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.

 

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

 

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