It has been some time since the nightmare called recession affected our economy and we haven’t been able to recover from the blow even now. People who lost their jobs are still suffering and struggling to get their career back on track. The recent job reports states that the situation is healing at a comparatively slower pace of 8.5 percent. It further says that around 5.6 million people in America are looking for a source to earn their bread and butter for more than 6 months now and near about 3.9 million for over a year. The number of opportunities is fewer than the number of applicants and the chances of you getting through are slimmer than ever before.
Long-term unemployment has such an ill-impact that the employer doesn’t want to recruit someone who has been jobless for more than six months, irrespective of how strong their CV is. The employers have their own reasons for that- firstly the opportunities are less already, the employers also suspect the intent of the applicants and considers him to be lazy or unmotivated as he didn’t find jobs since long time. Also, the employer thinks that there must be a reason why you didn’t get hired by someone else till now.
Being unemployable and getting rejected has a huge effect on not just your pocket but on your psyche as well. Every rejection pushes you into the puddle of diffidence and suffocates you with the baggage of joblessness.
Be positive while explaining long term unemployment
Irrespective of knowing what is happening around, the recruiters will seek reasons from you for being unemployable and would want to hold you accountable considering you less competent. Even though the average length of unemployment in America after the recession is 10 months, but you cannot put all the blame on the economic meltdown.
Making yourself look like a poor, unlucky person who blames external trends for every ill-being of their life is never the right thing. Humbly accepting the mistakes you did while looking for the jobs earlier and explaining external environment affecting the same is a better reason you can give for your unemployment. The interviewer must realize that you are completely aware of the current trends and the challenges the industry is witnessing at present. Volunteering and freelancing is always a better way to sugarcoat your long-term unemployment. Emphasizing on these will reflect on your learner’s attitude and your value of utilizing time in a constructive way.
You must understand that you are not the only one who lost your job for absolutely no reason. There are a lot of people who went through or are undergoing the same pressure. Letting the temporary problems becoming your attitude will be the worst mistake you’ll make. Once you become accustomed to your diffidence, it will melt down in your personality and there’s no way you’ll be able to fake confidence in front of experienced hiring managers.
A bit of humor while talking about the long term unemployment is also good as it will lighten the entire discussion. However, maintain a balance and don’t make it too casual by only joking and making excuses.
Leave your past behind and keep your future growing
Lastly, avoid networking with the people who are in the same state. Choose your company wisely, surround yourself with people who are in the industry you wish to get into. If nothing else, LinkedIn should be your favorite place to hang out on the web. Connect with as many people in the same industry as possible and you’ll realize there’s just the perfect opportunity waiting for you. For more on this topic read How to ace an interview after long term unemployment. You can also read about State & Federally Funded Unemployment Benefits which help unemployed individuals by providing them with temporary financial aid.