Many people may stick with a job they don’t like as long as possible because they know — or have been told — that it is easier to get another job if you’re already employed.
That often is the case simply because prospective employers prefer someone who seems to be in demand with current skills and connections — especially if they doubt the reasons an unemployed candidate has lost his/her job.
This is not the only reason, however. There are a few other reasons that may seem less important but they can influence the decision maker when the final pick is being made.
For example, a hiring manager may be concerned that a person who has been out of work for a while is going to be slower to reintegrate in a new professional environment.
In addition, there may be concerns regarding the person’s ability to commit to an office routine, achieve life-work balance, develop new connections or catch up with industry updates.
These concerns and more have made it difficult for the jobless to find jobs and led, in many places around the world, to long-term unemployment. This kind of bias unfortunately can be hard to prove or counter, but what jobseekers can do is to be prepared to tackle head on from the very first step in the process.
Here are a few points to demonstrate your professionalism and skills to a future employer.
Current knowledge
Don’t send a resume with your last job or activity dated one year or two years ago. Regardless of why you’ve been out of work — for child care or after being laid off — find something to show for the time of unemployment. This can be studies or certifications you’ve earned, volunteer work, social networking efforts, or even community activities. If you currently are in a position that you’ve absolutely nothing to show, this may be a good reminder to take a step in the direction of making the most of your free time.
Appearance
Being out of work can make a significant shift in your wardrobe and your financials — both will lead to less office wear to choose from when you’re finally going to a job interview. While you don’t have to own a whole new collection, you must have at least a couple of pieces that are in a good shape and fitting. Showing up for an interview in a decade-old business suit that accentuates the weight you gained while lounging on the coach is not a good ideas. It simply reflects what a hiring manager is probably concerned about most: someone who has been cut off professional life.
Substance
Employers look for the most qualified person in the pool of candidates. If you’re unemployed, you’re likely competing against some rivals who are currently employed. To increase your odds of getting the job, try to stand out by following these three strategies.
First, explain clearly how your previous experience and accomplishments outweigh the time you’ve been out of work. Provide accomplishments that are verifiable, and be prepared to get references who can back your claims. Second, focus on what you can bring to the position that is not part of the job description.
Everyone likes to get a bonus and by offering more, a hiring manager will see you as a good deal. Don’t go too far though so that you don’t exclude yourself as overqualified.
Finally, downplay the time of unemployment by explaining how you’ve kept yourself busy, and made the best out of a tough situation. A future employer may see in your attitude towards unemployment a fighter who is not easily discouraged by life’s misfortunes.
Responsiveness
Punctuality is a must throughout the process as in showing up on time for the interview, etc. But it may not be enough for a hiring manager who is trying to guess the degree of your professionalism.
You need to be responsive, for example, by replying to e-mails promptly, appearing to have an organised schedule even if in reality you don’t have much going on and, most importantly, following up on e-mails, phone calls, requests, etc.
The point is to demonstrate that the days, months or years you’ve been out of work haven’t undermined you business-like communication. Use sound judgement in terms of scheduling phone interviews or chats to make sure no background news is going to interfere with your ability to appear focused and professional.
