Are you Presently Unemployed and Looking for a Job?

Are you presently unemployed and trying to get back into the job market? Conducting a job search while you are out of work can leave one with the feeling that it is too hard to compete with all of the employed candidates who are just looking to find a different opportunity.

We would like to share some strategies to boost your confidence and to help you address your skills on your resume in a manner that will encourage the employer to call you for the interview.

First it is important to be aware that human resource professionals understand that in the present labor market people may have gaps in employment. Don’t feel that you have to put your efforts into hiding this from the employer. Your unemployment can be addressed in a positive manner on the job interview. But first, let’s discuss some ways to create a winning resume.

• Get involved in volunteer or community activities and be prepared to discuss your accomplishments in this area, whether or not you did this for a salary.  Skills are developed based upon experience, not salaries. Detail your experience on the resume.
• Keep it real – do not lie on your resume about dates of employment. Any untruths on your resume can result in getting fired upon discovery even if you are a great new employee. It is better to be honest and work around and obstacles that to create a false image.
• Consider creating an alternative to the usual chronological resume format. You may want to consider a functional resume that details your skills rather than one that simply outlines the dates of employment and job functions. You want to present your abilities in the most positive light. (See an example of a functional resume here: http://www.resume-resource.com/exfunctional.html )
• Do not undersell yourself. Although you may be feeling a lack of confidence at the moment, always remember that all of the skills that you developed in past jobs as well as in volunteer and general life activities are all valuable assets that you possess. Be prepared to talk about this on an interview in a very positive manner and show that you are ready and able to take on the responsibilities of the job for which you are interviewing.

Above all, stay focused and positive. We wish you luck and success.

CUNY LEADS (City University of New York Linking Employment, Academics and Disability Services) is a program of CUNY created to provide students with disabilities the skills to make realistic academic and career choices that will result in successful careers.  CUNY LEADS will share job search insight on this blog on the 2^nd Tuesday of every month.

Have a question or comment for CUNY LEADS?  Leave a note in the comments section below. And, don’t forget to share this with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email.

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The views, opinions, or expressions provided by CUNY LEADS do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or expressions of the City of New York and/or the New York City Department of Small Business Services.