What they are really asking

This is a factual question, but it often hides a second one. If your resume shows an end date, or no end date, the interviewer wants to know whether you're working now and, if not, what you've been doing. They're checking the gap. A gap isn't a problem in itself. People get laid off, care for family, study, travel, recover from illness. What makes a gap look bad is a vague or nervous answer.

Answer the question directly first, then explain briefly. If you're still employed, say so and add a line about your notice period if it's useful. If you've left, give the month, one honest sentence about why, and what you've been doing since.

A shape that works

Yes or no, reason, what now. Give the direct answer in the first sentence. Add one calm sentence of explanation. Then describe what you've been doing, especially anything that keeps your skills current: courses, freelance work, volunteering. If the reason was a layoff or restructuring, say so; it's common and doesn't reflect on you.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a graphic designer in Manchester
Answer 2: an engineer in Delhi
Answer 3: an office manager in Toronto

Check yourself

1What is the interviewer often checking with this question?
2What makes an employment gap look bad?

Practice · 3 min

Answer the question for your own situation. Put yes or no in the first sentence, one sentence of explanation next, and two sentences on what you're doing now. Record it. Listen back: does your voice sound calm at the part about why you left or where you are?

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.