What’s the most basic job search advice out there? “The best time to get a job is when you have a job.” So what if you’re already unemployed? Maybe you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. What now?
Unemployment can take a toll on your finances, certainly, but also on your morale and your job hunt itself. There’s a stigma that can become attached to candidates who’ve been out of the workforce for a while, for whatever reason. Employers think, basically, “If that person is so good, why hasn’t he/she found a job yet?” Obviously it’s an unfair blanket assumption, but there it is.
If you find yourself in this situation, read this terrific article on CNN.com: In the job hunt, the stigma of being unemployed is hard to erase (and I am thrilled to have been quoted in it!). It talks about the effect that being laid off can have on your job search, but more importantly, it shows you what you can do to overcome it. Very worth the read.
If you’re unemployed, you’re in a defensive position in the job search. That affects what you might normally do or say in the job search, but not by much. Here are the best strategies to get past unemployment issues and land the job:
- Have an explanation ready. Prepare a short but simple explanation about what happened (if you were fired or laid off). You don’t want to spend your time defending yourself–you want the focus to be on what you offer the employer.
- Quantify your achievements in your resume, brag book, and interview answers. Just as in any job search, you want to have the evidence that you’ve done a good job–with performance stats, sales numbers, or specific instances where you saved/made your company money. Improving efficiency or pulling in customers works, too. Just be sure to quantify it with percentages, dollar signs, or other relevant numbers-based stats.
- Gather fantastic references. If you have evidence that someone else thought you were fantastic, then it’s more likely you’ll get a favorable reception. People like recommendations. Personal phone calls are best, but an email or letter you can show in the beginning could work very well here. (See Job-Winning References)
- Use creative job interview tools. This is absolutely the time you need a brag book (to show how fantastic you were in past jobs) and a 30/60/90-day plan (to show you have a strategic plan for success at the new one).
- Be strong in the interview. It’s more important than ever that you close for the job. Ask for it. Uncover objections while you’re right there. It could easily turn the tide in your favor. If not, you’ll know what to fix for next time.
No matter what, stay active. Learn to use social media like LinkedIn, and network like crazy. Invest in yourself and hire a career coach who can help you spin your situation and give you strategies for success.
Job hunts are a numbers game, and you have to keep playing–eventually, you’ll win. Good luck.