Sickness record when hiring

[smurfgirl]

If you were interviewing for a graduate type position - what would flag up problems for you in terms of sickness? Do you mind what the sickness is for (do you find out)?

I am thinking about having a week or two off on sick, but will be looking for a job as a newly qualified nurse in May time so I don't want to ruin my job chances.

I have minimal sickness during the course, maybe 2-3 days since September 05.

"I am thinking about having a week or two off on sick," - any particular reason? Just seems an odd think to be planning.

I have a lot of sickness over the past year including several 1-2 days here and there, and then two longer periods of time off more recently (7 weeks and 9 weeks). Although they are related to ne another and th longer peropds covered with sick notes afte my ops, I dread looking for another job - as I knw the level os sickness will be flagged up.

mental health stuff hulababy so i can (to an extent) make the decision for myself

You are 'thinking about having a week or two off on sick?' I've not heard that one before!

In terms of what would concern me as a potential employer, lots of one or two days are more of a concern most of the time than long periods.

Long periods I would want to know why and if the problem had been resolved, and would probably require a medical to confirm that there are no outstanding issues to be concerned about. So if someone has a few weeks off with a broken leg for example, I am not going to hold it against them, whereas I might if they seem to be prone to tummy bugs or headaches on a Monday morning, for example..

So if the week or two you are thinking about having is because you are thinknig about breaking your leg or something, that's fine, otherwise I would be careful.

x-post

Ah right - sorry, didn't mean to pry. So long as sickness is covered with a medical note it is generally okay. I suppsoe with somehing like nursing they may look into reasons, but your GP has the discretionto be a bit vague with his wording - mne was for me.

I interview and recruit in the NHS - the forms for the candidates we want to progress go to Occ Health and they (hopefully) approve it - I don't know what the sickness is unless the candidate tells me - which they usually do. Mental health related absence wouldn't deter me from employing someone - if you feel you are fit to work then I'll take your (and Occ Health's) word for it - but it would concern me for your welfare as a lot of jobs in the NHS are very high stress

Thanks.

I am under mega stress at the moment - but its not related to the work, so much as any more stress makes things harder.

If I chose to take some time out I can and thats ok, so its about what I pick so at the moment the ball is in my court but I am very aware of my sickness record and throughout the course have worked hard to keep it looking really good.