Interview question

JudyM · 12-03-2008 , 12:45 PM

My one year contract job ended last March. Since then I have been searching for a job everyday and had a few interviews.

During the interview I get asked "What have you been doing since your last job"?

I don't know why, but that question really bothers me.
How do you give a good answer without sounding like I been sitting around home, searching for a job and no one wants to hire me?

Libby Huffman · 12-03-2008 , 01:06 PM

I suggest telling the truth. If you've utilized your time to catch up on home improvements or spend some time with family and friends, explain that. Or, outline details on ways you've improved professionally. Maybe you've read some books or periodicals of industry trends. Perhaps you've been networking to broaden your professional horizons. I find it hard to believe that you've been sitting around watching Maury all this time, so tell them what you've been up to. Most employers know that this is a tough job market right now and it's not completely uncommon for someone to be out of work for any length of time. When in doubt, speak honestly.

Has anybody else faced this question?

Jodith · 12-03-2008 , 09:13 PM

What Libby advises is pretty much what I did on interviews. When askes what I've been doing since being laid off, I'd reply "You mean besides job hunting?", with a sweet smile. Then I'd tell them how I'd constructively used my time. "I decided to take advantage of this time by working on some new themes for my blog and teaching myself CSS so I could customize the themes myself. Now that I've finished that, I'm working on learning German at LiveMocha."

There's quite a bit you can do to help improve your resume while you're looking for work, and it makes you look good in an interview. "I've been working through the Access tutorials on microsoft.com to brush up on my Access skills." Lots of good answers to that question.

JudyM · 12-04-2008 , 10:10 AM

Got it! Now I understand more what they're looking for. I just didnt know how to anwswer that without sounding to them like I just been sitting around twiddle my thumbs.

Thanks again so much for your help. I LOVE this site!

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12-03-2008 , 12:45 PM
JudyM Offline OA Advisor Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 28	Interview question My one year contract job ended last March. Since then I have been searching for a job everyday and had a few interviews. During the interview I get asked "What have you been doing since your last job"? I don't know why, but that question really bothers me. How do you give a good answer without sounding like I been sitting around home, searching for a job and no one wants to hire me?

12-03-2008 , 01:06 PM
Libby Huffman Offline Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 482	Re: Interview question I suggest telling the truth. If you've utilized your time to catch up on home improvements or spend some time with family and friends, explain that. Or, outline details on ways you've improved professionally. Maybe you've read some books or periodicals of industry trends. Perhaps you've been networking to broaden your professional horizons. I find it hard to believe that you've been sitting around watching Maury all this time, so tell them what you've been up to. Most employers know that this is a tough job market right now and it's not completely uncommon for someone to be out of work for any length of time. When in doubt, speak honestly. Has anybody else faced this question?

12-03-2008 , 09:13 PM
Jodith Offline OA Expert Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 314	Re: Interview question What Libby advises is pretty much what I did on interviews. When askes what I've been doing since being laid off, I'd reply "You mean besides job hunting?", with a sweet smile. Then I'd tell them how I'd constructively used my time. "I decided to take advantage of this time by working on some new themes for my blog and teaching myself CSS so I could customize the themes myself. Now that I've finished that, I'm working on learning German at LiveMocha." There's quite a bit you can do to help improve your resume while you're looking for work, and it makes you look good in an interview. "I've been working through the Access tutorials on microsoft.com to brush up on my Access skills." Lots of good answers to that question. __________________ Jodith Visit my blog to become a great Assistant Follow me on Twitter!

12-04-2008 , 10:10 AM
JudyM Offline OA Advisor Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 28	Re: Interview question Got it! Now I understand more what they're looking for. I just didnt know how to anwswer that without sounding to them like I just been sitting around twiddle my thumbs. Thanks again so much for your help. I LOVE this site!


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