Job Interview - signed off ill - tell or not?

[rosenylund]

Posting for traffic.

Job interview today (eek). I'm in my fourth month of being signed off with stress/depression in relation to my current job.

Would you mention this in the interview unprompted, or wait to see if offered the job? My sister feels I should bring it up myself. I feel I should wait and see if offered a role. As a manager myself, I've only had this come up once whilst interviewing - I just told the person not to worry about it for now, and forgot about it until I offered them the job and their ref. came through.

Any thoughts?

[KayTee87]

I don't see why to bring it up yourself, I would only tell them if asked. I assume you think you'll be fine once you start a new job though and won't need more time off?

[rosenylund]

Hi Kaytee - yes, I'm loads better, I want a new start desperately. I don't expect any more sick notes after this one runs out and have already decided not to go back to my current job.

[Sassypants82]

I would absolutely not say anything. It's actually not relevant to the new role once you're satisfied that you'll be well enough to start it should you be successful.

[rosenylund]

Thanks both, just found this in the Guardian which agrees too
www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/disclosing-illness-to-employer

[blueteapot]

This is my exact situation. Job interview this morning. In my 4th month off with depression. Have already decided to leave current role. I wont be saying unless directly asked - I feel fit enough to do this job and thats what matters

[KayTee87]

Glad you're getting better and good luck today!

[rosenylund]

Thanks!

[uncoolnn]

Good luck and glad you're feeling better!

[Dulra]

You are not required to mention it and your previous employer should not put it in a reference. Best of luck with the interview

[5OBalesofHay]

They will ask about attendance when seeking references so you will need to disclose but I would wait till you have the job offer if you can

[rosenylund]

Blueteapot - good luck to you! Hope it goes well.

I've got do a bloody presentation which I'm dreading; am glad not to have woken up to snow here.

I've already had an issue where I didn't get an interview, possibly because I declared my depression on an application form, so was generally feeling nervous about the whole thing.

[Piffpaffpoff]

I have PMd you as I was in a similar situation. Good luck today!

[Sassypants82]

Best of luck!!!

[flumpybear]

Good luck!!! I wouldn't bother telling them, it's transient stress which will go when you get a new job - I was off with stress two years ago- I've been fine since

[Dulra]

5OBalesofHay I really don't think an employer can discuss an employees long-term sickness on a reference due to confidentiality, they can talk about their general attendance when they weren't on long-term sick but that's all. I could be wrong though

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

It isn't relevant, unless they offer you the job and you cannot begin on the start date because of this.

Good luck with your interview.

[GreenTureen]

Tbph, if I was interviewing and the interviewee dropped in that they were off sick from their current role and had been for four months, that would pretty much kill any chance of me employing them...as I suspect would be the case for many employers.

I wouldn't mention it.

[Bantanddec]

You shouldn't mention it, unless of course you're using your current employer as a reference. I've done several references for colleagues all had a question about sickness, where I've had to give dates of sickness but not reason for sickness.

[SheldonCRules]

If your current employer has to give a reference I'd mention it. It's a lot of time off and most employers will ask for sickness absence days (not reasons).

If it comes up after they may feel you weren't truthful and not the kind of employee they were looking for.

[DailyFail1]

Stress related depression is usually not specific to a certain kind of environment (in reality). Remove it and you will still feel depressed, which is why you really shouldn't apply for jobs while still signed off. When you're ready to return to your existing job, see how you feel, and then apply if you still want to.

[Bluntness100]

I agree don't mention it, if I was interviewing and someone told me this, I wouldn't employ them, sorry,

Good luck today, but don't say anything.

[Bluntness100]

Actually, on saying that, will they ask for references? I'd still not say anything but be aware if you need to provide a reference your current employer may mention it.

[ChilliMum]

Don't mention it but prepare something short and consise eg "I have been off for 4 months but am fit and ready to get back to work" incase you are asked.

I once was asked in interview totally unexpected something along the lines of "when we request references we will ask about attendance will this be a problem?" And I launched into an embarrassing tale of miscarriages and stress related illness the whole time wondering why my mouth was still moving as the panel looked more and more uncomfortable! I still cringe at the memory

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

How did you get on, op?

[VladmirsPoutine]

I wouldn't mention it either. To be brutally honest if you do mention it then you can pretty much wave your chances goodbye. Not that they'll admit it but you'd effectively be waving red flags infront of a potential employer.