How to Get Hired When You’re Currently Unemployed
Determining how to get hired when you are unemployed may feel overwhelming. Some employers will only interview individuals who are currently working. Many automated systems screen out resumes that don’t list current experience. These are a few obstacles which can prevent you from scheduling interviews.
Here is what you can do to help you get hired when you are unemployed:
- Highlight training, volunteer or temporary work
- Effectively address the length of your unemployment
- Learn how to respond to ‘red flags’ on your resume
Highlighting Training, Volunteer, Temporary Work
Employers may not rule you out for work for not having current experience if you explain what you have been doing since your last job. For example, on your resume, you can list:
- Additional training
- Skill mastery
- Volunteer work
- Freelance work
- Certifications earned
- Self-employment
To avoid being disqualified by automated resume screening tools, list temporary work, contract work, consulting, freelancing, volunteerism or anything else that you can list as current experience on your resume. Include any training or certification courses you have completed. Highlighting that you have been actively involved in learning a new skill demonstrates initiative.
Addressing The Length Of Unemployment
Not having current working experience will not have near the negative impact of lying or any misrepresentation. Highlight the positive aspects of the timeframe since you were employed, and divert the attention of the interviewer to your accomplishments.
There are many understandable reasons for not working including: company layoffs due to budget cuts, maternity leave, relocation, military, illness or caring for a family member. The less you say is often in your best interest. State the reason and move on. It is not necessary to share the details.
Responding To Resume Red Flags
There are circumstances that are out of your control that can impact your stability. Some of these include: company mergers, downsizing, companies going out of business, outdated skills and new management teams. It is critical that you are comfortable when you are presenting your reasons for changing jobs.
If you are not forth coming in sharing why your former employer eliminated your job, a future hiring authority may view this as a red flag. If you put a positive spin on your job changes, they can be perceived as a benefit. Stress the new skills you acquired, the experience you now have, and your desire to make a long-term commitment to your next employer.
Get Hired While Unemployed Through Temporary Work
When you partner with ABR to help land your next position, we’ll support you through every step of your job search process with expert resume support, a dedicated career advisor, connections to leading area businesses, access to weekly job-search webinars, and more. We’re in this together.
Many of the client companies we work with offer positions that may start off as a temporary job. However, after a few months, if you perform well, arrive to work on time and do not miss work, an offer of full-time employment may be offered. Temporary work is a good way to earn a weekly paycheck, help pay bills, and close unemployment resume gaps.
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From day one we’re committed to your success and will provide you with the tools, resources, and connections to help you land your ideal position. Let’s get started.
Watch Webinar Replay
Watch the webinar replay of How to Get Hired When You’re Currently Unemployed. Note, you must create a free account on ABR JobConnect to watch the webinar replay.