Applying for jobs after long term illness

[Pennies]

I have been having treatment for breast cancer for most of this year but have now finished that and need to get myself back to real life. I don't want to go back to my original job (not sure that the business is viable) so i'm looking at applying for a new job (teaching assistant).

The thing is do I have to say on my application form why I left my old job (i.e. due to illness). I'm really worried that it will kybosh any chances of getting employed.

Hi. I believe the law changed on 1/10/10. They cannot ask you about illness or sick leave when applying for a job. I believe they can ask after a job is offered via a confidential occupational health questionaire, but the aim of that is to establish any reasonable adaptations that may need to be executed to allow you to do the job.

Explaining a break in a CV is always difficult. If you don't wish to discuss your illnes as a reason for why you left your old job, perhaps suggest that you wished to take a career break.

Obviously an employer likes to know why you left your old job and some application forms ask, but you don't have to disclose your illness.

You have stated that the business you worked for may not be viable and that is your primary reason for not returning.

How about something along the lines of:

"I have recently taken a career break and subsequently decided not to return to my previous role. My decision not to return is driven by my concerns about the viability of the company and the subsequent security and longevity of future employment there"

Or words to that effect.

I am sure somebody will come along soon with a better suggestion than I have given soon.

Good luck!

PS Really glad that the treatment was successful and you have made a full recovery. That's brilliant news.

The thing is I still have to attend medical appointments which shouldn't clash with work at all so I feel I need to be a bit upfront. Also saying that the previous business is a bit wobbly wouldn't be ideal as it's a well known business in the area.

Thanks for the good wishes.

Did you actually leave your old job, or were you employed but on long term sick.

If you left, I would be inclined to say that you left because you were receiving treatment for breast cancer and, now you have the all clear, you are looking for a change in career direction. That explains both the CV gap and the decision. TBH, most employers wouldn't have an issue with someone in your situation - it's potential repeated absences that cause issues (hence it now being banned to actively ask about health at the application stage in most cases).

If you were on long term sick, why not just say that you are looking for a change in direction?