How to explain multi year break from school?
Hi,
I'm usually extremely healthy, I run a six minute mile, my blood/urine results are perfect, a healthy and strong heart, I have low body fat. A year ago, I had a really bad cold, that, combined with the extreme heat of the area I had been in, kind of exposed other health issues (mainly a very treatable skin issue, and a hormone, cortisol issue), and I had to take a leave of absence for health reasons from school. I've been to a bunch of doctors and while they think something is wrong, they're unsure of what exactly (they're ruled out cancer, and major similar diseases) and I'm going to undergo a bunch of tests pretty soon. I'm a sophomore in college. Although, I can still return to school, it might turn into a two-year break. What should I say during interviews? But this past cycle, I applied for a dozen companies (only top BBs, EBs), and was first rounded for around 80 percent of them, and had in person, virtual, and phone interviews. Based on this, I can imagine the big concern is the gap on my resume, but otherwise, my resume is really strong.
Any ideas on how to explain this, or things to keep in mind would be really amazing! I'm thinking of just finding new things to do during this break from school, so there isn't a gap, but some of my old experiences are kind of strong, and I don't think I'll have the opportunity to do something as strong as those again.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some strategies to explain a multi-year break from school during interviews:
Be Honest but Strategic:
Highlight Continuous Learning and Development:
Focus on Your Strengths:
Prepare a Cohesive Resume Walkthrough:
Show Resilience and Determination:
Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions:
By following these strategies, you can address the gap on your resume confidently and focus on your strengths and readiness to return to school and work.
Sources: Running out of time and options in a big, big way; have no idea what to do; losing my mind, How do you CRUSH your interviews?, Fit/Behavioral Interviews - A Crash Course, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1, Q&A: I just conducted interviews in 4 Superdays
Just tell the truth. You had to take leave for serious medical reasons. No interviewer is gonna ask further questions and if they do you probably don’t wanna work for that bank imo.
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