Medical questionnaire for new job.

[Karen2005]

I have just accepted a new job, subject to references and my completion of a medical questionnaire. The first question is this:

"Please list all absences from work/school for health reasons during the past 10 years"

Now, I've got records of my absences for my current job (the previous two years), but before that, I'm a bit hazy. I haven't had any long-term illnesses and I have never been off work for any longer than 3 consecutive days. I think I probably only took about 6-8 days off in my previous company, where I worked for 4 years. I've only ever been off work for minor things like colds and *touch wood* never had a major bout of illness.

My new employer is taking up references with both my current and old company, so if I put a general statement such as "approximately 6-8 days off work due to minor illnesses such as colds during 4 years' employment" do you think that would be OK? This is as truthful as I can be and my old HR dept would be able to verify it if asked, when they provide my reference.

Prior to work I was at university. I'm sure I possibly did take a few lectures off here and there due to minor illness, but certainly nothing to affect my overall attendence rate. Again, will a general statement to that effect be sufficient do you think?

[undercovers]

yeah they are only looking for a rough guessdimate no need to put too much thought into it - though i would recommend that you do not say you took the time off for minor illness, as the word minor makes it seem like you won't come in if you have a little cold, just give the 6 - 8 days guess and move on would be my advice.

good luck

[Karen2005]

Thanks undercovers. That is good advice re: not saying that is was for minor illness. I hadn't really thought of it like that.