Long term unemployment

[Notemployed]

Anyone get a job with an organisation such as nhs / civil service when being unemployed for 6 months plus? They ask about gaps on cv and it worries me. I feel I can do the jobs , but I feel don’t stand a chance . Left last job and have had no luck so far. Would have done things differently if I had known.

Any experiences from recruiters or job seekers welcome .

Yes I got offered a job with the NHS after a long period of unemployment and when asked I just said " I was unemployed and looking for work during this time". I had to provide proof by showing UC statement and it was all fine.

@GoldLeafTree Thank you that is reassuring.

Civil service Recruiters won’t care about gaps in your CV, it doesn’t work like that. Recruitment looks at your suitability for the role.

You should always address cv gaps with a short explanation, “unemployed looking for work” is fine, basically just confirm you weren’t in prison!

They might ask for proof at referencing stage but you won’t be judged by it unless there is some nefarious reason for your unemployment eg you were convicted for fraud so were sacked.

@Notemployed I wouldn't perceive 6 months as long term unemployed, so please don't be hard on yourself. And don't think of it as a stigma. This day and age, gaps in employment are less important than whether you have the right skills for the job being interviewed for.

Public Sector security checks and references largely focus on a gap that turns out to be serious such as a dismissal. If you cover the situation with a plausible and truthful way of explaining your gap, which could be something bland like "I had a short term family matter to help with" or "I took a gap to complete some training", or even "period of unemployment", it is unlikely you would be questioned. The CS likes to encourage diversity, which means accepting that "Life happens".