Why have you not been working for so long?

This becomes an obvious question if there has been a gap in between your past work experiences or between your last employment and this job hunt or even if you have remained unemployed for a long time. They seek a justification rather than the answer to this question. Your answer should be able to convince them with a satisfactory reason. As an employer, this is a matter of concern for him.

If your CV reveals the presence of any such gap in your career, then, keep your answer to this question ready. Follow a few guidelines while preparing your answer:

• Be honest. Speak the truth.
• Tell that you had taken time off to develop a particular skill if it is so.
• Awaiting a job opportunity in a good company unlike your previous employer is also a genuine reason for staying non-working for some time.
• Keep your spirit high and maintain an optimistic attitude. [Remember it’s how you treat yourself that decides how others treat you.]

Now, it’s time for ‘participation’

Assume that you are sitting in the interview room now. You have been asked to ‘Why have you not been working for so long’. Go ahead; give it a try on how to answer the same. Post your own answers and get them reviewed.