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How to explain a 3-year gap (because of health issues) on my resume (developer)?

by lohengramm on 6/29/20, 7:06 PM with 3 comments

My work experience as a software engineer goes from 2008 to 2017, and there it stops because of health issues, so it's been three years without working. Now I must get back to work. So I've just picked up my old resume in order to rewrite it, and realized I have no idea on how I'm going to explain that. On one hand it seems there's no other way besides telling the truth, but on the other hand it feels like my resume will just be ignored. Should I place it like that:

<hiatus+explanation> <job N> ... <job 2> <job 1>

Or should I write it before/after the jobs listing? Or should I just omit it?

  • by iwd on 6/29/20, 7:28 PM

    There's no perfect answer here, because different people will have different reactions to whatever approach you take.

    So what follows is just an opinion. I work at a large biotech company, and sometimes hire engineers. Personally, I would like to see an entry in your job list in appropriate chronological order, with a very brief explanation. Many people have to take a break, whether for raising children, caring for family, or dealing with health issues. As a hiring manager, a gap in your job history with an explanation like that is less concerning to me than a completely unexplained gap.

    If you can truthfully indicate the issue is resolved and won't impact you in a future job, great; if not, just stop with the explanation of the gap.

  • by giantg2 on 6/29/20, 8:34 PM

    I would ommit it but be ready to explain it.

    They aren't generally allowed to ask about your health to prevent discrimination. I think you could say something like "I had to take some time off to take care of a sick family member". It's technically the truth as you are a member of your family, but should prevent discrimination.

  • by sharemywin on 6/29/20, 7:45 PM

    if you have marketable skills. I would look into contracting. or contract to hire. a lot times you by pass HR that way.

    you can be straight up with the contracting recruiter and they might even help you with what to say on your resume.

    Also, they can guide you on what opportunities might be a problem and which ones won't

    I opened a mortgage company a couple of years ago and got back into software development. The contracting company did care and the company eventually hired me.