How to explain a 2 year employment gap between college graduation and 1st job bc of illness?
So I graduated from college (UC Berkeley) in 2010. I was unemployed for two years because I was diagnosed with a serious neurological illness and wasn't able to work. I rejoined the workforce in 2012 and have worked for five years at my company (Oracle Corporation) as a sales rep, and have experienced solid career progression and several promotions. I recently submitted my profile for review, and you guys thought I was M7 and MBB material without this info (I can't link it unfortunately, but look at my post history).
For the record, I still have the illness, but have recuperated and am able to work fully with minor accommodations. If you want to know what it is, it's MS, although I'd rather not elaborate in my app. Having said that, during those two years, I honestly didn't do anything, and spent most of my time lying down in bed. I got a good job after 2 years and resumed my heavy activity afterward though.
On my resume, I just mention my college and list my Oracle job, so maybe some will think I just left "off" my first job or something.
Resume Assistance: Employment gap from injury (Originally Posted: 03/21/2018)
I need to add my career ending injury to my resume now that the gap is significant. I've looked everywhere for a proper answer to my situation below, but can't seem to find a somewhat definitive answer. I had posted previously about this when I thought I was recovered (I wasn't) but I am now 100% healed from back surgery many months later than expected. *Please look at my example below *
My resume has a 6+ month gap in it due to a spine injury. While in my original post when the gap was smaller, I agree it wasn't necessary to bring up, but now I feel it is necessary to reference the reason for my extended unemployment.
Have any of you had a similar experience/reviewed a candidates resume with this situation.
Quickly Written Sample below, thoughts?
Career Break due to Injury September 2017 - February 2018
* Had X Injury preventing me from being able to sit or stand, forcing me to reluctantly leave my position at Z which allowed me to eventually received a proper diagnosis, recovering fully after surgery * Spent my period of disability proactively by studying in-depth finance subjects, credit valuation techniques, and completed courses in A and B by ABC * Created an intensive Excel model for a portfolio manager using sophisticated pricing theories to identify undervalued and overvalued bonds to aid in the company's investment process
I also did a lot more, but don't want more overkill than the above. Would edit it on my resume accordingly to fit with the role applying for obviously. My general thought is to add (in the experience section of resume, and job section on Linkedin) something that discusses why I took the break, and what I did during my disability to strengthen my analysis. I feel adding what I did proactively will be a plus, however I may want to limit how sever my injury sounds as employers may think I am a liability.
*While I don't think the post is necessary for jobs I have networked significantly for, I do feel that for recruiters viewing my profile/jobs that I don't have a proper relationship with, I will be at a disadvantage and many will ignore my cover letter (which explains my situation) as my resume shows a large unemployment gap. *
Thank you for any input.
Sorry to hear about the injury - glad to hear you're better now.
I would leave it off your linkedin/resume. I think this is a case (to your point), where networking hard is going to be the best lever to pull. While it is a completely understandable reason for the employment gap, it may prematurely raise concerns about whether or not you're really back to 100%. Conveying the context in person/on the phone is generally much more compelling, and you'll have the opportunity to remove any concerns more effectively
Help justifying CV gap due to illness (Originally Posted: 02/24/2017)
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