothing else matters. Period.
R97
 
I'd follow Michelle's advice. Any other info is really none of their business. :) Good luck on the job hunt. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. :)
 
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