Will I have to explain at interview?

[chippyhips]

My last job ended April 3 months ago due to me being off sick for mental health reasons then handing my notice in.

Not the best decision in hindsight but I had a lot of personal issues going on and just couldn't go on in the job, I'm now doing a lot better mentally and eager to get back to work!

I have an interview on Monday for a similar role and was wondering if I'd have the explain this at interview? I'm assuming I will as they will ask why my last employment ended.

Any advice on explaining this without going in to too much detail but also assuring them I'm well now and know how to address previous issues and not let them effect my working life if the crop up again later on down the road.

You don't have to disclose it, I never did if they asked why my last job ended I just said I was looking for a new challenge etc it's really up to you and what you feel comfortable doing.

Call me a cynic but I don't think disclosing mental health problems in a interview leads to job offers in a lot of cases, even if they say they don't discriminate based on disability/mental health conditions.

As above use the new opportunity spiel.

If you find you're struggling after you've been there a while then you can raise it with your manager.

I didn't want to add as it's a bit outing - someone in the HR department from my previous job now works at this company.

I know they know about my previous issues, although not in detail (I don't think) and I know they shouldn't disclose anything but I'm worried they might. Certainly in my previous role I'd been aware of similar chat.

If you lie about your RFL and the new HR knows, they'll probably say something. If you're a bit woolly, they might not. As long as your references will stack up to what you say, you'll be OK I think.

Whether they should say something or not is a separate matter.

Just say you handed in your notice, perhaps say it wasn’t the right ‘fit’ or that you wanted a new challenge etc, and then talk about what it is that you’re looking for in a new role/new company. There are always reasons for leaving that people don’t mention (MH, stress, poor bosses, awful co-workers, etc) but that are the real reasons for leaving, so don’t feel like you have to disclose everything.

I would try to avoid discussing it at length, but would be prepared to be asked. I would say it wasn’t the right fit and you decided to have some time out for yourself.

Don't discuss. Just say you handed your notice in.

I would not mention your mental health issues. I know employers should not discriminate but unfortunately many still do.

Simply said that you wanted a new challenge and decided to leave to focus on your job search.

Or you could say you had personal issues to deal with that required you to take a small career break.

I was not asked why I left my last job, we're not at all interested. they just wanted to know why I wanted the job I applied for.

Definatly don't disclose MH as they could be likely to discriminate against you.

I'd say I left in April due to wanting a new challenge, and didn't want to rush into anything - you wanted to spend time finding the right role/company/best culture.

Wouldn't go into the MH issues to be honest.

I'd be tempted to say that you resigned as you had some issues you had to deal with at home or with family. You don't then have to elaborate.

That may cover you too as far as the member of staff who you used to work with!

I once said that I'd received an inheritance and was lucky enough to leave the role I wasn't satisfied in, and take some time out to travel and be with family.

Mine was MH issues too - not compulsive lying though, honest 🤣