Need help with Job application question

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I am applying to a start up junior level role. One the questions on application form is - if you had time, what skills would you be learning.

I am out of work for 4 years, no kids. I was trailing dh, complex personal issues, depression, try to set up a business which I gave up too early.

I think I can do that job well. But I feel sound hypocritical if I say I would learn x skills as I didn’t learn any.

Should I not apply to this role? And if I do how should I answer that question?

Would appreciate your suggestions.

I don't quite understand - what is the exact wording of the question?

yes please quote the questioned asked.
your answer or concept that you "didn't learn any" does not mesh with my interpretation of the question as you have written it.

Yes, it seems they’re asking what would you learn, not what have you learned. So it’s an opportunity to maybe pick something related to the area of work and say if I had time, I’d like to learn more about X, or further improve my skills in Y.

Does that make sense?

It’s a roundabout way of asking your weaknesses - answers I’ve regularly seen are related to Excel, Prince2 Project Management or computer programming langs.

Thanks all. Sorry, my post was confusing.

Question is -

1. If you had three months (full time) to learn a couple of new skills - what would you learn and why.

also another question -

1. Tell us about an impressive thing you've done (we always like to hear how you've used hustle, lateral thinking or bent the rules).

Looks like they are looking for someone very entrepreneurial. Does my break of 4 years and no skill gained in that period make me look like far from ideal candidate they are looking for.

I need some honest replies. Thanks again.

Well is there anything you'd like to learn? Preferably at least one thing relating to the job you're going for. Like advanced excel skills or word processing or whatever is applicable? Or something more like health and safety type stuff or something that would gain you something in a workplace.

I'd go for something a bit more quirky for the second one like juggling or something. With a comment about having do many balls in the air and relating it to do many tasks at once.

And you started up your own business you must have some kind of entrepreneurial story. Some hustling for business maybe? Creation of something?

Thanks Damia.
Does it seem like they would judge me for having 4 years break and not using that time to think what I want to do and learn required skills.

They have 3 more questions on form and if I have no chance I would use time and energy on other applications. That’s why I am asking.
I like the job.

I dont think they would judge you. If they did would you want to work there? They might ask what you did in your break if you get past this stage so prepare an answer. I mean anyone could have the desire to do a super expensive course and get a degree or whatever but not the funds to accomplish that even if they do have time.

In my opinion if you like the sound of a job then go for it. Tell yourself that they'd be lucky to have you and all you need to do is fill in this form and try to get them to realise that.

By the way I read somewhere that men are much more likely to apply for jobs where they only meet about half the requirements and that are large pay rises and will often fill in forms giving more exaggerated examples etc to stand out while women only apply if they meet every single criteria in and can answer every question on forms perfectly so they miss out on lots of opportunities (disclaimer not every man or woman)

Thanks Damia. By judging I mean rejecting application.
There are 5 questions. Each requires different type of examples, a lot of effort to answer specially for me. So if I have very low chances I would not spend time on this application.
To be honest I could afford a course but I was going through major depression.
You are right about men applying to roles where they only match half requirements. I think those people really believe in themselves. I have low confidence.
Reading your replies, I feel I need to be more positive. Thank you!!

i get the sense you're being your own worse enemy.
they will read your replies, and process your application but certainly won't "judge" you.
the answers need not be essays.
literally one sentence answers. the three month full time question for example; i would like to take a short intensive XYZ course to better understand ABC which could be useful in career goals. (think business writing, book keeping, or xeriscaping what ever works for you).

Thanks knitclubchatter. I explained by judge I meant reject application.
Honestly I don’t care if they judge me. Before we select or reject a candidate, we have some view on his / her profile, personality. I was trying to say they might think I am not driven because I didn’t use last 4 years to enhance my skills. It was a mistake to use the word judge.
It’s a long and lengthy application with other questions requiring more than a line as answers.

i'm sure over the four years you learned a few life lessons ;) and matured as a person.
put some time into the application and hope for the best.

To answer the first question you don't need to worry about what courses you have or haven't done, or what it would cost - it's a hypothetical question and I imagine they want to understand what interests you, how you'd like to develop your career/role, and your self awareness of your own skills/development areas.

For the second question, if you have been moving to and setting up life in a new country, and setting up a new business you will have plenty of challenges to deal with. Don't worry too much about sounding impressive - think about where you've had to be a bit creative to get something done, or something that was really difficult but you managed to make work.