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Reader Email: Its Been 10 Months and I'm Still Out of Work!

Reader Email: 

Subject: Its Been 10 Months and I'm Still Out of Work!


I am writing this email to you because I have ran out of options.

My life has taken a downward spiral because of me being laid off about 10 months ago. I have been on numerous interviews but nothing seems to pan out. I have 3 children and I've been divorced for 2 years. It has been difficult to support my children with the money I receive from unemployment. I REALLY need to get back to work fast! 

I'm writing this email because maybe there is something you may know that I don't and frankly I don't have any options and I haven't any shame. 

What do I do now? I've exhausted options. How can I make my life a little better. Between money and getting a new job?

Thanks for your time.

Melanie W. 
Chicago, IL

Job Ladder-Answer:

Hi Melanie,

Thanks for writing!

The economy is a lot better than what it used to be a year ago. That is the truth.

At this point if you own your home I would suggest downsizing if you can. If you cannot downsize by selling your home then rent your home out and move in with family or get an apartment. Don't worry about your kids having their own room. As long as they are with you and you love them that is all that matters. If your husband is still living ask if the kids can stay with him until you can get on your feet. (You didn't mention your relationship with him so this is an assumption).

As far as going on numerous interviews and nothing "panning out" I would like to know more about how you interview and what your resume looks like. Its hard to give advice without these proper materials in analyzing where the problem lies. I can set you up to have your resume reviewed and looked at for free! If you need clothing to help you get that new position we can help you with that as well!

Most companies today look for out-of-the-box thinkers and for those who initiate things. Take a look at LinkedIn [dot] com for companies who are potentially hiring here. Expand your ability to now brand yourself in whatever career path you desire. While looking for new positions. It is important to kind of put yourself out there when it comes to new employment. Today, it is harder to look for good positions but you must look in places you would never think of. If your not as computer savvy go to your local library and ask someone for help.

Since it has been 10 months, employers that you interview with may ask why there is such a large gap. Use the post I wrote about gaps and employment here to help guide your way in answering those types of questions.

Lastly, keep the hunger alive and try not to get discouraged. Send over any more information and I will do my best to help you.

-LJ at Job Ladder
job.ladder@yahoo.com

Want to make MORE Money?

Going to school for the right major used to be easy to decide. However, no matter what major you chose or what job you end up getting.... depending on what path you choose a job may not be so close as you thought.

This is reality folks. What ever major you choose depends on YOUR ability to help move it forward. Some majors require less of YOU and more of the knowledge you obtained (degree aka piece of paper).

Although society says majoring in Engineering will get you a position as soon as your out of college and you'll definitely get paid 56K ...... that may not be the case.

What you did while in school such as volunteering, internships, part-time jobs you had and even your GPA can help or hurt you for that first new position out of school. Everyone's case is different and some are luckier than others.

The point is ....get off your BUM and make moves that support your aspirations and desires.

Still Looking for Work?

 

 If your still looking for work, your not alone. The average unemployment rate is at 9.2%. Unfortunately with the turn of events in Washington, DC we could see a massive boost of confusion before anything is really figured out. BUT with hope that 9.2% will go down faster than you can say .....well you get the point.

Most job seekers are now focusing more on social networking to obtain positions. A suggestion given by most Human Resource professionals is to think and look outside of the box. In other words be more outgoing and try LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social network platform that consists of a wide range of people, races, positions, industries, you name the occupation and 9 times out of 10 SOMEONE has it and is on the network. Link up with them and be a friend you never know what you may have until you try.

Other social networks like Facebook could also be a source but you may have to work a little harder. 

What do you think about LinkedIn and its network of professionals?

Explaining Gaps in Your Resume

So you have gaps in your Resume....

You finally got an interview from a company that you've been waiting to hear from for months. Now what? The gap in your resume needs to be explained, throughly in order for you to still stand a chance. Regardless of what the gap is for, laid off, fired, in jail, personal matter, WHATEVER the case you need a comfortable landing pad to give your reasoning.

Look at these two cases:
 

1. Gap Reason: Raising a Child with Disabilities

Last job: Information Technology Analyst

Arnold had to leave his job of 11 years to stay home with his wife to care for their son. Arnold worked for a software company that had contracts all across the globe. Arnold was out of work for 4 years. While leaving his job he focused most of his time and energy into his sons' development. As his son got older Arnold felt that his family needed the money and it was time to go back out into the job force. Arnold held 4 certifications in which they all were expired. Arnold took what little money he had and re-took all of the certifications while looking for a new position.

Arnold received a call back and a phone interview 5 months after he started applying. It was the only employer who had called him back to ask "why have you been out of the job force for so long"? Arnold replied, "I was taking care of my son. By taking care of him I learned a great deal of patience and the ability to problem solve quicker than I can blink. Because of this situation I have a new hunger for working and providing for my family and this position would certainly be the right foot in the right direction".

With an answer like that how can you lose? Notice he did not mention what was wrong with his son. When you mention specifics or give too much detail you will shy employers from hiring you. If Arnold told the hiring manager that his son had development problems (which upon assumption) could be ongoing, Arnold may never get a position because the employer would think Arnold would leave work again.

Be discrete!

2. Gap Reason: Laid Off


Last job: Wealth Management Rep

Monica received a phone call from a Hiring Manager at an investment firm she was dying to work for. Monica has been laid off for 1 year and 5 months. Although she was laid off and it was NOT her fault. Monica unfortunately suffered the consequence. She didn't start actively searching for a position until 10 months AFTER she was laid off. She had no idea how to explain why it took so long for her to find a position.

While Monica was on her hiatus she did a lot of reading about the economy and always read the newspaper about stocks and other thriving investments. In her interview she decided to engage her reading efforts into the "conversation". "Although the job market is still suffering I managed to keep track of current trends in money market and shared accounts". ----Monica did the RIGHT thing by engaging an appropriate and personal activity into the interview. At this point Monica can go deeper into what she found and thought about the economy and its specifics to keep the gap in her resume closed.

The Pink Slip: Your FIRED!

Being fired and laid off are both devastating and tragic. Whether you knew the inevitable was coming or not, it is still unfortunate.

The best thing for you to do after being fired or even laid off is to take a break. Yes you may be pressed for cash but take a 2 or 3 day break just to cool off. That break gives you a chance to think about why you were let go and what you could do better with the next position. This may be easier said then done but you must take time for yourself to figure out new goals.

Once you feel better after day 3 begin your search online, in newspapers and on your social network (s) (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) to find leads to jobs that fit your expertise. Also try Careerbuilder and Monster. As of today I am finding that more people who are unemployed are getting positions through social networking sites. Because of this new endeavor Personal Branding is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get hired, again and again.To understand personal branding visit my post here.

The best points when losing a job is to learn from the experience, remain hungry, remain hopeful, and remain happy. Once again, this may sound easier said then done but there are a lot of opportunities. If your in desperate need of money I suggest being humble and taking a position that is easy to get for the moment. I also suggest going to as many temp agencies as possible. You will be worn out from searching, interviewing, the phone ringing, and stress for the first month or couple of months. The key is to be persistent and never give up.

Answer these! 

Were you ever let go from a position? 

How did it make you feel? 

What did you do to overcome?