"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.

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.

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.

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?

Why so much snark, hiring manager? I receive hundreds of applications for every job I hire for so I know I turn down tons of people who are highly qualified. But more to the point, why are you being so aggressive to a person who was asking for sincere advice and support? I get that it may fee like a huge power trip to be a hiring manager but smart people use their power for good. My two cents: I've been in the job market for a loooong time and have never in my life seen so many highly qualified, smart, normal, presentable, personable people struggle to find work. The unemployment data does not capture all the long-term unemployed.

Anonymous wrote:

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?

No. There is a difference in choosing to not work to raise a family than wanting to work and applying to dozens or even hundreds of jobs and constantly being looked over and denied or disqualified. You either need to re-tool your resume, better present yourself and articulate your accomplishments, or having something else to offer to the market. The job industry isn't to blame. The Washington DC area has the absolute lowest (statistically speaking from a report I read a few days ago) unemployment rate in the entire country. If you can't find a job here, it's time to re-evaluate yourself.

Does hiring manager know the difference between the unemployment rate and the labor force participation rate?

Anonymous wrote:

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?

No. There is a difference in choosing to not work to raise a family than wanting to work and applying to dozens or even hundreds of jobs and constantly being looked over and denied or disqualified. You either need to re-tool your resume, better present yourself and articulate your accomplishments, or having something else to offer to the market. The job industry isn't to blame. The Washington DC area has the absolute lowest (statistically speaking from a report I read a few days ago) unemployment rate in the entire country. If you can't find a job here, it's time to re-evaluate yourself.

What? But you are not supposed to mention kids in a cover letter, esp. if you are a woman. How are you supposed to mention that you took a year off for kids, without mentioning your kids?

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?

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?

No. There is a difference in choosing to not work to raise a family than wanting to work and applying to dozens or even hundreds of jobs and constantly being looked over and denied or disqualified. You either need to re-tool your resume, better present yourself and articulate your accomplishments, or having something else to offer to the market. The job industry isn't to blame. The Washington DC area has the absolute lowest (statistically speaking from a report I read a few days ago) unemployment rate in the entire country. If you can't find a job here, it's time to re-evaluate yourself.

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.

+1000

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?