Long time unemployed and finally got a job?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Hiring manager" is the least helpful I've seen on here. If you are unemployed, I won't hire you. If you take a job to get back in the game, I won't hire you. The only acceptable leave is to take care of family I magically can infer that b/c I can't ask you about that.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

So how am I supposed to get a job? Maybe you're missing out on a really great candidate. Maybe my family member was sick and I couldn't actively look for a job because I was taking care of a loved one.

Here is some unsolicited advice from a person who spent a year looking for a job, probably had their resume/cover letter reviewed/rejected by someone like hiring manager who could probably be replaced by an algorithm. Make sure you know what you want to do and network smartly. I spent many hours on informational interviews that were a complete waste of time. 90% of the people I connected with only wanted to talk to me about themselves and didn't offer any real value or opportunity for further networking. The other 10% recognized that they could help connect me with other people, and actively assisted. Until I realized what I wanted to do, much of it was spinning my wheels. I believe there is some truth in networking and opportunity but as much as possible be strategic and thoughtful. Work that angle as much as you can and as much as possible circumvent systems in place that will put your resume and cover letter in front of hiring manager who has some opportunity to summarily dismiss you based on the comments above.

In my case, I decided that I never wanted to work for anyone again and started my own business. My business was profitable within 6 months and is growing. I am now reviewing resumes and considering candidates. If you have even an iota of entrepreneurial spirit and a partner who will support you, consider starting your own business. The internet as a marketplace has never been more accessible than it is right now. Read The $100 Start-Up, it will inspire you if you have an entrepreneurial mindset.

This is what my husband did. After being laid off he found another job that paid him a measly $37k a year. He ended up getting laid off again but this time decided to start his own business and is doing very well two years out from his last job. He decided he was tired of dealing with low pay and constantly feeling disposable. I was really scared about it at first but it's turned out to be one of the wisest things he's ever done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

So how am I supposed to get a job? Maybe you're missing out on a really great candidate. Maybe my family member was sick and I couldn't actively look for a job because I was taking care of a loved one.

Here is some unsolicited advice from a person who spent a year looking for a job, probably had their resume/cover letter reviewed/rejected by someone like hiring manager who could probably be replaced by an algorithm. Make sure you know what you want to do and network smartly. I spent many hours on informational interviews that were a complete waste of time. 90% of the people I connected with only wanted to talk to me about themselves and didn't offer any real value or opportunity for further networking. The other 10% recognized that they could help connect me with other people, and actively assisted. Until I realized what I wanted to do, much of it was spinning my wheels. I believe there is some truth in networking and opportunity but as much as possible be strategic and thoughtful. Work that angle as much as you can and as much as possible circumvent systems in place that will put your resume and cover letter in front of hiring manager who has some opportunity to summarily dismiss you based on the comments above.

In my case, I decided that I never wanted to work for anyone again and started my own business. My business was profitable within 6 months and is growing. I am now reviewing resumes and considering candidates. If you have even an iota of entrepreneurial spirit and a partner who will support you, consider starting your own business. The internet as a marketplace has never been more accessible than it is right now. Read The $100 Start-Up, it will inspire you if you have an entrepreneurial mindset.

This is what my husband did. After being laid off he found another job that paid him a measly $37k a year. He ended up getting laid off again but this time decided to start his own business and is doing very well two years out from his last job. He decided he was tired of dealing with low pay and constantly feeling disposable. I was really scared about it at first but it's turned out to be one of the wisest things he's ever done.

I LOVE hearing stories like these. Its a damn shame people are seen as disposable objects these days.
What kind of businesses do you have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started a consultancy in the interim period between jobs. Only got one real job but spent other time at conferences, volunteering, researching and networking - gave me legitimacy not only on my resume (no gaps) but also with business cards to hand out

Did you eventually get a job?

yes, I did - but frankly, I enjoyed the consultancy more

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH was unemployed for 13 months.

Higher level management so these jobs are fewer and far between. If he applied for a lower level job that he was clearly over qualified for they wouldn't give him the time of day, understandably so. The minute the right position comes around, he would likely leave.

In the end for him it was all about networking and who he knew, and being thankful that he never burned his bridges and is well respected in his field.

He also tweaked his resume quite a bit. Resume styles have really changed over the years, so I would suggest getting online and looking for examples of resumes from people who have a similar job to what you're looking for.

This describes my experience to a T.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

Ugh. It's this attitude that has made it so hard for many perfectly qualified people to find work. Does "hiring manager," understand that labor force participation is at a historic low? Seriously (and I have a job) bugs me when some h.r. hack throws their weight around saying they won't hire unemployed people. Hang in their OP and keep applying ... listen to the other people on this forum who got jobs through persistence rather than listening to "hiring manager." It's tough out there but perserverence wins the day.

Plus 1000 correct. There is nothing wrong ... in this job market ... with people who haven't found work.

Exactly! Hiring Manager - perhaps you should lose your job tomorrow and see how it feels to be unemployed for 12 months or more. Let's see if other hiring managers will give you a chance. Your haughtiness just shows how myopic you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

Do you consider consulting a gap? Real clients with real projects completed and references available?

I would not considering consulting a gap in employment. You're self-employed and actively engaged in work.

Hiring Manager (admittedly off topic here) Do you feel the same way about SAH parents who are now ready to re-enter the workforce?

+10000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

So how am I supposed to get a job? Maybe you're missing out on a really great candidate. Maybe my family member was sick and I couldn't actively look for a job because I was taking care of a loved one.

Then it's likely you would be able to account for that specific situation as a justification for the extended unemployment gap in a cover letter, that would be read and reviewed. Have you considered that, or are cover letters to much work and a waste of time to you?

Strange that you mention this. I was just reading a thread a couple of weeks ago, where majority of PPs cautioned against stating family issues (SAH etc) as the reason for being out of the job market. And one PP even implied that it "makes the hiring manager feel bad, as if he/she were a lesser parent than a SAH parent". I was taken aback by how petty some hiring managers can be, but then I figured that people are people, and not all are like that. But the key takeaway from that thread was "Don't say that you opted out of work for family reasons".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

Hiring manager, I hope you never lose your job. You may be shocked to discover that being unemployed for a year or more does not mean something is wrong with the person. Why?

- maybe they took time to reflect on what they wanted to do next
- maybe their interviewing skills were rusty
- family illness or projects that distracted them?

[Anonymous]

Maybe they are over 50 and have been discriminated against.

I'm another poster who believes Hiring Manager deserves a taste of her/his own medicine.

[Anonymous]

I think it also greatly depends upon the industry. I did investment banking and now on the buy-side, and in my industry, it is not uncommon to be unemployed for over a year. A lot of people get let go for reasons not tied to their own performance: hedge fund shutting down, investment bank getting out of certain areas, etc... I personally know lots of folks making over a million a year and being unemployed for awhile.. These jobs are incredibly competitive...

[Anonymous]

Can you freelance at all? I was unemployed for 18 months after grad school. I got a break a few months after landing a freelance gig. The gig was only about 10 hours a week and paid a pittance, but on my resume, I was "employed," which I think looks much better to employers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hiring Manager Here.

When I see resumes with a big gap in employment or someone who hasn't found something in a year or more, it's usually a flag that there is something wrong with the candidate and I should pass on the resume, given others have obviously been passing for a year or more as well.

Also, short term employments, tells me you have no loyalty to your employer. If the last 3 jobs you had were each 3-9 months, you're either being asked to leave because you fail or you're leaving for another gig for whatever reason. The likeliness you would do the same to me if I hired you, is very high, making you a waste of my time.

Smart hiring managers see the games that people try to play. The ones that don't see it, are the idiotic companies you probably shouldn't work for to begin with.

Also, if you're very seasoned and unemployed for a year and trying to take something entry level to get back in the game, you won't be loyal and you will be over-qualified, and quickly become bored and likely leave. If you think I'm going to hire you in something entry-level and magically recognize your talent and bump you up to Mid/Sr level management, you're wrong.

Loyalty is a two way street. I have zero loyalty to any company, and that is why I always leave

[Anonymous]

...on my own term and have never been laid off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Hiring manager" is the least helpful I've seen on here. If you are unemployed, I won't hire you. If you take a job to get back in the game, I won't hire you. The only acceptable leave is to take care of family I magically can infer that b/c I can't ask you about that.

HR people are the most useless. Not sure if the nasty PP is HR or really a hiring manager.

I have to hire a few people per year to work for my project. I do not care about gap, only the person's skills because I need somebody to do the work. Loyalty is not my concern because I know the company I work for has none. The whole consulting industry has none anyway.