| The latest employment figures reveal that 6 million U.S. | | | | your marketable skills sharp during unemployment? |
| workers have been unemployed 6 months or longer. | | | | My recommendations to candidates we represent is |
| Needless to say, the job market is saturated with | | | | to list and explain activities, committees and |
| many qualified candidates. Many resumes are showing | | | | organizations you have been involved with during your |
| employment dates that must be addressed during the | | | | period of unemployment. Your resume should depict |
| job interview. Every candidate should expect questions | | | | this time frame and you should speak to it during the |
| surrounding their previous employment. Sending out | | | | interview. One of our candidates volunteered at his |
| resumes and having a few job interviews is not | | | | daughter's school for a back to school event. He |
| enough when you are competing with so many | | | | organized the event, assembled a staff of workers, |
| talented candidates. I have heard several experts | | | | established fund raising and made sure the event was |
| provide advice on how to address this gap in | | | | conducted as planned. Rather than being defensive |
| employment. Some of this advice I would question and | | | | during a recent interview he confidently shared his |
| would not recommend to job candidates. Please do | | | | experiences during this timeframe and really impressed |
| not lie or attempt to mislead when listing employment | | | | the employer. These skills are certainly the type of |
| dates on your resume. Being unemployed will not | | | | skills employers' value in professional talent. |
| prevent you from landing a new job, but lying to a | | | | This approach allows you to take what could easily |
| prospective employer during the interview certainly will. | | | | become an uncomfortable interview moment and |
| Honesty and integrity will carry you far in life. When | | | | replace it with positive affirmative information about |
| asked why you are no longer with your previous | | | | your relevant skills. Employers know that you have |
| employer be truthful and explain the circumstances | | | | mailed resumes and have had a few job interviews, |
| surrounding your separation. Many companies had to | | | | but what have you been doing to improve your |
| lay off solid performers and oftentimes the | | | | marketability? Your interview is an extremely important |
| circumstances surrounding their unemployment were | | | | part in gaining employment. Don't allow the inability to |
| unavoidable. What future employers look for are | | | | explain your unemployment or the gaps in dates on |
| specific skills for their job vacancy. How do you keep | | | | your resume cost you the job. |