Losing a job is tough no matter what.
Some time between jobs is to be expected since youll want to find a good match.
But once youre unemployed for such a long period of time, it can have a cascading effect.
Clients line up outside the Mississippi Department of Employment Security WIN Job Center in Pearl, Miss., on Aug. 31, 2020. Rogelio V. Solis / AP Photo
Harder, but not impossible.
Experts say no reasonable hiring manager is going to hold coronavirus-related unemployment against you.
However, the economic situation might put you into some fierce competition on the job hunt.
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October didnt look much better.
But in some cases, being unemployed for an extended period of time could be to your advantage.
Thats because looking for and finding the right match takes time.
Its all about striking a balance.
Take the first job you see, and it probably wont be a good replacement.
That, in turn, could lead to discrimination from hiring managers.
Being excluded from the labor force has little personal consequence, but it can artificially lower the unemployment rate.
The BLS tracks a different unemployment rate through a lesser known method that includes discouraged and underemployed workers.
In October, that number was almost double the official unemployment rate,12.1%.
In addition, when the official unemployment rate drops, states receive less funding for unemployment benefits programs.
Here are 5 strategies it’s possible for you to adopt while youre hunting for jobs.
Emergency pandemic legislation createda federal 13-week unemployment insurance extensionthat you likely qualify for.
Your state may have an additional extended benefits program available after you exhaust the federal extension.
Seek (free) career services.You dont have to go through it alone.
Several organizations provide career coaching or advice for free.
Many Goodwill branches provide pro bono career development and coaching services.
And if youre a college alum, your alma mater may have a career-services department available to you.
The Department of Labor runs extensivecareer advice and training programsas well.
- patch your resume.Youll want to show a potential employer what you were doing while you were unemployed.
Be sure to include any new certifications, courses or temp gigs too.
Even if you Ubered a little bit, career experts recommendputting gig work on your resume.
If youre switching industries, you may want to reorganize your resume entirely tohighlight your transferable skills
5.
Prepare to talk about your employment gap during interviews.Unemployment discrimination can be pretty overt.
You will likely be asked about your time out of work directly and possibly even in an accusatory manner.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
He covers the gig economy, entrepreneurship and unique ways to make money.
Read his latest articles here, or say hi on Twitter@hardyjournalism.
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