Long term unemployment job application

[PureBlackVoid]

I am helping someone who has been unemployed for over 5 years, with a job application. They left their last post due to ill health.

The application is for a local authority, no CVs and the application requires a personal statement to match the job spec etc.

When I write my own applications, I usually lead with something along the lines of ‘I am currently in X job so I can do Y’ and I have only ever had to explain a gap of a couple of months between jobs, following redundancy for example.

I’m not sure whether to lead with the last job role (relevant to the application) and then say the reason for leaving, and something along the lines of ‘now health has improved I want to return to this career path’ etc? Would highlighting the ill health be viewed negatively (I know legally it shouldn’t be, but in practice not always the case)

I wouldn't mention the gap at all.
I recently applied for a job like this and printed the job spec and highlighted the key words and competencies.
I then took my time drafting what I was going to say relating to each point and ticking them off when I was satisfied I'd covered that point.
Sentences like "in a previous role I did (task) with a brief explanation of duties.

You could start with "I am applying for the role of ___ as I believe my experience and skill set align well with the job description" then go on to list the points against the job spec.

Could end with you are enthusiastic about the chance to join _ team and mention the company values etc and how you feel (positive) in relation to them. You look forward to hearing from them Soon.

These are the best type of application imo as you don't need a cv so don't have to explain yourself or any gaps, you let your experience and skills speak for themselves in whatyou've written.
Take your time and do it slowly, it's your chance to sell yourself.

You = your friend.
Good luck

Thank you