I have questions about writing a resume.....please read on.?

Question

I have a 2 year gap in my work history. During this time I was in drug and alcohol rehab, and ended up in a work release program, where I worked a couple of jobs and was incarcerated. This all occured out of state. How do I account for this time period; 1 - without drawing attention to my criminal history, or 2 - that I lived out of state. I dont want to lie, but dont want to be too honest either. Any suggestions. By the way I have been clean now for over 3 years, and do not live the same lifestyle as before.

Answer 1

Just tell the truth. You might lose out on some jobs but when you do get one you won't be worrying about being found out all the time.

Answer 2

My suggestion is to be as honest as possible because that information will come in an interview and background check anyway ( if it was criminal). On your resume you can keep the work gap, but they will ask you about this on a pre screen phone call before setting up an interview or during the interview process. At that time is when you need to be 100% honest. Do not lie to them and do not lie when filling out an application because they will terminate you for falsifying your application if and when they find out.
You were concerned about your resume and I don't think you should be as concerned as when you have an interview with a company because that is when they will question you about the gap and that is when you need to be honest.
We all have pasts, some harder and worse then others, but that doesnt mean you wont get a job. You just have to find the right one, and because you do have a past it may take you a little longer.
Good luck

Answer 3

I wouldn't know how you can best do this but it seems to me that a counselor at rehab should be able to advise you. To lie is never a good idea. You have no idea how small the world is.

Just had a thought - could you not say something like "incapcitated, in rehab." This would imply some sort of illness or surgery recovery, but you could then be completely honest when called in for a personal interview.

You might consider getting a few letters of recommendation attesting to your new lifestyle and reputation for having rehabilitated. These letters should be signed by the writer and in a sealed envelope for the interviewer to open.

Surely, anyone who knows that you turned your life around - a pastor, doctor, etc. would be willing to sign a couple of letters for you to cover more than one interview.

Good luck.

Answer 4

1] I'd give her an empty box. I love pushing her buttons. 2] If she was murdered she'd probably say something like, "F_ck you," laughing. If it were some type of illness or accident, "Time to face the madness." Which wouldn't make sense because she's actually no longer going to be facing the madness, but she'd say it anyway. 3] Hm, she has a symbol on her necklace. (Thorny* vines wrapping around the sun and moon) Which pretty much represents the story, in a weird metaphorical way, that I'm hoping will result in people going, "OH! I get it!" at some point. Probably not. But personality wise, a snake. * Thorned is not a word? Lol.. I always say "thorned vines" Apparently you can't just make up words. Or maybe..

Answer 5

I know of quite a few people in your situation and when they left things out of their resume or embellished on the truth, it eventually came out in the long run. So I'd say be honest ! It also depends on what area of employment you are going to work in, some require more extensive background checks than others!

Answer 6

Just say you were doing voluntary work in a drug rehab centre. explain that you had a close personal relitive who had difficulty and that you felt obliged to do your bit