Are You Still Unemployed, Then Do These!
I had a two (whole) year break in my career history. It was not by choice!Now, we face a ravaging economic crisis across the world, and a lot of people are on a ‘compulsory’career break.
Most research reported a surge in long-term unemployment as economies witnessed declines. It is not surprising that it will take many,so long a time to find a full replacement job– the global crisis is still on. Large sectors of the economy such as tourism, hospitality, events, performing arts, and many others rebounded slowly.
From experience, once you are unemployed for a long period of time, it becomes somehow harder to find new work. This is made worse when new jobs are not created. People are therefore left with no other option than to put in some fierce competition on the job hunt.
Here, I share how you can work totake some very specific actions as you position yourself for this competition. Let’s discuss!
Is this Long-Term Unemployment?
Any extended period of time that one is out of a job is better referred to as “long-term unemployment”. With the global economic crisis, the period have beenmostly for 6 months or longer — especially if they have been actively searching for one.
Looking for and finding the right match takes time.Some people commit time searching for a good replacement but create gaps on their resume which could lead to discrimination from hiring managers.
And if you stop searching for about four or more weeks, you will be considered a “discouraged worker” and may be no longer part of the labour force.
What to do if you are out of work for a long time
Whenyou are not able to find job long enough, your skills become outdated. This also begins to affect your personal finance.
Don’t be tempted to accept your unemployment situation – as your employment search lengthens, a good explanation will be needed.Take-onthe following strategies while you job-hunt (or start a money-making venture).
1. Keep up. Hone your skills! Keeping up with new technologies (especially in your field) helps you look just as qualified as someone who is currently working. It could be that you didn’t stay up to date with your industry, now is the time to do – pursue online courses, get certifications, or other educational opportunities including volunteering.
Improving your skills can also mean attending networking events and conferences or emailing people in your field to talk business. In our digital world, we have more opportunities than ever to gain the skills we need
Wouldn’t you want to have something for your future interviewer when asked what you have been doing?It is pleasant to explain your absence from the labour market with the skills you acquired.
2. Seek career services. Now is the time to seek career advice.I subscribe to seeking for help when necessary. You are facing a (big) challenge but don’t have to go through it alone.Several organizations provide career coaching or advice for free with some doing same on pro bono.Seek out for your alma mater career-services department if available.
You can explore your social network. Seek counseling from friends and professionals, especially close contacts.
3. Get Creative. While you are searching for a new job, get creative.Demonstrate your value and work ethic as you offer meaningful ideas to potential employers. You need what you can hold on to in the interim. I speak more to what puts food on your table here more than getting new skills. Consider gig work; take a bridge job or seasonal job.
Review your job hunting approach. It’s possible to follow up on your resume submission – the hiring manager might only be interested in interviewing those who follow up for receiving an overwhelming amount of resumes. A friendly email that asks if they need clarification about your resume could start a conversation that will lead to a job interview.
You may have to look outside of your current location/city, your network for jobs, even if it means switching career fields or taking a lower-level position. Think of necessity which it has become!
4. Update your resume. Do you keep getting close to being hired, but just miss it? Thenit’s time to craft your resume and brush up on your interview skills to make sure people know how capable you are.
You have to focus your resume on what positive results you produced, not just the tasks you did (and can do). Recruiters/Employers want to see what you can do and how you’ve changed things.Include any new certifications, courses attended or gig worktoo.
If you are switching career, you may want to reorganize your resume entirely to highlight your transferable skills. Refreshing your resume is worth the time and effort.
5. Stay Positive
It feels so discouraging to go through long-term unemployment. You must remain optimistic so that you can present yourself as a strong, capable candidate to employers. You also need your peace of mind.
How do you stay positive? First, practice mindfulness or meditation. Then, don’t believe your own negative thoughts about your worth or value. And make sure you engage in productive activitiesto stay active –so you don’t fall victim to negative thoughts.
Give yourself occasional treat while you are on the search as unemployment can be trying and tiring. Commit a reasonable amount of time off from your weekly job hunt to recharge and rest up. This will definitelymaximize your productivity during the hours you job search.
In conclusion, while long-term unemployment is a challenge, it can offer you extra time to better yourself, and possibly grow more qualified to find work.
