How to Answer: Can you please explain the gap in your employment history?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a NHS Band 6 Administrator job interview.
16. Can you please explain the gap in your employment history?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Sometimes, candidates have a gap in their employment history for various reasons. Perhaps you took time off to raise a family, care for ageing parents, pursue higher education, or volunteer overseas. The interviewers are curious why you took time off to see if that will be a continuing habit if hired for the position. Unless the gap was due to a personal issue, such as a mental health crisis, share why there is a gap on your resume and assure the interviewers that you will be a long-term employee if hired for the NHS Band 6 Administrator position.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I would be happy to explain. There was a one-year employment gap after I obtained my college degree because I spent that time caring for my father, who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. My father lived alone, and I wanted to be the one to care for him during his last months. His doctors had given him 8-12 months to live, and I couldn't care for him if I were working. My employer would not allow me to take an extended leave of absence, so I had to resign. That is the only gap in my employment history, and I would make the same decision if I had to do it over again. Spending that last year with my father was extremely important to me."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 15th, 2023