How do I explain my absence in the work force to future employers?

Matthew T. Grant, PhD Minister of Enlightenment AQUENT

Question

How do I explain my absence in the work force to future employers? I do keep up through reading & webinars. I have done pro-bono work for friends & a volunteer organization. I am a very honest person, and have been advised not to say much, if at all about being injured. The explanations I have crafted are: 1) When I moved to CA with my husband, I had an injury which needed attention. I took my time getting back into the workforce & have kept up by reading, webinars, marketing for a volunteer organization & pro-bono work. 2) Upon moving to CA from the Midwest, I took time to take care of housing in both states & to get to know the area.

Answer

A couple years ago we worked with the Tuck School of Management and Work+Life Fit, Inc., to survey employers on issues related to workplace flexibility. 61% of respondents told us that the factor they considered most important when evaluating candidates who were returning to the workforce was whether or not these people possessed and up-to-date skill set. This means that your reasons for taking time off, whatever they may be, matter far less than the skills you are bringing to the job right now. When presenting your current qualifications to potential employers, focus on their currency. If the question concerning your absence arises, I think it would be enough to say, “I wanted to spend more time with my family and I had the opportunity to do so,” and leave it at that. (If you’d like to read more about our findings, you may do so here: http://www.aquent.com/aboutus/press/pressreleases/2006/092006release.html.)

Careers

How do I explain my absence in the work force to future employers?