How to write a leave of absence on your resume?
"I don't know how to write about my leave of absence," "Won't it be a disadvantage if I'm honest?" "Will they find out if I don't write it?" The most troublesome issue for job seekers with a history of taking a leave of absence is "how to write it on a resume."
Conclusion: You don't have to write about your leave of absence
First, the conclusion: You are not obligated to list your leave of absence on your resume. A resume is for listing "start and end dates of employment," and there is no field for writing "whether or not you were on leave during that time." In other words, not writing it is not considered a falsehood.
However, there is a risk in lying if you are asked in an interview, "What were you doing during this period?" I recommend being honest to the extent of saying, "There was a period when I was in poor health and recuperating."
Points on how to explain by reason for leave
In the case of mental health issues (depression, adjustment disorder, etc.):
It is sufficient to convey these two points: "I took a period of rest due to poor health" and "I have now recovered and have received permission from my doctor to work." There is no need to state the specific name of the illness.
In the case of physical illness or injury:
Please explain, "I took a leave of absence for treatment of an illness (injury) and returned after a full recovery." Leaves of absence for physical reasons tend to be relatively easy to gain understanding for.
In the case of childcare or nursing care:
Since this is often evaluated as a legitimate reason, there is no problem with being honest about it.
Interview strategies for those with a history of leave
・Convey clearly that "I am fine now": What the interviewer wants to know most is "Will it recur?" and "Can you work without strain?" Briefly convey that you have recovered, whether you are still visiting a doctor, and the judgment of your primary physician.
・Talk about the leave as an "opportunity for growth": If you can talk about it as a positive learning experience, such as "Through my leave, I learned my limits and learned how to work without overexerting myself" or "It became a trigger for me to seriously think about the work and environment that suits me," it will make a good impression.
・Do not talk for too long: If asked about your leave, answer concisely. There is no need to go into too much detail.
By the way, the number of companies that are positive about hiring people with a history of leave is increasing. Understanding of mental health is progressing, and the number of companies that think "leave of absence = NG" is on a downward trend.
Services that support job changes for those with a history of leave
Yumecarry Agent
An agency that coaches you from the interviewer's perspective on "how to explain your history of leave." Because it is operated by active interviewers at major companies, they will tell you the honest truth about "how interviewers view leaves of absence." They will lecture you on specific phrasing to convey to the interviewer that "a leave of absence is not a negative."
Click here for a free consultation with Yumecarry Agent (official website)
[Detailed Explanation] Click here for reviews and testimonials of Yumecarry Agent
UZUZ (Second New Graduate)
An agency with a strong track record in job changes for people in their 20s who have a history of leave. Because they only introduce job openings that exclude black companies, the risk of "getting sick again after returning to work" is minimized. Since counselors carefully listen to the background of your leave, you can talk about your situation with peace of mind.
Click here for a free consultation with UZUZ (Second New Graduate) (official website)
[Detailed Explanation] Click here for reviews and testimonials of UZUZ (Second New Graduate)
POSIWILL CAREER
A career coaching service that helps you think through whether you should change jobs or return to your current company after a leave of absence. They dig deep into the causes of your leave and help you clarify what needs to change so you don't repeat the same experience.
Click here for a free consultation with POSIWILL CAREER (official website)
[Detailed Explanation] Click here for reviews and testimonials of POSIWILL CAREER
Points to keep in mind when changing jobs after a leave of absence
・Be careful with your separation notice and withholding tax slip: Since your salary is either not paid or reduced during a leave of absence, the amount on your withholding tax slip might lead people to guess that something happened. Be prepared with a concise answer in case you are asked.
・Be cautious about telling former colleagues about your new job: In some cases, your previous employer may be contacted during a reference check. However, this only applies to a limited number of companies.
・Address concerns about a "relapse" specifically: Explaining specific relapse prevention measures, such as "I am taking these measures now" or "I have learned stress management techniques," will reassure the interviewer.
If you explain your leave of absence appropriately, it will not be a disadvantage in your job search. It is important to prepare how you will explain it with a professional.
NG and OK answers when asked about a leave of absence in an interview
Examples of NG answers:
・"My previous company was a sweatshop..." (NG because it sounds like you are badmouthing your former employer)
・"I had depression" (It is safer not to mention specific medical diagnoses)
・"It was nothing, please don't worry about it" (This creates distrust)
Examples of OK answers:
・"I was on leave due to poor health, but I have now fully recovered."
・"I had a temporary health issue, but that experience made me think deeply about managing my own health. I have now made a sustainable work style and self-care a habit, and I can work stably."
・"My doctor has also confirmed that there are no issues with me working."
The key points are: "keep the past brief," "emphasize that there are no current issues," and "show a positive attitude toward the future."
Be confident that your leave of absence is "in the past"
There is no need to excessively hide your experience of taking a leave of absence. If asked, confidently state, "I had a period where my health declined in the past, but there are no issues now." In fact, trying too hard to hide it can give an unnatural impression.
Interviewers are more interested in your "current state" and "future outlook" than the "fact that you took a leave." If you clearly communicate these two points—"how you are managing the risk of relapse" and "that you can work stably"—your leave of absence will rarely be a major handicap.
If you are anxious, consult with an agent in advance about "how to explain your leave of absence." They will help you think of a way to explain it that will put the interviewer at ease.
Recommendation for using resume and curriculum vitae templates
Those who have taken a leave of absence often struggle with how to write their documents. Since writing from scratch is difficult, please make use of the templates provided by agents. Many agents offer free templates categorized by job type and situation.
Documents for those who have taken a leave of absence require special consideration compared to regular job seekers. By leaving the decision of "what to write and what not to write" to a professional, you can maximize your document screening pass rate. Do not struggle alone; get professional feedback. That alone can make a big difference in the results.
Having a history of taking a leave of absence is nothing to be ashamed of. The process of falling ill, recovering, and preparing to work again is actually proof of your resilience. Please approach your job search with confidence. With professional support, you can find a job where your leave of absence will not be a disadvantage.
Summary
You do not need to list a leave of absence on your resume. If asked during an interview, simply state clearly that you have recovered and that you are doing fine now. If you prepare with a professional, you can find a job where your experience of taking a leave of absence will not be a disadvantage.
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