Changing jobs due to health problems, how do I say this without looking like I'll be constantly ill?

[belledechocolatefluffybunny]

Thankyou.

Depends on excactly what your health probs are. Honestly, are you going to be constantly ill in all likelihood?

I have MS. I get very, very tired but it's now alot better as I take medication to keep me awake, I have had alot of time off before I was given medication as my current job is with the NHS and it's unsafe to do my job when I'm exhausted. The reference isn't going to be great. With the medication I can (now) function like a person rather then a zombie. I need a job where I'm not on my feet all day so have opted for a change.

Not sure how you can word it but if you can explain to your new potential employer what you just put there (new medication etc) they should see you are managing it well.

I think my reference is going to be terrible. I really have been exhausted for a few years and have muddled on, taking time off to sleep as and when.

Presumably you are applying for jobs in writing in which case I would just say that you are looking for a job that offers a different challenge or something equally vague.

I would avoid going into too much detail on paper because any employer is probably going to skimread and fear the worst, unfairly. In a situation where you are competing against other people for a position it is too easy to use this to put you out of the running.

Assuming you get to interview you can then explain in person in a very bright and breezy way that you had all kinds of problems unfortunately and it is a great relief to now have it all sorted thanks to the new meds.

Makes a big difference to be able to say this in person and show that things have changed for the better.

You can pre-empt the poor reference by expressing regret that things were difficult before you changed your meds and again emphasise that all that has changed now.

When faced with 50 or 60 applications for one position I have been ruthless about who got binned first. Long-term health probs is an obvious place to start looking for candidates to reject at that stage. Once they are through the door and talking to me in person it is completely different though.

So try and be brief!

I have to send off CV's, one has an online application form.

Thankyou

Would agree totally with KickButtowski.

I would also work a bit on your peri-interview image - ring up and ask if you can come for an informal initial visit (doesn't matter if you can't), though obviously if you do, the following applies to the visit too, turn up for the interview a minimum of 30 mins early, go for an extremely suited and booted look with high maintenance hair, polished shoes etc, make sure you have a list of suitable questions to ask when this comes up at the interview etc. Do everything you can to combat any possible ideas about you they may get from the reference.

I wish you all the best.

I was tempted to ask for some work experience first. I want to go into accountancy, I can use my redundant law degree and sit down for most of the day.

Hmm, not sure about work experience. If they like you, but cut up rough about the reference, why not suggest a 3-month probation period or something? Also I'd suggest going for an organisation with an occupational health department so you can discuss requirements in depth with them without the interviewers knowing about it?

I don't have any requirements, the lead aprons at work and being on my feet all day won't be a problem in an office.

Don't tell them.

If you do say you are looking for an easier job due to MS you'll get in the "no" pile faster than you can say it.

Just say your fecked off with NHS culture and cost cutting. They'll buy that.

There are times in life when honesty is not the best policy.

They will look into my sickness record probably though, it's really not good.

I was in a not dissimilar position (not so bad) recently. I put a note in to explain that the health issues that had caused me to take time off were now resolved, due to the intervention of the Occupational Health service (public sector body), and the other Occupational Health service were happy to accept this and implement the recommendations. And actually, the new job really has sorted out most of the health problems anyway.

Could you put a note in to say that due to NHS policy and rigorous safety guidelines on working with patients, you had been repeatedly asked to take sick leave when in another job, you would have gone into work?

That's a good plan

I was thinking a bit more about this, and I agree with Maktaitai and KickButtovski.

I think that you don't mention it in your initial application if possible (I think I had to bring a health form to the interview that was then sent to Occupational Health), and you need to go in to interview looking absolutely fabulous, bursting with health and energy, glossy well-cut hair, make up, well-fitting suit etc.

You want them to go away thinking 'God, the NHS are ridiculous, not letting that perfectly healthy woman come into work'

It might also be worth putting some sport or physical activity as a hobby on your CV, to emphasise that you're fine and healthy - I've found in the past that I can cycle without much difficulty when I'm finding it overly tiring to walk.

Thankyou.