| Topic Name: |
Addressing (widening) gap in employment |
| Message Name: |
Welcome to the 21st Century! |
| Date Posted: |
02/15/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I was laid off from a cash-poor software company in October and have been looking for work in product management/marketing or business development ever since. I had decent interest from companies early on in my search, but am finding a slow down in activity even though the job marketing is *supposed* to be looking up (I live in the DC Metro area). I'm afraid I may be getting tossed in the UGH pile because the gap in my employment is getting wider. So, the question: Do I address this in my covers letters? Could it prevent the "HR toss"? Any advice? Thanks! |
| Message: |
Hi! I have been out of a job since October as well. I am currently considering myself as a self-employed consultant while I search for a new position. If my job search gets beyond a year, then this will be on my resume. How about you?
First, there is a job and then there is a career. If you take anything to get back into the working world, you will pay dearly. It is worth the wait to get a better job or you will face the same problem very soon.
If you have good solid past experience, I mean that you can tell honestly tell people that you accomplished things, then you are fine. If you are right out of academia, then you will have to struggle a bit before getting settled. Gaps are easier to explain if you have good solid past experience. Even if you do not, then you still have the consulting angle to fall back on. Just be sure your story makes sense (keep it simple and close to your line of expertise) at interview time.
Second, if you address the "gap" in your cover letters as being a consultant while looking for gainful employment, be sure you wait at least one year before stating this. Keep in mind one important fact: You are not the only one out here in the USA looking for a job over the last 4 months! Ever heard of 911?!! Until next October (2002) if your search lasts that long or longer, you will have to face your unemployed status with past work history. Do not lie and tell people you are still employed on your resume after this point in time!!! That would put you in a difficult spot with a future employer, since he or she might terminate your future employment, etc.
Finally, get yourself moving. This is key! Join a local 40 plus organization (I just became a member out here in SoCal). They require you to learn how to "sell yourself" and find a new job through networking at a fraction of the cost of paying a fee headhunter. Do not let any fee headhunter grab your future! These fellows are out to sell you to a job, not vice versa.
Finally, enjoy life one day at a time. If you get yourself worried over all of the fine details, it will prevent you from living now and getting your next job!
Good luck!
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