“You were unemployed for a long time. What were you doing?” (Common for men)

“You were unemployed for a long time. What were you doing?” (Common for men)

Why HR Asks This:

They want to check if you stayed updated and productive.

What NOT to Say:

❌ “I was searching for a job but couldn’t find anything.”
This shows lack of initiative.

Best Answer:

“I used this time to upskill, take certifications, and work on side projects to stay aligned with industry trends.”

Why This Answer Works:

Turns the employment gap into a positive learning phase.

“You were unemployed for a long time. What were you doing?”

Improved Best Answer:

“I used this time to upskill myself through certifications, online courses, and practical projects. This helped me stay updated with industry trends and improve my technical strengths. The break actually added value by giving me focused learning time, making me more prepared for this role now.”