ALT You don't need to apologise or justify anything. It's okay to take a career break to prioritise your health. You also don't need to fully disclose any condition unless reasonable adjustments are required.

ALT Focus on the 'here and now'. Steer the conversation towards your current state and enthusiasm for the role. For example, you could say: "After a period of prioritising my health, I'm now excited to bring my full focus to this role."

ALT Emphasise positive learnings. While prolonged absence due to your mental or physical health is difficult, you can spin positives from these experiences. For example, you could highlight your resilience, self-awareness skills, or a renewed sense of purpose.

ALT Keep it brief, if easier. You don't need to provide every detail. It's enough to acknowledge that you took some time out to focus on your health, and that's enough!

ALT Job opportunity - Depute Director (Strategy, Planning & Resources)

ALT Photo of Robert smiling in the sun, with quote "We've trained volunteers and staff to develop their mental health awareness, so that they can better look after themselves and others."

ALT Shape your OU - Student Voice Festival, 24 February - 9 March 2024

ALT Quote reads: “No matter background, race, personality, everyone has mental health”

ALT Quote reads: “Being listened to about my depression and anxiety made me feel a lot better”

ALT Quote reads: “It's important for children to talk about their mental health so they know how to deal with it throughout their life”

ALT Quote reads: “For a better world we need every child, adult, teenager, elderly person to feel happy knowing you can talk freely about how you feel”