I am 53, haven't worked for over 11 years due to health problems. I still have health problems with my back and my knees do to arthritis, disc problems and spinal stenosis, which affects the nerves and causes much damage, is worsening and has affected my bladder making me use the bathroom alot. Can't stand very long (5 minutes) or walk without excrutiating pain. Needlesss to say I am not a good candidate for a job. Ha Ha I have long gaps in my work history. I thought I could work from home doing call center work, when I find jobs to apply for that is. I still must submit a resume and will need to explain my gaps in my work history. In one job application it asked: why do want to work from home? I can't put down due to health problems. I would assume they would feel that I will be too sick to work. I would appreciate your advice. Thank you.

crazybird

I worked in a doctors office in 2000 and was fired after 2 months when they saw that I had back pain.

Clough

For gaps in your resume, you might want to consider using the following type of format.

From http://www.susanireland.com/resumeguide/format.html

Functional Resume
The functional format presents your experience under skill headings, giving you the freedom to prioritize your accomplishments by impact rather than by chronology. In this format, your work history is listed very concisely in a section separate from your achievements. (See template for functional format.)

The functional format is most useful when:

You are changing careers.

You are reentering the job market.

You need to emphasize skills or experience from an early part of your work history.

Your volunteer experience is relevant and needs to be highlighted.

Your most recent position is not impressive.

Your job titles don't accurately reflect the level of responsibility you had.

crazybird

Thank you Clough. I still don't know how to handle my health problems on an interview.

Clough

You might like to go through a temp agency. You could certainly be upfront with them. I am sure that they would be sympathetic to your condition and needs. Instead of you doing the looking for a job, they would be doing it for you. Just might find one that would be the ideal "fit" concerning working from home. They would also be able to give you adivice as to what jobs you could do.

Clough

Here is a site about questions that places cannot ask you. You might want to check it out.

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions

crazybird

Thanks Clough!