Will Long-Term Unemployment Impact My Job Search?
2020 was a year where many people experienced unemployment, many for the first time. Because of the pandemic, many companies were not actively hiring. So, long-term unemployment is a concern many individuals have right now. Here is how you might expect it to impact future job searches.
The Impact of Long-Term Unemployment
Over the span of last year, long-term unemployment increased exponentially. As if searching for a job isn’t hard enough, long-term unemployment poses even more challenges for you when you’re trying to get an interview. All in all, it takes significantly more effort to land an interview, or a new job, when you’ve been out of work for an extended period of time. The longer you’re unemployed, the more disheartening it can be.
Tips to Help You in Your Search
If you have exhausted your current unemployment benefits, there are extended benefits available. Apply to see if you are eligible. Easing your financial worries can help you better focus on your job search. Luckily, there are also plenty of other resources to help you in your search as well.
- State and local resources: Research what resources are available to the long-term unemployed in your state and community. Many local governments have crisis assistance ministries that can assist you with everything from searching for work to putting food on the table. Additionally, there are resources for career development, training, and building interview skills as well. See what your state and community have to offer.
- Demographic-specific help: There are specific resources that can help people of color and older citizens find work as well. Zippia is another resource that offers resources specifically for people of color. AARP also has information on resources for seniors who have lost their job during the pandemic.
- College career services: If you are a college graduate, reach out to your alma mater’s career services program. Oftentimes, they have a network of individuals who have graduated from the school and can connect you with other individuals who may be able to help. They may even have access to job listings the general public does not have access to.
- Training programs: Look for training programs or on-the-job training positions that are available. Maybe right now is the perfect time to learn a new trade or make a career move.
- Internships: Internships and apprenticeships are another great way to learn a new skill or trade while unemployed. Some internships may even be paid, however, most are not. What you can get through the on-the-job experience will help you gain value in a potential employer’s eyes. Once you have spent some time in the new industry, you can begin looking for more work. It is also something to put on your resume to show that you’ve continued to work on your career throughout the pandemic.
- Additional courses: Any other courses that you can take to improve yourself professionally can also help you sell your skills to a new employer. It will show that you have not just “taken time off” but you have been actively searching and working on yourself professionally.
- Use online resources: Know where to find job postings within your industry and see what companies are hiring right now. You should also search for remote work too, as many businesses are transitioning into remote workspaces.
- Gig work: Think about looking for contract jobs or gig work as well. Though it may not be full-time or every long-term, it can help you fill the gaps in your employment history.
Finding a staffing firm to work with can help you in your job search as well. See how The Bradley Group can assist you in finding the perfect position.
