Overcoming Long-Term Unemployment Bias
Long-Out-of-Work Job Seekers Need to Spend Their Time Wisely
Oct 5, 2009
It’s been a long-known fact among human resources professionals that people who are out of work for long periods of time face a bigger challenge finding a new position each successive day they stay unemployed. This unemployment bias is based on a misguided belief that someone is unemployed for a good reason such as they don’t have the right skills or temperament, when in fact circumstances just may be against them.
Of course, the expectation is that top-notch job seekers quickly land a new position if they are laid off. Unfortunately in today’s economy there are more companies downsizing and, therefore, much more competition for the jobs that are available. That’s why unemployed job seekers need to be proactive in their job search so that if weeks of unemployment stretch into months they spend their time wisely.
Looking for Work is a Full-Time Job
Yes this is a widely used phrase repeated over and over again by many career counselors and recruiting experts. However, that doesn’t make it any less true. The fact of the matter is that in order to find a new job it is going to take time and energy.
The first step job seekers need to take when looking for a new job is to be sure their cover letter and resume are the best they can be. Job seekers need to take the time to have them professionally written. That may mean asking a friend or family member. Or in many cases, downsizing employers will offer this service via the human resources department as part of the lay-off package.
If neither of these options is available, there are a number of free resume and cover letter templates online that can jumpstart the process. In addition, many cities have community-based service organizations that offer free job services. Check out careeronestep.com or Google to find local non-profit organizations.
The next step is to ensure that any job search is proactive. That means doing anything and everything necessary to identify employment opportunities, from calling friends and family members and asking them about the companies where they work to attending job fairs and professional association meetings.
Finally, be willing to compromise. That doesn’t mean do the same work for half the pay, but it may mean job seekers will have to work an alternative shift, accept a lower starting salary or fewer benefits, or even commute further or relocate for the right employment opportunity.
Stay Engaged While Looking for Work
Keep in mind that even though looking for work should be thought of as a full-time job, over time, a job seeker’s skills and experience may seem less stellar if they are not kept updated. Therefore, part of this full time job – part of any full-time job – should include skill enhancement.
That means while looking for a new job, job seekers need to be involved in other worthwhile work-related activities. One way to do this is by taking classes to learn new or update old skills. Practical classes in computer technology or business can benefit job seekers greatly as they look for their next position. And many courses are free or low-cost if taken through local community colleges, non-profit organizations or online.
Job seekers may also want to keep their abilities fresh through hands-on experience via a volunteer activity. There are an amazing number of non-profit organizations out there that are seeking the assistance of volunteers just a few hours each week. Check out Volunteermatch.org to find something suitable or check out the local community for non-profit organizations.
Being unemployed is not a reason for inaction. In fact, it is the perfect time to learn, network and be fully engaged in activities that can benefit a job seeker’s career. That way when the recruiter asks them what they have been doing for the past six or twelve months they can answer proudly and help overcome the long-term unemployment bias of others.
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