How to Address a Lengthy Unemployment

Dear Deb,

Q. I haven’t worked since 2009 and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to downplay this gap? It seems like the longer I am unemployed the more this becomes a big issue for me.  –T.J., Connecticut

A.  For a variety of reasons, hiring managers do tend to favor people who are currently employed or have only left their previous position very recently. That said, there is most definitely something you can do about this. Actually, there are several things you can do. 

1. Consider having your résumé professionally written in a hybrid format. A hybrid résumé will allow you to bring your most impressive accomplishments to the forefront and will take the focus away from your dates of employment.

2. Have a strong, but brief explanation at the ready. You will be asked about your lack of recent employment no matter how good your résumé is. It makes sense to be prepared with a great answer. Saying that you were laid off due to the economic downturn is not enough.  You need to be able to put a positive, but honest spin on the situation. You can also address the nature of the situation in your cover letter – BE BRIEF.

The main thing is to be upbeat and let them know you are the best person for the job. Prepare powerful examples to illustrate why this is so. Your good attitude will shine through.  If you doubt yourself, that will be apparent as well. A qualified career coach should be able to help you formulate a winning strategy.

3. If you haven’t already done so, consider volunteering for a related industry association or organization.  If you hold a role as an officer, this is something you can put on your résumé and in your cover letter to add appeal. 

Let’s face it. Being unemployed for a long time can take a tough toll on your psyche. I know quite a few people who have been in this situation and have gotten hired. Oftentimes, all it takes is a slight adjustment in what you are presenting in your career documents and during the interview process.  Improving your job search strategies can be helpful as well. 


If you have a question for Deb, please email [email protected]. The Ask Deb column appears weekly on Fridays at http://www.careersdonewrite.com/blog.

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How to Address a Lengthy Unemployment

Dear Deb,

Q. I haven’t worked since 2009 and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to downplay this gap? It seems like the longer I am unemployed the more this becomes a big issue for me.  –T.J., Connecticut

A.  For a variety of reasons, hiring managers do tend to favor people who are currently employed or have only left their previous position very recently. That said, there is most definitely something you can do about this. Actually, there are several things you can do. 

1. Consider having your résumé professionally written in a hybrid format. A hybrid résumé will allow you to bring your most impressive accomplishments to the forefront and will take the focus away from your dates of employment.

2. Have a strong, but brief explanation at the ready. You will be asked about your lack of recent employment no matter how good your résumé is. It makes sense to be prepared with a great answer. Saying that you were laid off due to the economic downturn is not enough.  You need to be able to put a positive, but honest spin on the situation. You can also address the nature of the situation in your cover letter – BE BRIEF.

The main thing is to be upbeat and let them know you are the best person for the job. Prepare powerful examples to illustrate why this is so. Your good attitude will shine through.  If you doubt yourself, that will be apparent as well. A qualified career coach should be able to help you formulate a winning strategy.

3. If you haven’t already done so, consider volunteering for a related industry association or organization.  If you hold a role as an officer, this is something you can put on your résumé and in your cover letter to add appeal. 

Let’s face it. Being unemployed for a long time can take a tough toll on your psyche. I know quite a few people who have been in this situation and have gotten hired. Oftentimes, all it takes is a slight adjustment in what you are presenting in your career documents and during the interview process.  Improving your job search strategies can be helpful as well. 


If you have a question for Deb, please email [email protected]. The Ask Deb column appears weekly on Fridays at http://www.careersdonewrite.com/blog.

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