Returning to work after medical absence break to career

Darren

Great news about your health.

Although it may not be what you are looking for, would a wellbeing position be something you maybe able to look into, even if this is a stop gap.

Your personal experience would be a valuable resource in the sense of what is actually beneficial.

Sharon

Thanks Sharon.

Not something I had thought about, but something I will look into. :-)

Darren.

Hi Darren, is it worth looking at temporary working as a foot in the door? HR is full of contract positions for projects, cover for family leave etc. Have you been applying for those types of vacancies as well as permanent?

Hi Helen

Yes, I've been applying for everything from perm, temp to FTC.

I've literally just got off the phone from one FTC I applied for over a month ago - I have an interview on Tuesday (that's two Tuesday now), so fingers crossed!!

I suppose that's where my initial question stemmed from; although technically we know companies can't discriminate against an applicant who's had two years out - we know in the real world even if their experience and knowledge gives them the edge... the gap could (and most likely would) be the deciding factor at selection (even if it is not necessarily how we would perform talent selection ourselves)?

Hi Darren

I hope the interview went well. Another thought is there anything you could do on a volunteer basis or as a freelancer for small charities that might lead to something to put on the CV?

If you are getting interviews, then you are part of the way there and having any more CIPD qualifications is only likely to help at the sift stage, not the interview stage.

I think you may actually be better narrowing your search rather than applying for everything vaguely relevant - it will help you to sell your experience more succinctly and stop you from getting burned out from too many applications.

What were your strengths and experience before your illness? What roles were you in then? Do you have any connections from your past jobs? Have you contacted them for opportunities?

Btw - have you also considered applying for Access to Work? You might be able to get help with transport costs, rather than having to rely on public transport and also you may be eligible for additional support in finding a role.

Hi Lesley

That makes complete sense to me, and would be my preference to be honest. I'm just too eager to get back to work I guess?

I'm experienced in shared services with a 80/20 payroll/HR balance experience-wise. My strengths are in process improvement and change management, along with employee training and development. Roles I was in before were Process Improvement Manager, Payroll Manager, HR Manager.

I do have some connections from past jobs, but most of my roles were in the one company sole these connections are limited (to a certain degree) - and unfortunately there isn't anything available at the moment.

I haven't considered applying for Access to Work, primarily because I already have a disabled concessionary bus pass - and didn't think I would be elligible for any additional travel support. Although I knew about the potential additional support in finding a role, when I initially had to make a claim for Employment & Support Allowance (when unfit for work initially), and had to attend a work related interview with JobCentre Plus - the advice I was given by the advisor was shocking!!! - In fact, she turned to me and said that I could probably advise her a thing or two! (I obviously smiled poiltely, and acted very professionally) - this experience put me off applying for the additional "support".

Hi Helen

Interview seemed to go really well actually. Role also plays to my project experience, so have everything crossed. Will hopefully hear something next week.

There is actually a small local charity (that I hadn't thought of before), I'll drop them a call next week to see if there is anything I can help with - as there's nothing showing on their vacancies at the moment.

Thank you :-)

Hi Helen

Interview seemed to go really well actually. Role also plays to my project experience, so have everything crossed. Will hopefully hear something next week.

There is actually a small local charity (that I hadn't thought of before), I'll drop them a call next week to see if there is anything I can help with - as there's nothing showing on their vacancies at the moment.

Thank you :-)