All you have to do is address it if it comes up or if you want to be up front, include a brief paragraph in your cover letter. You don't have to say what happened - "After a brief leave from the work force, I'm ready to do xyz."

A couple of points, with the first being that you should verify that you are using the official last day worked as the end of your term of employment with the company. Because I used to be an ALJ for these type of cases, sometimes the company still have you listed as an employee for quite some time after your on-the-job injury. Your last day of work is sometimes not the last day of employment, although you were probably not getting a paycheck because you didn't work any hours. It takes a while waiting for medical reports etc before it is decided that they can't hold the slot anymore. You might discover that your "gap" in employment is not as long as you first thought. Second, if the gap is lengthy, don't just wait to be asked. That's a sure way to miss out on an interview and an opportunity to explain. Instead, evaluate what you did do, if anything, during your time off. Did you volunteer weekly at a local non-profit or church, or did you take any classes? Did you make money by babysitting (child care provider), mowing lawns and planting flowers (landscaper), cleaning houses for others (domestic assistant), selling Avon (sales representative). Did you work on a book, catch up on a neglected hobby? You get the picture, I'm sure. Next, decide whether you want to include your in-between employment on your resume. It's probably worth it, especially if you had a business name and list your title as Owner/Operator or Entrepreneur, and include a nice summary of your duties the same as you would for any job. Or if you took classes, include simply as "Earned Associate Degree 2014 - 2015" in the chronological listing of employment. If by some chance, you did not do any work or take any classes - and it is possibly depending on your injury and rehab needs - you could state "Personal Sabbatical 2015 - 2016," and indicate in your cover letter that you voluntarily took a (personal or educational) sabbatical, and you are now ready to get back to work. Having addressed the gap on your resume and cover letter, NOW you can sit back and wait to be asked. And if you are asked, simply state that a work injury caused you take take time off, but being the industrious person you are, you took the opportunity to enhance your education or do research for your book or start your own business, etc.
"And here's how the things I learned will make me a great customer service manager ........."

You

Ask for a return to work form

Try working for a temporary agency to get someone that can identify and tesitfy to you your skills and abilities. It also gives you a chance to make new connections with employers.

Thanks

Toemikia,

You do not have to divulge any past medical history. Just remember you may be required to sign the job description or offer letter validating you are physically qualified to perform (ability) the duties of the position. Due to corporate restructuring, companies moving manufacturing oversees etc... Umployment sitting around 5-6% on average for the past four years. The word "unemployed" on the application is not a show stopper. On your resume (I love me document) place emphasis on your attributes and unemployment may not need to be addressed!

Good Luck!

First know that unless you getting an actual paystub, you are considered unemployed (coming from nys agency) Secound you can always cover up gaps with self employment. I am sure you didn't just sit around and do nothint, now wether you got paid for it is another story olk