Unemployed & Unimportant

As our nation has fallen upon hard times again, a common worry among many of the unemployed is how their unemployment will affect their job searches.  Unfortunately, this is a legitimate concern.  Though it may be unfair, there are some employers who are shunning the jobless and closing off any opportunities to them. 

Some may be lucky enough to have their resumes fall into the hands of a company not as selective, a company that understands the current financial crisis, and will not look upon you as a less favorable candidate.  The reality is that many employers now see the unemployed as producing below average work.  When glancing at your resume, one may be concerned with why you were relieved of your previous position.  Businesses usually try to keep their “star employees” and if you were such, they would not have let you go.  If there is a gaping hole on your resume where work experience should be, it might very well be more difficult for you. 

One important thing to remember is to keep your spirits high!  Landing on the unemployment line leaves us worried and depressed as it is, don’t let the frustration of job searching bring you down.  Be sure your resume is up to par, as well as references, and even your personality.  If you feel you’re bringing the best to the table, it’s their loss and a better opportunity awaits you.  There are ways to fill those holes on your resume if you’ve been without work for some time; such as volunteering and education.  Any volunteer and charity activities you participate in can easily be expressed as work experience, just make it a point to highlight your strengths and relevant job functions within the organization.  You might also consider a certification of something pertaining to your field, or working on a higher degree to fill in the gaps. 

Though times can be rough, unemployment will not keep you from moving forward with your career and life.  Do not let the unemployment rate discourage you, there are more open positions than you realize.  There’s a chance you may have to settle for something a tad bit out of your field but you never know, you may come upon something you truly enjoy but just never considered. 

Just sayin'...