How to explain time spent unemployed?

Nov 1, 2018 9 Comments

I was working at a FAANG (TC $240k) for 4 years but had a series of disasters in my personal life and have now been unemployed (my choice) for 2 years.

I'm finally interviewing again, but nervous about how employers will perceive my situation. Thoughts?

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  • Facebook fhaksoqbre
    tell them personal disaters and you took a break to handle them
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • Amazon dmbm345
    As a recruiter, I always appreciate when candidates are honest and transparent with me. I don’t need personal details on what happened or anything (and no recruiter should press you on that) but telling us that you had some personal challenges that required your full attention and you needed to take care of those. Bam. Done. That’s all we need to hear.

    I will add, however, that it may help your scenario if you talk about some of the things you’ve done recently as well. Talk about some recent Leetcoding or a personal project you’ve been working on so we feel like you’re actively working to get back into interviewing shape. Other than that, honestly is the best policy.

    Good luck with your interviews!
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • Nvidia monolith
    Maybe the truth will be better than any other formulated answers! Stick to the truth and all the best.
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • Intel Magnetic
    Tell them you took break to take care of family. Or something round up related to truth.
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • FTD Companies / Data uMBd32
    You just explained it perfectly. Interviewers are people too, they understand personal disasters. If it's a compelling, not embarrassing reason you can give more details (might help you convince anyone who is skeptical). But, they care more if you can build good shit.
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • Veritas Vzxq63
    Come up with some fancy story. Something like start-up, working on ur own idea or freelancing etc..
    Needless to say do your thorough study before you come up with one.

    People on the other side do judge you. Not everyone but most of them.
    Nov 1, 2018 1
    • Intel Magnetic
      Yeah. Holy they check itsy bitsy and every details. Good luck. I am sorry what you have been through. One guy i interviewed said i resigned as i wasnt sure about company's direction.
      Nov 1, 2018
  • Compass / Eng
    FUPayMe

    Compass Eng

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    Google
     FUPayMemore
    Tell them you started a company and it didn’t work out.
    Nov 1, 2018 0
  • What disasters?
    Nov 1, 2018 0

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