Employers have compassion. If you have been out of work for more than 6 months, many long term unemployed people think employers Will not hire them. This is not the case.
The real deal is that with the unemployment rate at 11.9% in Central Florida, if your not applying to jobs that somewhat match your background, you will be passed over because too many people that are an "exact fit" are applying.
Make sure that your resume objective is clear. For example, if you are applying to a marketing coordinator position but your last job titled something different but had the same skill set, your resume objective should read "Marketing Coordinator". In your job history, make sure you include your skill sets that match the job.
Here are 5 more tips:
1. Apply to jobs that are very close to your background. While this may sound obvious, many are applying to many jobs that they are either not qualified for or over qualified. With employers getting an average of 150 resumes per posted jobs, unless your resume is clear and a match, you most likely will not hear a peep from the company. (make sure resume has keywords from the job ad to catch employers attention)
2. Do not lie on your resume. This is the kiss of death. Employers can accept the fact that you have been out of work for over a year but will never hire you if they found out you have changed your employment dates. After a major recession, employers really do understand that very good people have been unemployed and they will consider you if you have the skill set for the job.
3. Be able to explain to an employer what you did during your lay off. Employers want to see if you volunteered, worked part time or took some classes. Employers are taking everything on a case by case basis so you better be prepared to tell them about your job search and your activities.
4. BE POSITIVE and don’t be defensive about unemployment. You are going through a very difficult time and this may be the hardest thing to understand. Employers have compassion and really do understand that these are very hard times for you. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot telling them your horror stories.
5. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Sending one hundred resumes a week via your computer is not a job search in tough times. You must have a plan to meet with people in the numerous network meetings that take place around Central Florida. Check the local chamber websites, Meetup.com and LinkedIn and Facebook company pages for jobs and events.
There are good jobs in Orlando and the Central Florida marketplace. Whatever you do, do not allow your experience at one company effect the way you think about all companies. Employers were very clear; they will consider hiring long term unemployed on a case by case basis.
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