Getting back into work after long-term unemployment
Being long-term unemployed is hard enough but there is the double whammy of the stigma attached to the status too.
Some employers reject candidates outright who, through no fault of their own, haven’t worked for over a year. However there is a way back to work if you take the right approach according to our panel of experts.
Upskill for the job market
The most important thing you can do to boost your chances on the job market after a long spell away is to upskill for the job market.
Enrol on – and complete – one of the many free courses available and you’ll see a ripple-effect of positivity. This includes a huge lift to your confidence and morale, as you’ll be meeting and learning alongside people in the same situation as you, and practising professional skills in a safe place.
This extra training will help convince a potential employer that you have the drive and commitment to succeed, as well as having tangible and relevant skills.
Retrain for free
Register with a job centre that works alongside sector-based academies. These are funded by the Government and have a remit to get people back into work, often with free retraining programmes. They typically team up with companies that offer jobs to candidates who have been on a suitable training course.
Academy-run courses teach technical skills necessary to the job, such as health and safety, but also develop soft skills like conflict management.
Be upfront
If you’ve been out of work for a long time, it’s absolutely vital to explain the reasons why to employers. So whether you’ve brought up a family, felt unwell, went travelling or simply been unlucky in the jobs market, explain your employment gap in a few sentences.
Employers understand CV gaps, and your employment gap explanation immediately transforms you from being a statistic into a human being with a personal story, and most employers are happy to give a good person a chance.
Be enthusiastic
Consider what attributes and skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving you can bring to a company; then back these up with an evident passion for the role and the organisation.
Being genuinely interested in the company and role will help you stand out against the crowd in a competitive job market.
Consider temporary work
This is often a very good way of getting a foot in the door and securing a permanent post later on. It’s also an easy way to network and make contacts, which can be beneficial in the future.
For people on benefits, this can be a hard choice to make as it’s currently difficult to sign on and off without losing money. One of the benefits of temporary work is it will help you gain work experience, which will impress a future employer at a future date, and be sure to flag up any financial sacrifice you have made.
Consider unglamorous sectors
The UK waste management and recycling sector is set to grow by 7% by 2014, according to Environment Minister, Richard Benyon. It’s hardly glamorous but there are many unskilled and entry-level jobs that can lead to other jobs down the line.
Drivers’ mates jobs are often offered on a temporary basis: the biggest qualification you can have for this role is a good attitude. There are equivalents in other sectors up for grabs too, so look out for them when you’re searching for jobs.
Contact a former employer
If you have a former employer who you got on well with, get in touch and see if they’ll meet you to have a chat about the sector and work possibilities. Explain that it’s just a fact-finding mission as you’ve been out of the workplace, as it takes the pressure off them.
As well as finding out the latest trends from someone in the industry, the experience of dressing for work and having a professional conversation may help you get into a set routine while applying for jobs.
Plus there’s always the possibility that your former employer may know of a vacancy that’s just right for you.
Get back into the work habit with voluntary work experience
Get used to working with other people and at someone else’s pace again.
Voluntary work experience, whether it’s helping out at a school, charity or church, will get you back in the habit of being at a certain place at a certain time. Experts often say the most essential skill for getting back into work, and keeping a job, is the discipline of setting an alarm clock.
Get a mentor
Finding a mentor can be a fantastic way to get valuable feedback, learn new skills and get tip-offs about possible jobs. There are many schemes around offering mentorship for job seekers, especially to support young people, who have not had access to jobs during the recession.
Forum of Private Business is an organisation that matches professionals with young unemployed people to try and raise their skills. It shows commitment and looks great on your CV.
Stay current in your field
Reading industry trade publications will help you with staying current in your field, so you understand the relevant practices and latest trends in your profession. This shows potential employers you’ve made the effort to keep up-to-date with the industry, and will lead to an easier re-entry into the workforce once an offer is made.
Volunteering, in your industry or within your area of expertise in another industry, is another way to ease the transition back into full-time employment.
Life skills are work skills, too
While out of work you’ll have developed skills that have value to an employer. For example, if you’ve taken time out to bring up a family, you deserve credit for balancing family responsibilities, managing the household budget and organising everyone’s diary.
Employers rate these ‘soft’ skills (initiative, adaptability, organisation) very highly. Ask family and friends what they think you’ve got to offer an employer if you aren’t sure.
Don’t go it alone
You’ll find the whole process much easier if you seek support from friends and family. It’s also a good idea to talk to people who are going through what you are.
Jenny Daisley, chief executive of Springboard Consultancy, suggests starting up or joining a local network – with so many online social networking opportunities now out these, this is easier than ever.
Up your networking strategy by talking to us and other jobseekers on the Totaljobs.com Facebook page.
Get your CV up to scratch
If your CV hasn’t been touched since you last found a job, it’s going to need some work.
We have done the hard part for you, so pick up some vital resume tips for unemployed with our handy unemployed CV template.
Make a fresh start
If you weren’t happy with what you were doing before, treat this as a fresh start. Think long and hard and carry out plenty of research before making a commitment to a new career path.
Get back into the work habit
Get used to working with other people and at someone else’s pace again. Voluntary work, whether it’s helping out at a school, charity or church, will get you back in the habit of being at a certain place at a certain time.
Experts who work with the long-term unemployed often say the most essential skill for getting back into work, and keeping a job, is the discipline of setting an alarm clock.
Get networking
Never undervalue the power of talk. Forget waiting patiently for job vacancies to come up – networking is the best way to find a job. If you have contacts in the sector you would like to work in, approach them for advice.
You may think you don’t know anyone useful but put the word out to family, friends, ex-colleagues and acquaintances – you could be surprised by the doors that open.
Believe in yourself
It’s easy to doubt yourself and lose momentum. But remember, every time you speak to a new contact, fill in an application form or research opportunities in your local area, you’re heading in the right direction. Believe in yourself and you will succeed!
Jobseeker FAQs
How can I explain the gap in my employment history during interviews?
Be honest about the reasons for your unemployment and highlight any skills or experiences you acquired during that time. Emphasise your eagerness to re-enter the workforce and your commitment to learning and growing in a new role.
How can I explain the gap in my employment history during interviews?
Be honest about the reasons for your unemployment and highlight any skills or experiences you acquired during that time. Emphasise your eagerness to re-enter the workforce and your commitment to learning and growing in a new role.
What steps can I take to update my skills and knowledge before returning to work?
Consider enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or volunteering in your field to update your skills and stay current with industry trends. Networking and informational interviews can also help you gain insights and make connections.
How long is too long of a career gap?
There is no set time limit for a long career break. Life throws different challenges at us, and some of them can lead to an extended period away from work. The important thing to do once you want to get back to work is to carefully and realistically assess your situation. If you are out of the loop with the skills or knowledge required in your industry, you may need to retrain. If however you just need some help feeling confident again, get some work experience through voluntary work or short-term work.
Will a career break damage my career?
A career break doesn’t need to damage your career prospects in the long run. However, you should approach it realistically. Employers may raise concerns about your skills being out of date after a lengthy absence, or they might have questions around your commitment. Maintaining industry knowledge, networking, and considering interim roles can help with this. Ultimately, the impact depends on your field, the duration of the break, and how you use the time off. With proper planning, upskilling, and a compelling narrative explaining your break, you can ensure your career remains on track once you return.
