How to explain this CV gap?

[christmastreewithhairyfairy]

I left a high stress job situation early this year and took 5 months off. I am now in a contract role but will need to start looking for new jobs soon and am wondering what to put at the reason(s) for the gap.

The actual reasons were complicated:

• a health problem that wasn't life-limiting in itself, but needed surgery and about 4 weeks recovery.
• kicked off having DC1 assessed for SNs
• DC2 suddenly having a hard time at nursery and not wanting to go in. I cut the nursery hours to only the free ones to spend more time at home with them
• the situation at my previous work (that caused me to leave) had a big effect on me and my self-esteem had taken a big knock.
• I was having a few career coaching sessions and generally trying to get my life and confidence back on track.

Each of these on their own I could have worked around, with a part time role even, but with everything going on i couldn't face throwing a new job into the mix.

Apart from DC1's assessment, which is chugging along slowly as these things do, none of them are still issues and I feel ready to apply for perm roles.

What do I put about the gap that doesn't make me sound flaky?

You took time off to manage a health issue that is now completely resolved. You then took advantage of not having a work commitment to spend an extra few months at home with your child as a treat for you both.

I don't think I would question such a relatively small gap if you're working now. I'd probably assume you couldn't find work rather than weren't looking.

Thank you both.

Youllnever - do you mean that's what I should say in person, or on CV?

Fresh - that's interesting. In your opinion is it better to look like I was unemployable rather than not looking?

I wouldn't address a gap that small on a CV.

Prepare an answer for during interview - possibly a different one for each interview depending on the role/company culture.

I was on an interview panel a few months ago, where not one but two applicants had 9-12 month recent gaps for 'adult gap years'. I was a bit baffled but no-one else seemed bothered.

adult gap years! I could do with one of those

Thanks all - I have left it unsaid on CV but will have an answer ready for interview, if I get any...

Yes, give your reasons in person, if asked, not on your CV

I wouldn't think you were unemployable at all - you're currently working for a start. I also had a period of unemployment following redundancy, it's pretty common.

Good luck!

It's honestly not a long time, no serious employer would question that.

It's very easily answered as well.