What can I do about large gaps in my employment history?

I have a mental health issue that I've gotten treatment for and have a much better handle on now but I was unable to look for a job for months at a time up to a year. In the last seven years, I have about three and a half years of unemployment all told. Before that I was in and out of and back in college so that period had spotty employment as well. What can I do so I'm not wasting my time with employers who won't look twice at my resume?

What can I do about large gaps in my employment history?
Lie


Think of business that went out of business and put them on there. Or say you were working from home..aka... "freelance".


I know people say dont lie but everyone does it.


I know someone said school but honestly if you put that on there you may have to submit a transcript.
Reply:It's stupid to lie, and it's awkward not to in your case. You're the one who knows what the real issues are. Can you possibly decide to trust an employer-to-be to make their own judgment? Some of them are REAL human beings, you know, not just cold-blooded robots.
Reply:just tell them you were attending school or just werent in the market for a job at those times.
Reply:I do not much care for resumes. I found one on a company computer that belonged to a really lousy past secretary (who wouldn't stay on her meds) - Heck, I would have kept her on if I knew she was that good. I check past employers and I am very concerned when there are gaps in employment, but a person who lies about employment dates doesn't even have a chance. I prefer an honest person and would hear their story before jumping to conclusions. There is other employers out there that operate the same way.