What are they thinking?! Why are companies shunning people who have been out of work six months or more? Unemployment biases stem from employers desire to avoid making hiring mistakes. This avoidance leads to making assumptions that may or may not be based in fact. Four assumptions I’ve heard are:
- “If others don’t hire you, why should I?”
- “If you haven’t been working, your skills are probably out-of-date.”
- “If you can’t get a job you have lost the discipline of a work routine, or are lazy.”
- “If you can’t don’t follow application instructions, you won’t follow directions on the job.”
I bet those got you angry! So let’s use that angry energy to change those assumptions!
- Many people lose precious time because they don’t know how to effectively find their next job. Finding a job is “project management” which starts with a clear goal (the right job, not just any job) and strategies for appropriately connecting with people to let them know what you offer. There are many resources online, in your library or a career coach can help you map your job search project.
- You may have made family care-taking or other responsibilities your priority while not working in the traditional manner. Think about the many skills and knowledge you’ve developed that can be of value to an employer such as patience, research, organizing, logistics, attention to detail, creativity, prioritizing, communication, and more.
- Get clear on your skills, knowledge and expertise and be able to talk about what you can do for an employer. What problems can you solve? How can you save them time and money? What ideas and perspectives do you add that can help grow the organization and contribute to its mission?
- Keep your skills fresh. Take free online courses, webinars, etc. Volunteer with community organizations to keep your skills in practice, and to stay in a “work” routine. Offer your expertise through consulting, temporary or project relationships.
- Re-skill yourself to do the type of work you will find rewarding and meaningful.
- Don’t let your desperation show. Stay positive when talking with people outside your intimate circle. Have 2-3 people who can encourage and keep you on track that you talk with on at least a weekly scheduled basis.
Address the time gap by describing what you have learned and accomplished and, most importantly, how it can be of value to the employer.
What long-term unemployment assumptions have you encountered and what are your strategies?