Long-term unemployment can be really tough. Tough on your ego, tough on your finances, and tough on your chances to impress potential employers. They wonder whether why no one else has scooped you up yet. Maybe you’re not a hard worker or maybe there’s something else that your resume’s not revealing about you. But don’t worry—it’s still possible to find a very good job and get hired. Here are the best ways to get hired again after a long-term unemployment.
Be positive
It’s easy to get down on yourself when you’ve been without a job for a few months, but the sense of depression or insecurity you might feel could make it even harder to get a job. If you doubt yourself, the lack of confidence might show during interviews. You want to present yourself as confident and capable, not desperate and anxious.
Keep moving
Yes, as in physical exercise! Regular exercise improves self-discipline and builds more structure into your daily regimen. Plus, moving your body reduces anxiety and improves both your mental and physical health. It wouldn’t hurt your figure either!
Connect in person
The networking you do on Twitter or LinkedIn can only go so far. Get out of your house a few times a week and meet someone for lunch or coffee. And when the pandemic is over, sign up for networking events and relevant conferences. It helps to put yourself in front of people and look them in the eye—they can help you brainstorm and introduce you to more contacts who might be helpful.
Improve your plan
Maybe you’re doing something wrong. Have you been committing enough time to job searching? Join some professional associations, follow some relevant companies and figures online, attend seminars, and find a job search buddy—someone who can hold you accountable and encourage you when you start to stall.
Take on other activities
Find something relevant to your industry that keeps you busy during this gap in employment. Work on your own project, read books by important people, or take an online course. Just do something to show that you’re passionate about your field, disciplined, and hardworking.
Don’t get defensive 
Resume gaps and long periods of unemployment aren’t ideal, but they’re actually pretty common, especially during a pandemic when very few companies are hiring. In fact, “unemployed” is just a label. You’re still busy, learning new skills and tackling new challenges—you’re just not getting paid at the moment. So don’t get frustrated or angry when people ask you. Just say that you’re taking your time looking for some new opportunities, but in the meantime, you’re doing X, Y, and Z. People will be impressed with your ambition and creativity.
For more tips on getting hired again after long-term unemployment, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh