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Alice Bumgarner, Moderator
Alice Bumgarner, editor of Administrative Professional Today and contributing writer for Executive Leadership, has been writing about workplace and family issues for 13 years. Her articles have appeared in dozens of publications, including http://Salon.com, http://MSN.com, Continental magazine, Southern Living and Town & Country. She lives in Durham, N.C., with her husband, two daughters and dog Milo.
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Question: “I was on medical leave, and when the doctor extended the leave, my employer was no longer able to accommodate my medical leave. When looking for a new job, how do I answer: "Why did you leave your job?" I really don't want a prospective employer to know I have a medical condition.” — Anonymous
See Comments Below
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said this on 09 Oct 2009 2:37:43 PM EST
Assuming that your FMLA ran the required 12 weeks and you exhausted that time and you still need more time to recuperate .... why are you looking for another job rather than be employed at the same employer on a jpart time basis?
However, if you have not exhausted your 12 weeks of FMLA and your employer terminated you because you asked for FMLA, I would file a grievance with the employer to hold your position (or give you another with the same pay) until you are ready to return. They can hire a temp to fill your slot until you return. This falls under EEOC grievance. You are not providing enough information for me to offer you a definite answer to your question. If your medical condition is listed under the ADA protected listing, it would be fair in disclosing it as "confidential" and ask the new employer to make necessary and reasonable accomodations. If you deceive your employer and obtain the position claiming to be able to perform all duties as listed and then you will ask for an exteded leave because you cannot perform your duties, you would be lying on your application. In most places it generates immediate dismissal for "cause". |
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said this on 09 Oct 2009 3:00:23 PM EST
It doesn't sound like you filed FMLA or maybe you hadn't accumulated the time yet to qualify or went past the 12 months.
Anyway, you can tell your new employer that you didn't feel your previous job was a good fit for you and you are looking to expand (skills, knowledge, etc) and that after researching this new company (& you better research it in case they ask specifics) that you think you would fit right in. If you have recovered sufficiently and no longer have that problem there is no need to disclose it to them. If you do have a legitimate disability and it will affect certain parts of your job (lifting, sitting, frequent bathroom breaks, wheelchair access, etc) you do need to disclose this so they can accommodate your needs if they hire you. If they call your previous exployer to verify employment it is California law that they can only ask if you are rehirable and they can only answer yes or no - no details are allowed to be given out. Good luck! |
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said this on 09 Oct 2009 7:13:31 PM EST
I left my job last year for 6 months for health reasons also. When I went on an interview for a new position and they asked me why I left, I just said for some personal issues. I got hired and no other questions were ever asked and I love my new job.
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said this on 16 Oct 2009 5:42:12 PM EST
Short answers to questions like that sometimes are really the best. Keep in mind that is also shows maturity. The person that rambles on during an interview about all the woes of their life is less likely to get hired. Given the opportunity, I think I would hire Denise over someone that comes in with all the legal mumbo jumbo.
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said this on 12 Oct 2009 1:57:27 PM EST
I agree with Denise's response. I'd say I left for personal reasons as well.
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said this on 16 Oct 2009 7:37:40 PM EST
I agree with everyone's post.
Excellent posts! Remember to use "KISS", which stands for "Keep It Short & Simple". Smile! :) Dr. C. |
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said this on 19 Oct 2009 12:23:13 PM EST
As one who does the interviewing for my agency, if someone says "personal reasons," I feel like they are telling me it is none of my business. That would definitely be a red mark on the interview score sheet.
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said this on 22 Oct 2009 2:00:13 PM EST
I do not see it as a red mark on the interview score sheet. However, I would be more inclined to follow up with "Is it anything that I may find out when I check with your previous employer or anything that would interefere with you doing your job here if you were hired? I would leave them an open to tell me if it was job related. I am very up front with applicants before they even sign the consent giving me the right to run an MVR & criminal background check, let them know that I check references/previous employers and that I hate surprises so if there is something I find out that they did not disclose to me they will not be considered further. It amazes me that so many people don't think you will find out about discrepancies, etc. that they put on their application.
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