[dixie]

Originally Posted by Waldo

You are in an interview selling yourself as much as your abilities. You're not doing a very good job of it when you're laying all this out there and hedging it is even worse.

It has become much more common place for individuals to take a break. Develop a story and stick with it.

"I'd been working for X years and decided that I wanted a break. I was fortunate enough to have the resources which allowed me to do so. I'm recharged, refocused and ready to be part of an organization that can challenge me."

When or if they ask more questions you do not need to go into the details. Have a couple of answers at the ready which do not delve into the details but which explain away any inquiry.

I always start out with the "selling myself". I don't go into the interview and start by "laying it out there". I guess I'm just a little too ingrained with some things, because I prefer trying to answer questions honestly. *shrug*

I guess I didn't realize it would be such an issue, because it caught me off guard the first time the question was brought up. I guess it gave me a major insecurity about it that leads to the interview bombing, because once it's brought up I feel my heart sinking, thinking "oh great, here we go..."

I appreciate your advice and ideas. I will try to have those answers at the ready and not divulge more information than necessary. Thanks Waldo!