Why are you out of work? How to answer tricky interview questions

“Why is there an employment gap in your CV? What were you doing during that time? Why is continuity missing in your profile?” the interviewer inquires.

Being unemployed isn’t easy and what’s worse is when you have to face a volley of questions from a set of people seeking to hire you, but need answers from you for being out of work.

This was what you had dreaded the most. Already bogged down by months of being out of job, financial constraints and the fear of your market value going down, these kind of questions can only lead to low self-confidence and make you stammer, stutter, leading to an interview where you cannot expect any good to happen.

Yes, it’s awkward answering these questions, but if you prepare yourself properly, you can handle these situations in a much composed way and if you are able to convince the interviewers, you can land that job, putting an end to your misery.

It goes without saying that unemployed jobseekers are valued less than those already in the workforce and most of the times employers will place greater confidence in a candidate if s/he is already working elsewhere. So, in this scheme of things, where and what are you left with?

First and foremost, be prepared to face these questions during a job interview and prepare yourself to answer them in the best possible way.

If you've been out of work and job hunting for six months or more, interviewers will be skeptical about you and would want to know more about your credentials as an employee. Here are some common questions that you can expect.

1. Why haven’t you been working for the past months?

An employer sees red flags when you have been sitting idle for a long time. You have to convince the employer with assuring answers that proves you are employable even though you’ve been out of work for these months.

Answers like trying to set up your business, taking a sabbatical to pursue your passions, devoting time to family, change of cities, countries or just pure economic recession can be somewhat convincing but doesn’t explain gaps that happen every two to three years.

If you are stuck in a situation when you are constantly unemployed, your work credentials will definitely be in doubt. In that case, be prepared to face the questions that will be fired at you.

Also, avoid offering long explanation. Be precise and avoid using words like sacked, laid off, etc.

The potential employer is bound to think if you left on your own or you were fired and may ask you for past references. That’s why experts urge to always leave on a good note. So, try giving names of people you’ve worked with who can give good recommendations. This will increase your chances of landing the job.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

The employer wants to know what made you exit the job. This is a very common question. Even those who are employed will be asked the reason behind making the switch so it’s not a big deal if you are asked the reason of your exit.

How much ever bitter your exit was, never badmouth your former boss or company - this will only put you in bad light – as an employee who is always bitter and resentful. It’s so much better to behave in a dignified manner and with few good words for your former employer and put an end to this discussion quickly. Elaborate on what you did in your previous roles and steer fast towards something that speaks of your work qualities.

3. Have you been looking out a lot?

The interviewers want to know what other employers are thinking about you. Do they believe that you are any good for the jobs that you have applied for and how are they responding to your work applications?

Be honest with them and say you are actively looking out for a job and are in talks with some companies. But, refrain from sounding desperate and giving them the impression that you’ve sat through a 100 rounds with no call back.

4. What did you do when you didn’t go to work?

Your potential employer is not trying to snoop in your life but wants to know did you do anything worthwhile during absence from work. This is something that you should highlight as it covers up for the gap in employment in a positive way. It could be just doing an MBA, a volunteering project in another country or even your community, chasing your own passion like climbing the Kilimanjaro Mountain or just taking your parents on a cruise.

This will portray you as a person who is out and about and doesn’t just bide his time.

5. Do you need to update your skills after the gap?

This question will be asked by some employers more than others and is very industry specific. For example, a professional in IT or medicine needs to update her/his skills to remain in the job due to the ever changing technology.

As a job seeker, you will have to be prepared with an answer to convince your potential employer that your skills are not outdated and you are ready to join the workforce once again, eager to learn at work and be a part of a team.

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