How much should I explain about a year away from paid work in an interview?
Career / WorkIn the practice interview, my friend asked about the blank year on my CV. I answered with a long account of caring for my mother. Halfway through, I realised I was describing her private life to someone pretending to be a hiring manager.
I’m applying for an office coordinator role after fourteen months away from paid work. During that time I handled family responsibilities and helped organise a neighbourhood book exchange. I’m ready to work again, but I don’t want the interview to become a discussion of my mother’s circumstances.
I also don’t want to describe the break so vaguely that it sounds as though I’m hiding something. There were no courses or freelance clients to add, and I won’t invent them.
What would a useful short answer include? How do you explain the gap honestly, then return the conversation to the job without sounding rehearsed or defensive?