Time to get a job

1. Identifying a support system

Isolation is a difficult to overcome symptom of long-term unemployment. Doug explains the help he got from family and friends, including those he met during his job search:

"I am lucky in that regard. I also had a solid support system of family and friends who kept me going. Many of these people I had never met until I was laid off. I met them at job clubs and networking events and feel myself fortunate to have met them. They were very aware of what I was going through."

Sharone's MIT group pairs volunteer coaches with long-term jobless people to give support and assistance. Being around people who are in the same circumstance is one of the numerous advantages that the group provides.

Becky, who previously characterized her black hole experience as "deadening" and difficult to "roll up your sleeves and start again," stated that "it's great to be part of a community and understand I'm not alone."

"When you're let go, you become disheartened, irritated, disappointed, and feel like a failure," Bob stated, but the assistance he got assisted him in seeing "the wonderful things that I've done in my career and has helped me see that focus." So I'm trying to stay focused on what I can provide to an organization rather than what I can't."

2. Collaboration

Most individuals recognize the value of networking, yet many are hesitant, if not afraid, of networking. Because the forums are visited by the same individuals, networking channels may lose their attraction for the long-term jobless. I've went to networking events as a guest or presenter and seen folks who seemed to be there a year ago. This isn't because they didn't try hard enough. They might have been victims of the stigma associated with long-term unemployment.

The easiest method to get a job is to be recommended to one by someone recognized and trusted by the employer. This is easier said than done, and finding individuals to suggest someone who has been out of work for more than 27 weeks might be difficult. It is also critical that a long-term jobless person be able to advertise themselves to others who can suggest them.

David never stopped networking throughout his two years out of employment. "I got my job via networking," he wrote. "Someone knew someone who was seeking for my skill set – and, more crucially, that person expressly suggested me." That finally led to a full-time employment, which was, sadly, limited."

3. Impressive resumes and LinkedIn profiles

While the aforementioned methods are significant, avoiding the "black hole" issue requires a well-crafted CV and LinkedIn profile. First and foremost, a CV should be personalized to each job for which one applies. It is critical that long-term jobless show their ability to satisfy the expectations of employers. A one-size-fits-all CV will fall short of this goal.

Second, the CV and LinkedIn profile must demonstrate one's worth via demonstrable achievements. Too many long-term jobless people insist on listing duty statements that lack quantifiable outcomes. They are quite pleased of what they have accomplished, but fail to indicate how effectively they have carried out their responsibilities.

Finally, the resume must pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are used by about 99 percent of Fortune 500 organizations, more than 60 percent of mid-sized enterprises, and some small businesses. Most of the customers I speak with are uninformed of ATS and Jobscan's software, which assists them in optimizing their resumes to defeat the ATS.

A robust LinkedIn campaign is also essential for the long-term jobless. According to some studies, between 87 and 94 percent of recruiters utilize LinkedIn to locate talent. Furthermore, around 40% of companies will reject applicants who do not have a LinkedIn profile.

4. Do well in interviews

As previously noted, there is a prejudice against long-term jobless people. Interviewers may be perplexed as to why a candidate has been unemployed for six months. What's the matter with them? Sharone admits to having this prejudice in an interview:

"We have age discrimination legislation in place because we believe it is not acceptable for an employer to think that simply because you are 50 years old, you are no longer competent or talented." I believe that the same reasoning should underpin regulations that state, "We don't believe it's a good idea for companies to assume that simply because you've been jobless for six months, you're not competent or skilled."

Long-term jobless people must understand that receiving an interview indicates they have a possibility of getting the job. However, they will only be able to perform well enough to obtain the post if they can remove the prejudice from their minds. They will very certainly be questioned why they have been out of employment for so long–as many of my clients are. A satisfactory answer to this question will be based on their honesty and belief in their capacity to perform in the task they will be taking on.

5. Take good care of yourself

My last tip for the long-term jobless is to take a break. While some may believe that driving their job hunt into overdrive is the key to success, taking their foot off the gas pedal every now and then will help them keep their sanity. When I inquired how his week had gone, my contributor, Doug, said he took it off. My first thought was, "The whole week." But it seemed to me that it was a wise decision on his behalf. He eventually got a job. When it comes down to it, that is the ultimate goal.v