Resume and Unemployment
Ever wonder how that huge gap affects your resume once begin to revamp if after X amount of time off from work? Unemployment is never a good experience to have, yet it happens to people every day and even though unemployment is sometimes unavoidable, a hiring manager may question gaps between jobs and other unexplained data on your resume. Beth Braccio, Careerbuilder writer advises that the “reality of the ever changing job market, is that no employee has a 100 percent guarantee in any job”. This is where unemployment will affect your resume.
First, being unemployed creates gaps in your resume. If the last time you’ve worked was 9 months to a year ago it may not be so bad. But if you had a job 1-3 years ago then there may be a huge gap to fill in on your resume. This includes odd and end jobs you may have worked sporadically. The best way to handle this is to “create a functional resume showcasing your specific skills for the job that matters”(“7 Sticky Resume Situations, 2010”) Then list your work history with most recent job first.
Second, to reiterate the point of odd and end jobs, unemployment may affect your resume being too long with lists of temporary assignments. Resumes should be succinct with about two or three jobs, but the upside to this is that employers don’t mind. While working at labor jobs and other temp agencies, you are actually making your resume more appealing to employers. According to Careerbuilder.com, “fifty-six percent of executives view consistent temporary work the same asfull-timework.” So clean up the resume and don’t be afraid to place your temp work on there. Hiring managers are more lenient on that matter.
Third, if you’ve been out of work for a really long time, or you are an at home parent, chances are your resume may be a bit, well, blank. This is not your fault, but technically you are still qualified as unemployed unless you run a daycare from your home. The best way to combat this is to create your functional resume. Include experiences in the beginning of the resume and not work history. In the end list your schooling, credentials, and references. If you have any experience on the computer such as using word programs or research skills on the web- list those.
In sum, unemployment may affect what your resume may look like, but remember it is all about selling who you are using the resume. If you have no work history, focus on your skills. If you have been out of work a long time, focus on what new skills you have developed over time and try working at temp agencies to build more work history on your resume.
