Job interview today, left last job 'cause of illness, what do I say?

Question

I have a job interview today. I left my last employer last August because I became extremely sick and was unable to work. My employer ended up laying me off (which I checked and it is legal in my state). I've received treatment and completely well and ready to go back to work. I have been planning on telling the truth by saying that I left my last job because I took a medical leave to recieve treatment and that my employer couldn't go that long without someone in my place (I was only employee). But now I've received treatment and completely over my illness and ready to go back to work. My last interview that is what I said but I didn't get the job, but the competition for it was extremely fierce so I dont know if thats why I didnt get it. And the interviewer seemed to understand but I dont know. Should I stick to my explaination or go with something else? Thank you in advance!!

Answer 1

What you do first is get your former employer to agree to what reason is to be stated for why you left your last job. I the interview, that is exactly what you state and if they make a reference check, the former employer will back it up. That's it! The more serious concern may be if the potential employer asks what the nature of your condition is or was. That's may be tricky to answer, if you choose to.

Resigning a position due to a medical condition is not altogether a bad reason. It happens all the time and, in most cases, the potential employer shouldn't be concerned if you state that the condition not longer exists. So long as the former employer says you were a good employee, that's good enough. It would be a different matter if you still had the medical condition but you don't so it's no big deal. Note, if an employer asks what the medical condition was, you are not required to reveal it. Medical conditions are morally and legally confidential. You cannot demand an employee to disclose it or provide medical documentation. It is your civil right to keep your medical condition private. The only questions an employer can ask are: does it still exist and if so, will it affect your work or require any accommodations? That's it. They cannot demand you disclose what your condition is or was. The accommodations may be, time off for medical appointments, special chair, time for a nap in the afternoon, ...

I have a medical condition but I choose to disclose it. I suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but I'm not embarassed about it. I tell both the interviewer and the HR rep. It's because I do need accommodations at work and it's better to let the employer know what the medical condition is so it's not so mysterious. The problem in my case isn't the disorder, it's the medication. It causes severe somnolence, opposite if insomnia. Makes me oversleep. So I need flexible hours and a bed at work in case I need to crash.

-- Liam

Answer 2

Explain to the person at your interview, you had to leave your job because of an illness you had [state the illness if you can]. Then your boss couldn't go long enough to not have you, your boss' only employee, so he [or she] let you go. You got better, and you're ready to go back to work. The illness won't be back, and you won't have to leave this job because of it.
Good luck, and I hope you get the job.

Answer 3

Do not reveal your medical information to anyone. They legally do not need to know and you are not legally obligated to tell them. Remember, you are competing against dozens and sometimes hundreds of other people. Never put yourself at a disadvantage by telling them about an illness, that in their eyes, (correctly or not) could flare back up and cause you to go on a medical leave at their company. See my point? Never lie, but you were laid off. If they ask for a reason, you can tell them you had a family/personal emergency you were forced to deal with. Your employer was less than sympathetic and you decided not to return.

Please, do not reveal medical issues in an interview. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong in saying you took an extended medical leave for a condition that has now been completely resolved. If you are the best person for the job, your medical history should not keep anyone from hiring you, and in fact it is illegal to discriminate for bona-fide health conditions under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Answer 5

I'd say stick with the truth. You never know if they'll call your previous employer to ask for a reference, and you don't want to be caught out in a lie. Just be honest.

Answer 6

Your explanation is fine. If you say it that way (you've received treatments and are cured), it should not be a problem.

Yes, some people might worry that you'll get sick again. But, as you know, that makes no sense.

Answer 7

job interview today left job illness

Answer 8

Simply say that "it was a medical issue that has since been resolved." Do not make it personal and leave it short and sweet. That way you give the impression that its not a big deal now and no longer affects you.