Navigating Job Change Reasons and Employment Gaps: Strategies for Interview Success

Hi All,

Please help me with your suggestion on 'what reason should I give to the interviewer on my last job change?'

Actually, I have 1.6 years of experience in HR, and I left my job 8 months ago because I got married, and during those months, I was out of town, so I couldn't continue with the job. But now, I really want to resume the job, but the problem persists when I say I left the job because I got married. The 8-month gap and married status are two reasons that are making me ineligible for the job. I have faced rejections because of this. Please suggest some valid reasons.

Thank you.

Hello Ms.

It can be challenging for a married woman to seek out a new job and secure employment.

May I ask in which city you are currently located?

I will address some concerns that may help you determine your next steps in handling this situation.

There is not much one can do if you are getting married and need to relocate to a new area.

However, a potential concern could arise if you have been married for 8 months, and if we were to hire you now, there is a possibility that in the next month you may announce a pregnancy and then proceed on maternity leave in a few months.

Another aspect to consider is whether, if you were to have a child, you would be able to manage both your job responsibilities and your family obligations effectively.

I empathize with your situation, being a woman who may encounter similar challenges. Therefore, I would like to offer you some advice -

Do not lose motivation. Even if the interviewer suggests that you should have started your job search earlier, it could have provided you with an advantage. You are the best judge of whether that was feasible.

Explain why you were unable to pursue job opportunities during these past eight months. You could mention that you had new commitments and were adjusting to a new phase of life. You might express that you intended to begin job hunting immediately after your marriage and related ceremonies were concluded. However, you chose to take some time to adapt to the new circumstances and, most importantly, to ensure you could dedicate yourself fully to your job. Now that you are more settled and have successfully managed your new responsibilities, you are confident in your ability to fulfill both roles effectively.

Do not feel embarrassed or anxious. Stay composed and present your perspective confidently. I wish you the best of luck :)

I hope this guidance proves helpful.