How to Find a Job after Long-Term Unemployment

Long-term unemployment makes employers nervous, even if there was a good reason you were jobless for months, or even years. As a job-seeker, you must overcome a potential employer’s concerns if you want to get hired.

 

• Earn new credentials:

Employers worried about long-term unemployment are put at ease if they see you’ve recently continued education in your field. New credentials also improve your resume, making you a more attractive hire so employers will overlook the gap in wok history. 

 

• Consider temporary work:

Companies are more willing to take chances when hiring temporary workers – there is no long-term commitment and it costs less to bring a temporary employee on board. You’ll get your foot in the door and hopefully get hired long-term. 

 

• Volunteer:

Non-profits may be eager for your services. Put the volunteer work on your resume to show you’ve kept busy and have recent experience in a professional environment.  The contacts you make while volunteering could also lead to a paid position. 

 

• Start a blog:

You can highlight your knowledge and skills in your field, join the online business community and get noticed by employers. Linking the blog to social media allows you to make more connections – companies may even approach you with jobs they haven’t publicly posted yet. 

 

• Follow up after submitting a resume:

This can cause a hiring manager to take a second look at your resume because you’re showing your eagerness to land the job.  Sometimes, hiring managers only consider those who follow up if the manager was overwhelmed by interest.  Just send a simple email asking if the hiring manager needs any clarification about your resume in order to open up a dialogue. 

 

• Ace the interview:

If you’re lucky enough to land an interview, learn all you can about the company and go to the interview prepared to talk about ideas you have for how to excel and improve company operations. 

Another option: work with staffing professionals who have connections with employers and who get your foot in the door. The Reserves Network will help you land a great job, even after a period of unemployment. Contact us today to find out more.