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arrianalexander

Hi

Look for a bit of guidance on what i should or shouldnt put down on my CV

Working since I was 18, 2001 without a break until 2016, majority of this was in retail sector, (ranging from sales, stock control, managament, training)

In Feb 2016, the company I worked with closed. I did a small computer course after and in Approx July 16 took up a job in call centre. Didn't work out mainly due to health reason and I left in Oct 16.

After taking time off , I went to college in Sept 17 and finished the course with distinction in June. There was an option for second year but the course wasn't what I wanted, but I finished it anyways as I thought it would look better to have completed and passed acourse I signed up for rather then just stopping.

I would of start to look for work after course but it was 3 weeks before I got married and a honeymoon after so I didn't feel was appropriate to look for work and then require time off etc.

Do I put the job I took in July 16 down on my CV. Or leave it out. If I put it down they will question while I left so soon and although I could explain this in an interview, that is only possible if i get called for an interview.

The health reason I left was due to mental health and I am also concerned this will impact on an employer's view when coming to hire me. Obviously my doctor can cert me ok and the fact I completed a year's course demonstrates that I am ok and fit to work again, but It is a concern, though I would always be upfront about it.

thanks in advance

seamus

It's really up to you. You don't put the reason for leaving on your CV, so it wouldn't come up until the interview stage.

You could put it in and if the question comes up, you can explain that you were attempting to balance the job and the college course, but it was too difficult and you had to pack it in.

But if the call centre role is of no benefit to you in applying for a given role, it's easier to leave it off.

arrianalexander

seamus wrote: »

It's really up to you. You don't put the reason for leaving on your CV, so it wouldn't come up until the interview stage.

You could put it in and if the question comes up, you can explain that you were attempting to balance the job and the college course, but it was too difficult and you had to pack it in.

But if the call centre role is of no benefit to you in applying for a given role, it's easier to leave it off.

It probably won't as I didn't enjoy the call centre environment, I would just be concerned about leaving the gap between , Feb 16 and then starting college in Sept 17

The computer course I did in Feb 16 was only a 3 month course

seamus

arrianalexander wrote: »

It probably won't as I didn't enjoy the call centre environment, I would just be concerned about leaving the gap between , Feb 16 and then starting college in Sept 17

Employers don't really care about gaps in CVs any more. The world has moved on from "stay in a job at all costs" and employers acknowledge that people go off travelling or take time off to mind kids/family members. And especially during and after the recession, it's common to see someone out of work for a few months.

In your case, you finished your computer course, then didn't see the point in starting another job as you knew you were starting college in September.

FWIW, I think you're right - while on paper employers can't/don't/shouldn't discriminate against you for having health problems, in reality they do. Mental health in particular.

duffman13

arrianalexander wrote: »

It probably won't as I didn't enjoy the call centre environment, I would just be concerned about leaving the gap between , Feb 16 and then starting college in Sept 17

The computer course I did in Feb 16 was only a 3 month course

It's a long gap to be fair. I'd notice it and it would be questioned by most interviewers. You can leave it off and explain it off by doing the courses while looking for work then taking up the full time job.

The main thing I'd take from yoyr CV is that you were working for 15 years straight through which would more than negate the gap in the CV

OMM 0000

I think it may be fair to say the gap was due to health reasons.

It is why you left the job.

So you could say you left due a health reason, but you are in full health again and it's all in the past.