Explaining sickness at interview

[Fluffyears]

Working where I am has made me ill and my dr had signed me off for 2 weeks. I have an interview this week with a company I am really keen to work for but not sure what to say about the 2 weeks. They are a dimwr industry do stress level would be the same, the main difference is it is the management in my current role bullying me which has made me ill. Is it ok to say 'I have been signed off due to a stress related medical condition. I did handle the stress of the role very well until recently and this has occurred due to some changes to my department and the GP thought it may be best for me to take a step back. It is purely a one off situation' ? Help.

[AgentProvocateur]

I wouldn't mention stress if it's a similar industry. My worry, as a recruiter, would be that you'd go off with stress again.

[Fluffyears]

What should I say?

[TheClacksAreDown]

Why bring it up at all?

[OllyBJolly]

Similar alarm bells would ring for me. In addition, the answer you give above doesn't indicate that you take any responsibility for the situation - it's the department reshuffle and the GP. If there was a problem I'd want to hear how you are owning the issue and looking for a solution.

Is there any possibility you can resolve the issues with your current employer? You don't know the personalities in the new company and the same situation might arise.

it's unlikely (but possible) that you will be asked to explain specific absences. Is your attendance good in general? It would be more positive to say that the company no longer meets your aspirations, the job role isn't fulfilling, there is a lack of investment in training etc - even a personality clash - is all more positive than presenting yourself as opting out of the current workplace.

[Fluffyears]

My attendance is great over the last year I have had three days off and two of those were pre-arranged for an operation. My answer for leaving is that several staff members have recently left and the culture and management has changed so much the job is no longer the role I was doing a year ago so I feel it's time to try a new challenge with a company who are x, y and z (based on research that I wil do).

I cannot resolve this matter at present employer unless my boss leaves as he is the main reason for 4 people out if a team of 7 looking for new jobs.

I might not seem like I am taking responsibility but my GP was worried about my mental health so signed me off to allow me to take a breather before I ended up with depression or anxiety.

I think it's best not to bring it up as I think they can't at interview and then if asked say i was signed off for a short time for a medical issue which has now cleared up.

[flowery]

What makes you think it will come up at interview? Interviews should be focusing on your suitability for the role, and it would be unlikely you'd be asked for details of how much sickness absence you'd had, and what the absence was for.

Two weeks off isn't much, assuming it's in the context of an otherwise reasonably good absence record. If the new employer want to offer you the job, then how much sickness absence you've had in the last year or so might be something they ask your current employer about, and after that, if the levels are of concern, you might be asked by the potential new employer for more information about that absence. If all that happens, then what Olly said in terms of how you present it.

But really, at interview stage it shouldn't really even come up at all!

[flowery]

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[Fluffyears]

Oh thanks folks I just wasn't sure his best to present it if asked. I think just go through interview hopefully get the job and if asked I can say I had a medical condition which cleared up as the stress will disappear with a new role as it simply is management bullying that have caused this. I was documenting for HR then thought f* it I don't actually want to do this. The new company would reduce my workload (I know someone who defected there), give me a better salary and benefits.

[Fluffyears]

No not the NHS, I will steer clear of bullying and focus more on the fact they are a great company who i would fit well with.