need an answer from Human Resource Personnel

need an answer from Human Resource Personnel?
Would like to know, how to answer a major question, for a job interview. The question being what have I been doing since I've been unemployed for two years? I want to answer correctly and I don't want to sound dumb, so I need coaching if you will on how to answer this question. My answer is I've been attending workshops at my local career center, and I have been helping out family, (doing laundry, help in packing, unpacking, looking for apartments for family, and of course looking for a job). How can I say all of that without sounding dumb? Another question, I do not have any references from my last jobs, only because I know that two will give good references, and one will say that my attendence was horrible. Which is was horrible, because I was working two jobs, pulling 60hours a week (i thought I was super human).Any advice on how to get references? I really want this job, and I would really like the oppurtinity to show that I am an excellent candiate for this job i need help!Thanks!
Administrative and Office Support - 2 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1
2nd question first: Ask one of the two people that liked you at your last position if they will give you a good reference? If they are agreeable, give the new employer their (one of the two) cell number for a reference. You really shouldn't have to give a lot of explanation as to why or what you have been doing for the last two years, if you say you have been helping out the family in a time of need. More important is that you have moved past that time in your life and are ready to commit to your career in the business you are interviewing with. Good Luck.


2
Say you took two years to help your family. Focus on the classes you took and wanting to re-focus your life in another direction and how these courses helped you do that. Don't list the person who you know would give you a bad recommendation. You may want to contact the two people who will give you good rec's and let them know someone may be calling for a rec for you. Then they can expect the call and not be saying, "who's that?" Also - you might want to ask them for written references so you can take copies of it to job interviews with you. Good luck!