Help with a covering letter for a year absence from working?

Jimbobgee

After a few years on esa im finally ready to get back to work with plenty of momentum behind me, the only problem being for 2018 I have quite litterally nothing I could tell an employer despite possibly embellishing some cash in hand work for my landlord who would not be a suitable refference, for the years before I'm ok just this last one. For some context i'm 25 have  no qualifications other than 5 gsces in maths and english. The missing year wasn't wasted as I spent the time really engaging with music, learned alot about piano playing from youtube, this "hobby" really allowed me get over a lot of anxiety and negativity however its a couple of years from the incident that led to me being on esa (the one with out having to visit a job centre for mental health). Currently all ive got is a brief parageaph how this time gave me an appreciation for contribution,productivity and ability to get over obstacles. All I really have is adjectives, though I should avoid being too emotive? Or should I just cover the last year briefly and go straight onto how my previous roles make me suited to the position. Thanks.

April2018mom

Hello @Jimbobgee. 
Use this sample template at https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/career-break-cover-letter-template.doc for your covering letter. Good luck and keep us updated! 

Jimbobgee

Using that now, thanks!

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Jimbobgee. Good luck with the job hunt. What sort of work are you looking for?
I think when covering a 'career break', it's always important to show how the gap has benefited you in terms of personal development and how these experiences relate to the challenges you might face in the role you're applying for, which it seems like you're already doing!
Let us know how you get on and if you have any problems, please remember we have a range of employment services here at Scope who might be able to give you a hand.

Jimbobgee

Thanks, ideally a trade apprentiship most likely painter/decorater, though ill also be applying for call center work. Yeah il try to get as specific as possible. Cheers! the services look really useful.

Mwila_Scope

Hi @Jimbobgee
Hope you are well.
Great to hear that you are looking to get back into employment, how are you getting on with the cover letter?
In terms of the gap in employment, you could simply state that in 2018 you took a career break or took time out of work due to health reasons but are ready to get back into employment and also mention the personal development that you carried out during that time such as engaging with music and learning an instrument. as long as you are not leaving any gap in employment unexplained, you should be fine. There is a guide on writing covering letters on the Scope website HERE  and you can also find examples HERE  .
as @Adrian_Scope mentioned, there are a range employment support service offered by Scope that can offer support and guidance as you look to get back into employment so be sure to have a look. 
All the best and let us know how you get on

April2018mom

Hello @Jimbobgee. How are you doing so far? Any luck or not? If I can help let me know.