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Original poster

Ready to return to workforce . How do I explain 4 year gap in CV

61 replies

Glitterball23 · 01/02/2024 12:08

Hi everyone

I stopped working in March 2020 .

I was completely burned out . I also struggled with my mental health and was eventually diagnosed with CPTSD.

I focussed on getting treatment for this . I was in and out of hospital for the last 4 years . I also attended different outpatient programs to address my mental health issues .

I also had physical health issues and had treatment for this , multiple operations etc

My question is what do I tell prospective employers to explain the 4 year gap . What do I put in my CV to explain the gap

I’m ready to start working again but am worried about explaining the 4 year gap

OP posts:

Neriah · 01/02/2024 18:44

asrarpolar · 01/02/2024 18:31

@Neriah yeah I would never have worked if I was honest

You obviously hadn't applied to me.

Original poster

Glitterball23 · 01/02/2024 19:14

Neriah · 01/02/2024 17:47

Love it. I'd never remember a lie either.

Is that date correct - March 2020? In which case I would agree the wording, or something like it. The date will have half or more people thinking you had long covid... it's one that elicits sympathy, and as long as you don't lie about it, what they think is irrelevant.

If you can include something positive like volunteering, charity work, even a hobby or two you learned, all the better. Bear in mind that some employers don't use CVs - we don't accept them. It's about skills on offer and experience.

Is also worth seeing if MIND or another such charity has any employment advisors or projects around. They often have links with sympathetic employers. The other place to try, if simply bring back into employment is the aim is the Jobcentre. I know they get a lot of flack, usually deserved. But there are some good programmes available for people who've had health problems of they are motivated to work. The problem with many of the programmes are that people are coerced on to them. But if you want to work, it may be right up your street.

Show quote history

Date is correct .
I had complicated physical health issues as a result of long Covid .

All in all a really dark time for me . I feel ready to go back to work now though

OP posts:

IlsSortLaPlupartAuNuitMostly · 01/02/2024 19:23

Temping is a good idea tbh if your skills allow it. It makes you a much safer bet when you're looking for a permanent job and allows you to test your own strength in a safer environment.

I'd be inclined to be quite open about the Long Covid issue. Lots of people know people who've had it and are now recovering. I personally wouldn't share about the PTSD at least until you've got the job and ideally not until you've passed probation on a permanent job, unless you need special adjustments for some reason.

Original poster

Glitterball23 · 01/02/2024 19:24

Castellanos · 01/02/2024 18:41

You had physical health issues as well? Multiple operations?

I imagine that was very stressful during covid and entirely understandable that it affected your mental health and you took an extended career break to recuperate and get your fitness back up.

It's your call, but if you're likely to have a pre-employment health check, I'd be honest and frame it in a positive way. If you are realistic in your capabilities now, and can demonstrate how you manage your health conditions well, it's more likely that any offers you get will be from places that will likely be supportive if you have a dip again in the future.

Yes physical issues too .

I didn’t have the headspace to work . I am getting support from a professional to get ready to return to work .

I am very proactive in managing my mental and physical health so I feel prepared to get back working . I worked in the tech industry .

My biggest worry was addressing the 4 year gap in a way that is positive and I don’t really want to make up stories like travelling , caring for a sick relative .

I did some ad hoc volunteering but it was ad hoc days here and there . Very minimal . Not sure I would bother putting those details in as I am sure it would be checked in a background check

OP posts:

Castellanos · 01/02/2024 19:33

Minus the first sentence, the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs of your last post would be perfect to include! Honestly, we are all human, and all susceptible to periods of ill health.

Covid had catastrophic effects on many of us. You'll have higher chances of finding a supportive workplace if you're honest. I've done it in the past. It might take a bit longer, or you might get fewer bites, but any interviews you get, you'll know you're already past the first hurdle. Many employers would prefer to know about health issues in advance, so they can plan as best they can and support you. You'd be more likely managed out if you have a flare up and they figure you've lied on your cv.

Volunteering/hobbies/starting with something well within your skill set is good advice. Stay positive and good luck!

Castellanos · 01/02/2024 19:39

And YY to including any voluntary stuff you've done - even if just for a day. It says a lot about someone that they did it at all.

PrawnDumplings · 01/02/2024 20:04

03/2020 - Present
Off work due to illness , have now made a full recovery

OP I would interview you with this short explanation on your cv if I liked the rest of it, it wouldn't make a difference.

I wouldn't ask you about it.

I'd tell them but keep it short/ vague.

PrawnDumplings · 01/02/2024 20:06

asrarpolar · 01/02/2024 17:10

Oh god yeah don't just put career break. They will assume you have been in prison.

Ha! I wouldn't assume this! But I'd ask about it.

If you said period of illness, then I wouldn't pry.

macedoniann · 01/02/2024 20:58

Glitterball23 · 01/02/2024 19:24

Yes physical issues too .

I didn’t have the headspace to work . I am getting support from a professional to get ready to return to work .

I am very proactive in managing my mental and physical health so I feel prepared to get back working . I worked in the tech industry .

My biggest worry was addressing the 4 year gap in a way that is positive and I don’t really want to make up stories like travelling , caring for a sick relative .

I did some ad hoc volunteering but it was ad hoc days here and there . Very minimal . Not sure I would bother putting those details in as I am sure it would be checked in a background check

Show quote history

I work in tech OP - were you in a technical or management role?
It's easier to return after a long gap in the latter. Maybe not the former depending on your skills. You'll have a better chance if you've kept up with personal projects.
Also not the point of this thread but if you don't find a job straightaway don't despair. It's a bad time now with all the layoffs and uncertainty but tech is, and has always been, boom bust. Nobody will think any less of you for taking on some other work while looking if you need to.

Original poster

Glitterball23 · 01/02/2024 20:59

macedoniann · 01/02/2024 20:58

Show quote history

Not a technical role . So many of my former colleagues have been let go so I know it’s tough out there

OP posts:

watermelonsugarmum · 28/03/2025 14:15

@Glitterball23 hi OP any updates I’m also in the same situation , were you able to get back into work ? I don’t have any references for the last few years either . I last worked in 2020 & I got made redundant during covid 19 & don’t know what to say or how to address the gap . Any advice pls let me know .

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