I had neurosurgery on my arm last year, and couldnt work afterwards for about a year. Other than that I have a good resume. In fact an executive recruiter said it was about the best written resume she had ever come across and Im getting a number of interviews. I also did lots of volunteer work while I was getting better i.e., translating for corporations and doing volunteer work at a medical center. Should I tell an interviewer about my year of not technically working? Im completely better now, but I dont want them to get the idea I have some sort of permanent injury or that Im lazy, since Im not lazy and the operation was 100% successful--it just took time to heal owing to the nature of the injury. I know its illegal to discriminate because of a handicap. But while Im not handicapped, I know that employers can be suspicious or easily break the law without telling you why they didnt hire you, or both.
      Answer1:It would be okay for you to say you were out of work for an injury. Employers usually dont mind if your lapse is for a good reason. I have 8 months blank on my resume because I was abroad and my visa did not permit me to work, and no one has thought ill of me.What I would recommend is putting the volunteer work on your resume in your work history. It looks really good that you were willing to dedicate your time as a volunteer. That way, your gap wont be so big and you have an extra kicker on your resume!
      Answer2:They will notice you had a year off and ask you about it. Seeing as you had a legitamate reason I wouldnt worry too much. Say the op was a success, you are 100% better and there wont be any furture problems with it. Say that you did volunteer work and go into details. This will show that you are not lazy and volunteer work always looks good on a cv.