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Posted By: jbaloun / |
Let’s face it, although the economy has improved over the last few years and more jobs are being created, times are still tough for many. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate as of April 2014, was 6.3%. Although the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 2008, one third of today’s unemployed Americans find themselves in the category of the long-term unemployed.
Once you cross the line from short-term to long-term unemployed, it is often difficult to even get your application and resume seen by employers. Luckily, with a lot of motivation and persistence, there are things that you can do to help overcome this national crisis:
- Coaching – One-on-one focused coaching in the areas of résumé and LinkedIn profile development, networking, interview preparation, etc., can be a great help during your job search. Job coaches can convey knowledge of the latest trends, and provide support and perspective throughout a job hunt.
- Networking – Far more jobs are obtained because the job seeker knows someone on the inside who goes to bat for them than any other method. It could be a relative or friend, someone you meet at an alumni event, a professional meeting, an informational interview or standing on the sidelines of your child’s soccer match. Networking is about building relationships, not asking for favors. It takes effort, whether in-person or online through LinkedIn and other social media sites.
- Volunteering – Donating your times and skills while unemployed is an excellent way to maintain ties to your community and support a cause that resonates with you. Often people can gain added skills and experience that are transferrable to new employment opportunities. And, of course, it is also commonplace for people to actually be hired by the nonprofit at which they’ve demonstrated their talent and enthusiasm.
- Skill Building – One of the biggest fears employers have of hiring someone who has been out of work for more than six months is that they have not kept up with developments in their field, or built upon their existing skills. By taking courses, gaining certifications or doing individual projects, one can demonstrate initiative and that he or she continues to be up-to-date.
Above all, it is important to maintain one’s hope coupled with daily and weekly efforts to break the cycle of search and rejection. Want to learn more about Link Staffing and how we can help you? Contact us, or give us a call at 1-888-929-LINK.