How to explain time spent unemployed?

Question

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?

fhaksoqbre · Accepted Answer

tell them personal disaters and you took a break to handle them

dmbm345 · Answer

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!

monolith · Answer

Maybe the truth will be better than any other formulated answers! Stick to the truth and all the best.

Magnetic · Answer

Tell them you took break to take care of family. Or something round up related to truth.

uMBd32 · Answer

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.

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How to explain time spent unemployed?

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