Have you been unemployed for over six months now? You are not alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of August 2019, about 1.2 million were long-term unemployed for 27 weeks or more. This figure accounts for 3.7% of the total unemployment rate for the same month. Your job chances become bleaker the longer you are out of the labor force. But do not worry; the right resume for long-term unemployed can help you compete with the tough job market and edge out other hopefuls. Learn how to overcome long-term unemployment with this perfect resume guide.
Unemployment Resume Guide 2019: Tips to End Joblessness
Do you plan to create a resume after a long absence from the workforce? Googling the words “how to write a simple resume” won’t do. You must explain why you stopped working. Hence, rejoining the workforce poses a challenge. Do you want to outdo other job seekers despite your work history issues? Heed these tips to make your perfect resume or CV.
1. Acknowledge the gaps in your work history.
Due to the recession, job gaps became a normal part of the job market. Thus, even if you’re jobless for months, you still have a shot to get an interview. As experts, recruiters can spot unusual things in your resume. Hence, just be honest; refrain from hiding them. You cannot fool them no matter how good you are at hiding these gaps. Instead of copying resume writing examples, why don’t you try coming up with a resume for someone who has been out of the workforce?
2. Choose a hybrid resume format.
How to make a resume when you haven’t worked in 10 years? Choose the correct resume format. Just because you need to recognize your resume gaps doesn’t mean you have to stress your idleness on it. Instead of writing your work history in a chronological format, use the hybrid format. Combine the best features of chronological and functional resumes and highlight your skills while still giving enough info of your work record.
3. List all the activities you joined.
Every second counts. The meaningful things you did during your “idle” time can make a good resume content. Allot a section for your activities that helped broaden your experience and skills. The volunteer works you joined or a new computer program or foreign language learned may just boost your qualifications. Check out an unemployment resume sample so you can get ideas, too.
4. Update your terminologies.
Like outdated skills, putting out-of-date terms in your piece can ruin your hiring chances. This holds true for fast-paced sectors such as IT and digital marketing. To learn the latest jargon in your field or focus of interest, review your target employer’s job post and spot the keywords or phrases. You may also check several sets of resume template for the unemployed. Use them not to conceal your absence from the workforce but to convey how adept and adaptable you are.
5. Customize your resume.
One-size-fits-all resumes no longer work. Most firms prefer targeted efforts, skills, or credentials. This way, you could pass both the hirer’s 6-second scan and the ATS. How can you tailor your piece? Take time to grasp the job offer’s description. Then, revise your tool to highlight your skills and experience. Study a sample resume for long-time unemployed, too. Better, find one with a similar position and industry you target.
6. Cite your portfolio and professional network.
The best way to prove your expertise is to let the hiring manager see your outputs. If you intend to fill a job in the creative field, display a link to your career portfolio in your resume. Better if you improved your page during your “idle” time. Likewise, the link(s) to your professional network can boost your resume.
Don’t just rely on a generic resume template. These tips could explain long-term unemployment on a resume. Follow these and you may just end your joblessness.
Improve Your Outlook: Use a Resume Guide!
Don’t blame yourself for being unemployed. Stress and anxiety will not help in relaunching your career. Employers can easily sense the negative vibes and this can affect your chance for the job. Stay positive!
Sometimes, you just need a resume guide and mentor to help you out. Read books and blogs on how to handle job search frustrations. You can also join clubs where you can find mutual support and great advice from people who have experienced and survived your current situation.
Need help with your resume? Besides creating blogs that also serve as a resume guide, we focus on ranking the best resume writing services. Visit Best 10 Resume Writers and find out which firms made it to our list of best resume writers. Read each review to determine which one deserves your attention. Choose who can create the best resume for long-term unemployed.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Fast Company | Monster.com | Jobscan | The Hired Guns| StartWire
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