Sick leave & job interviews

[Swanlake123]

Just a quick question regarding job interviews and references. Earlier this year I was off for around 8 weeks including my staggered return due to numerous illness which all stemmed from a very servere case of peritontis, I unfortunately also suffered blood poisoning etc so was poorly and off work for quite a long time. I am currently looking for a new job and wondered if my work was to ask how many absenses I'd had in the last year, if this would count as just one? As although I was off for a long time it was only a bout of sickness as I was off the whole time with no going back and getting signed off again. Obviously if I was to be questioned I wouldn't lie and would explain, but if they were to see on paper I have only worked 3/4 of the this year it doesn't look great! Thanks in advance

It would count as one instance but they usually ask for how long as well- one serious absence is better than multiple days here and there for vague self certified illnesses. Obviously you had a good reason for being off so I wouldn't worry- do you have any ongoing issues that might mean you'd need to take more time off?

Peppermint is right about one serious absence being much more acceptable than lots of short ones. Please don't be tempted to lie - I had someone working for me who decided to apply for the job of her dreams. I gave her a great reference, which is what she deserved. But ... the question one the reference form asked how many days she'd been off sick in the previous 12 months and I answered accurately (something like 23 days IIRC, mostly in 1s and 2s). She had a great interview and soon got a letter offering her the job subject to references being checked. Job offer was withdrawn because she had only admitted to about 10 days sick, and honesty was a priority for the new employers.

You don't need to lie. It was one of those things, in fact telling the whole truth could go in your favour as they'll know it was a one off. I can't see any employer holding that against you.