These days, people lose their jobs because of down-sizing, mergers, acquisitions - and poor performance. Job security and the resulting job loyalty are a thing of the past.
This is good news for you if you have a "wavy" career history for whatever reason – and especially if you live with chronic illness.
"Wavy" means that you:
- Have been or are currently under-employed.
- Have periods of unemployment.
- Have changed jobs frequently without career improvement.
Chronic illness often leads to this kind of career path because it typically limits what a person can do.
This increases a person’s insecurity around competence and skills. Many of my clients, folks living with chronic illness and worrying about their jobs/careers, get stuck here. They’re unable to look for a job because they’re scared about having to explain their history.
2 Considerations
It’s easy to understand being concerned that having an imperfect employment could be difficult to explain, but ask yourself, "What can I do with what I’ve got?"
Here are two things to consider:
First, how can you use the market changes to your advantage?
It’s increasingly common for someone to opt out of traditional employment to raise children or to be self employed. There are organizations where this might be perceived as a lack of commitment. There are clearly places that want a square peg in a square hole.
But, like the parent returning to the workforce or the self-employed worker looking to get back into the corporate setting, your best bet is to look for the organization that sees opportunity in your background. Ask yourself: how can I apply this to my situation?
Second, how can you expand your search beyond the obvious?
Just recently, a client with a wavy and diverse background landed a job that she describes as "beyond her dreams." She had spent several years to become trained in Medical Billing Coding.
After a few months of searching for a job that had the flexibility she needs, she landed a job teaching medical coding. She hadn’t thought to look for this kind of job until it showed up on a job board and even then, delayed applying because of her background. But her professionally prepared resume, years of volunteer work speaking to groups, and her training in this highly specific skill got her an interview. The rest is "history."
3 Major Pitfalls
Over the years, I’ve identified 3 pitfalls to avoid in your resume when you live with chronic illness and have employment gaps:
- Don’t include anything about illness or even visible disability on your resume — unless you are absolutely clear it is an asset in getting the job.
- Don’t lie or even stretch the truth, but consider what tasks during unemployment could be viewed as career-building activities— even if you rarely left your house!
- Don’t let your shame or disappointment in yourself stop you from applying for a job – even if you don’t believe you have a shot.
Bottom Line
Like anyone who has strayed from a traditional career/employment path, you can explore how to focus on what you are capable of doing now and what you believe your future holds. In most situations, your resume is your shot at wedging a toe in the door of a prospective employer. It must showcase your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
For More Information
Finally, here are some references – not illness specific but very useful — that can help you write that resume on your own, if you choose to:
- In "Disguising Employment Gaps on Your Resume," Susan Ireland writes that most employers “don’t like gaps”. She offers 4 helpful tips for dealing with employment gaps.
- In "Explaining the Gap," tips include explaining the gap in the interview (rather than on the resume), downplaying dates and using recessions to your advantage.
- In "How to Explain a Gap in Employment," there are 7 good ideas. My favorites are: practicing w/a friend, don’t let it make you so nervous you overlook your strengths, and be honest and succinct about the gap.
© Copyright, 2011, Rosalind Joffe. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
------------------------------
About This Author:
Rosalind Joffe is a recognized national expert on chronic illness in the workplace. As a leading career coach specializing in working with the chronically ill, she has been quoted in numerous national publications and media. Rosalind holds a Masters in Education, is a certified Mediator, and has completed the Corporate Coach University certificate program. Rosalind's website ciCoach.com (Chronic Illness Career Coach) offers advice and resources for people working with chronic illnesses. She also publishes a widely read blog, WorkingWithChronicIllness. In addition, find more of Rosalind's insights at Facebook.com/cicoach and on Twitter @WorkWithIllness.
