How to Find a Job After a Long Illness: Addressing a Health Issue

Be optimistic, as finding a job after a long illness is possible.

“The Chronicle of Philanthropy”suggests,  “To improve your chances with a prospective employer, try simply stating in your cover letter that you used the time off to "successfully address a health issue…be factual and succinct, and assure the employer of your ability to do the work."

You might also consider the following tips regarding potential employment, after a long illness.

Discuss your return to work with your physician.  

Be honest with your doctor. He or she may have higher expectations than you have with respect to the likelihood of you being able to return to work. It is important to talk to him or her about any potential plans you are making for finding a job. Your doctor should be able to verify your ability to function in the required capacity of your previous job or advise you to seek employment in another capacity because of your health status.    

Be realistic about your current employment potential. 

You are the person who understands your employment potential in the light of your long illness, best. You know your current strengths and your weaknesses. You are also aware of what you are able to do versus what seems too difficult for you to tackle. Be honest with yourself and others, particularly potential employers.

Are you afraid to try to find a job? 

Do you hate rejection? Remember that fear can be a major obstacle after a long illness. You may have to face those fears head on, in order to overcome them. Keep a positive attitude regardless. You will find a job if you are serious about getting one.      

Check first and see if your previous job is still available. 

This is a good place to begin job seeking, as you are familiar with it. It may still be available depending upon the job description, your ability to work and the compassion of your previous employer. He or she may offer you employment in a different capacity. Perhaps he or she may also have suggestions about other departments or appropriate places where you can work. You may need to seek employment elsewhere depending upon your current health status. Do not be afraid to change occupations. 

Prepare your resume carefully. 

As you begin to plan to return to work, draw up a resume that accurately reflects your previous academic, employment and skills-related experience. Include any recent skills or training you have acquired during your illness. You may use references from anyone you have been in contact with during that time, for example, health care professionals or volunteer agencies. 

Be prepared to answer employer questions about your long illness. 

Employers may want to ask you about the period of time you have been unemployed because of your illness, so be prepared to answer questions related to it, honestly. Going into detail about your illness is probably not necessary.   

Begin updating your existing employment skills. 

You probably have an idea of what you want to do in terms of a job, but you may not necessarily have the required skills. Do online research in terms of the job skills and retraining programs. You may be able to train on a job or it may be necessary to upgrade at a local college.

Consider making your new career one related to your current passions or hobbies.

Do research regarding job availability in interesting, different or unusual employment opportunities. 

Your previous education, training and experience may be sufficient for you to qualify for a higher level of employment. It may be just a matter of job availability. Consider moving to another area of employment or a different region for employment if necessary. Sometimes starting fresh in a new area is an excellent idea.        

Be aware that persistence is the key to finding employment so stay positive. 

It is not always easy to find employment after a long illness, as some employers may be skeptical about your ability to work. It may be necessary for you to accept part time work rather than full time employment, at least for a while. Employers will likely request a doctor’s certificate and may require you to take tests in certain areas to ensure that you can work safely on a job. They may also offer upgrading programs for which you qualify. 

Remember that currently, there is a high level of unemployment and that finding a new job may not be easy. 

Keep your options open. 

Be willing to try a new job even though it may be different or have a lower salary. It may have other benefits. Taking that first step may be the most difficult. Luck is a factor in job seeking, and you may just be lucky. Your illness may prove to be the best thing that ever happened to you in terms of getting a better job or a promotion.