![]() ![]() While experienced and well-trained HR professionals are unlikely to overstep, some hiring managers may be tempted to ask probing questions to show empathy or interest (or just to satisfy their curiosity). ![]() Tough choices and emotional stories have a way of drawing people in. Your goal is to address the question and turn the conversation back to your skills, qualifications, and professional potential. They are factual, direct, and positively charged. What makes these responses effective? They provide just enough color to eliminate second-guessing, while strategically leaving out deeply personal details that might make a hiring manager uncomfortable. From what I've learned about this position, I believe I have a lot to contribute.” I am glad that I got the chance to spend my time taking care of him, but now I am ready to return to my professional role. “My dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness last year. Here's why I think this role at your company would be a great fit for both of us.” I feel great about that decision, but I am equally excited about the opportunity to come back to the workforce. “When my son was born, I chose to stay at home and focus on raising him until he was old enough to start school. Short and sweet is often a great way to start but be ready to elaborate if needed. In the end, your goal is to find the words that convey your values and frame the experience in the way that moves you towards your goal. Some candidates find it helpful to write out their responses to the difficult interview questions they expect to field, while others prefer to role-play with a trusted friend to try out different question-and-answer strategies. How do you handle a tough question while maintaining composure and a professional demeanor? Talking about this experience with a stranger might make you feel vulnerable, uncomfortable, or even teary-eyed. Your decision to stay at home and become a caregiver involved sacrifices, sleepless nights, and emotional upheaval. This is particularly true if you expect having to explain a deeply personal and emotional decision. However, skipping interview prep altogether will likely backfire. Most interview experts will tell you to not over-rehearse responses to specific interview questions at the risk of sounding robotic and rote. It will also allow you to walk into the interview with genuine confidence and excitement about what's next. This internal acceptance should eliminate the temptation to apologize to anyone for that choice. Remember that you have made the best possible decision given the circumstances at the time. No matter what your emotional mix is, acknowledge it and accept it. There might be some sadness at having missed out on career opportunities or anxiety at the financial consequences of not working for several months or years. You must allow yourself time and space to reflect on what has happened and to integrate it into the complete picture that describes you as a human and as a professional.Īs you do this, you may experience pride at having made the right choice. This might sound like advice from a therapist but don't discard it as “too fluffy” for interview prep. Here's your map for explaining your employment gaps and navigating the path to your next career success. However, preparing for the interview has its own set of underwater currents and obstacles to avoid. Addressing the employment gap on your resume is the first step. While there is strength in numbers, it's not uncommon for professionals during the job search to feel alone and lost during the all-important career re-entry process. If you're dreading the unavoidable interview question about your caregiving employment gap, you are not alone. An additional quarter of respondents have not had to take this step yet, but foresee it in their future. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, nearly one in four adults have stayed at home and taken a career break to take care of a family member. ![]() If you are feeling nervous about heading into that first job interview after you've taken time off to care for a child, spouse, or ailing family member, take a deep breath. ![]() Here's your blueprint for acing the interview! Caregiving-related absence can make you feel ill-equipped for tough questions. ![]()
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