There is a stigma in the modern business world, one that hurts people tremendously. It’s the belief that people who are unemployed, especially the long-term unemployed, are lazy, no-good, unskilled workers.
The truth is anything but. As anyone who has been out of work will tell you, looking for employment easily turns into a full-time job.
From an employer’s perspective, long-term unemployment could mean a couple of things. The first is that the prospective employee actually is lazy and would much rather live life off the government dole. The second—and this one approaches a reasonable concern—is that a person who has been out of work for an extended period of time may have an outdated skillset.
Unfortunately, overcoming either of these misguided beliefs is a daunting challenge. Here are the best ways to face the issue head-on:
Overcoming Objections
With unemployment rates as high as they are, job recruiters have their choice when looking to fill vacancies, so the way you handle this touchy subject may determine whether or not you are considered the best candidate.
To deal with the notion that being out of work means you’re lazy, do something to fill your time. Remember, your resume doesn’t need to be an exclusive list of your previous work experience; it can also be a list of your accomplishments and qualifications. The contemporary employer is looking for a worker who is capable of working outside their comfort zone and can multitask effectively.
If community volunteer opportunities are available in your area, then why not sign up for some? Showing a potential employer you care enough about your community to participate in it shows real initiative (and that you are not a member of the “lazy” unemployed). Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and network, possibly even leading to a unique job opportunity.
To combat the “outdated skills” concern, keep your skills sharp by continuing to use them. Depending on your field and your location, there may be opportunities for you to offer your services in a freelance capacity. You may also consider taking a class or trying to get a certification in a new skillset. The basic idea here is that you don’t want your abilities to look like they’re stagnating or that you aren’t concerned with continuing to grow as a person.
Employers may also wonder (or even ask) why you haven’t yet been hired by another company. It’s important to stay positive when dealing with this situation. Don’t point out the effects the Great Recession has had on unemployment or discuss the places who should have hired you but didn’t. Simply acknowledge that you left your last job when you did and try to focus on what you’ve done in the meantime to stay sharp or educate yourself.
While it may be discriminatory on the part of any employer or recruiter to imply that anyone unemployed is lazy, or to express concerns over someone’s long-term unemployment, the problem is that you are the one in need of work and the employer holds all the cards in this search. If they tell you “no,” you go back to being out of work and out of money, and they move on to the next applicant.
By keeping yourself active, your skills sharpened and your attitude positive, you’ll make yourself a better applicant for whatever position you apply for.
Dennis Aimes is a writer and financial advisor who knows how hard the job market can be. He wants as many people as possible to know that you can protect your income with AAMI insurance.
Image: Flickr
