As a recruiter, I am asked questions related to job searching, interviewing, networking, and a myriad of other areas by job seekers every day. Most of the questions are the same, and I have thought that I wish there was a way to consolidate all of the advice, and make it accessible to all. I have been talking about the idea of starting a blog that focuses on job search advice for over a year (maybe longer), but just have not found the time to sit down and start it. Now is the time. I will be starting the actual blog in the next week or so, but until then I wanted to send out an email and get the ball rolling with an article focusing on a subject that has come up recently.
My hope is that this blog will not only allow job seekers the opportunity ask questions and get ideas in their respective job searches, but will also be a forum where input on methods that have helped them can be shared. Should you have others in your circles or network that are currently searching for a job, feel free to pass along this email. Hopefully it is a great way to help them and also a great way to give to those who find themselves in less fortunate circumstances this year.
Gaps of unemployment on resumes
So you’ve found yourself in the predicament of needing to look for a job. Maybe you are looking for greener pastures, because those long hours are starting to add up. Or perhaps, and unfortunately, you find yourself looking out of necessity due to a layoff. Certainly there are advantages to looking while you are still gainfully employed, most obvious being that you still have a job and income. On the flip side, the job search can be a little more challenging while unemployed. I’d like to focus the attention of this post on the latter, particularly in regard to how to approach the “gaps” in your resume as time marches on. Weeks turn into months, months approach a year, and as I’ve seen several times in this economy, a year turns into two or even three. How do you occupy your time doing something meaningful (and keeping your spirits up) to put on your resume? Here are a few suggestions that may not only help fill the void, but land you a new job as well.
My personal favorite is volunteering. Volunteering not only provides an opportunity to use your time in a manner that benefits others, but it also allows you to focus on positives instead of dwelling on negatives. Keep in mind that volunteering is also a great way to network with other professionals. But volunteer work does not only need to be limited to charities. Seek out new businesses or struggling organizations where your unique skills or background may be of use as a volunteer. You can make invaluable connections, and if your performance is top notch, you may well be on your way to being offered a paid job.
Another way is to spend time by focusing on developing new skills. Whether it’s completing an online class in Microsoft Excel, or brushing up on typing, new skills that can be added to your resume will make you more marketable, and thus more attractive to prospective employers. Do some research while you are applying for jobs, and pay close attention to what employers in your industry are looking for in employees. If there is a theme across jobs of a certain designation that is required, and you don’t have it, this could be what’s holding you back. It’s also an opportune time to complete it.
This is also a time that can be beneficially used to learn more about your industry, and network with other professionals within it. Never underestimate the power of networking – it really can be about who you know, and successful job seekers are able to attest to this every day. Networking on social media avenues such as LinkedIn or Facebook, or through alumni groups or professional associations can lead to great results.
This may be the time to start your own business, even if only for a short time. It could be something related to a hobby or talent, or it could be a start-up business in an area that you already have a solid background and skill set in. Believe it or not, some of the most successful businesses today were created during times of economic downturns. Would you ever believe that big names such as Microsoft, GE, CNN, HP, MTV, FedEx, Trader Joe’s and Burger King all started during similarly bleak economic times? The key is to find a market need, and fill it. It could be an underserved niche, an opportunity to streamline, or the idea for a new product. As counterintuitive as it may sound, the best time to start a new company may be in a down economy.
How about starting an accounting services business? Why? Because small companies often seek out help in order to identify areas of cost savings, inefficiencies, or potential problems in down economies. Hiring someone on a project basis can far outweigh the costs associated with poor expenditures and unsound financial decisions. A few more recession proof ideas include areas relating to health care, IT, discount luxury items, personal services, cosmetics, and believe it or not, candy.
But as a caution, be careful about how you represent entrepreneurship on your resume. Although you fill a gap and create more experience and skills, it can also be a double-edged sword. Many prospective employers shy away from entrepreneurs due to being burned in the past – a number have taken positions temporarily during down times, only to bolt back to entrepreneurial endeavors once economic conditions pick up. Be sure to clearly convey your intention to get back into a full-time position, and assure the reader that your personal business aspirations will not interfere.
But what if out of necessity to pay bills, you have to take a job where you are underemployed? The answer is, it’s a lot better than nothing, and it has more value than simply sitting around. It could also provide an opportunity to develop new skills such as people management, working as a team or customer service. If the choice is working a job that is lesser than your background or skill set indicates, or not doing anything, choose the lesser job. The more idle time you have on your hands, the less attractive you begin to look to recruiters and hiring managers.
The point is, there are number of productive ways to use your time while looking for a new job. It’s highly unlikely that it will take all day, every day to apply to jobs online. Applying online is necessary, but it shouldn’t be the only method used. Think outside the box, use your own creativity, and use some of the ideas discussed. The job seekers who are taking a proactive approach to their job searches are also having more positive results.
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